A recent discovery getting attention in scientific circles points toward a new pathway for growing larger grains, beans and other edible seeds. In addition, the research -- which is getting a boost from Kent Bradford in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences – shows the impact of the department’s international collaborations.
UC Davis graduate Joseph Urias, a first-gen student, combined hands-on work at Planting Justice with studies in horticulture. Now, he aims to connect sustainable agriculture with food systems, bridging academia and community initiatives.
An international team, including Cameron Pittelkow, developed a strategy for reducing nitrogen fertilizer use in China’s rice production. Their plan would cut pollution, boost efficiency, and sustain food security while addressing environmental harm.
Team AggieCulture competed in the Urban Greenhouse Challenge finals at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, landing in the top five out of over 30 teams. Their "Living Gardens" proposal aimed to create sustainable food systems in food deserts.
Researchers at UC Davis are studying genes that control how quickly wheat leaves shift between sun and shade to improve photosynthesis. Faster-shifting leaves could boost carbon intake and increase wheat yields, potentially feeding more people.
Cameron Pittelkow is a new professor in the Department of Plant Sciences, UC Davis. His expertise covers Agronomy and Agroecosystems, with a focus on sustainable crop production, management practices for high yields with low environmental footprints, and international agriculture.
Gail Taylor, professor and department chair, spoke to a packed meeting at UC Center Sacramento on “Plant Adaptation to Climate Change in California,” focusing on potential climate change impacts on agriculture. The center educates future policy-makers and leaders in the craft of politics and policy-making.
