News

May 27, 2025

Benefits of North Carolina Adopting African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables

Embracing African Indigenous Leafy Vegetables (AILVs) in North Carolina can boost the economy, enhance nutrition, and promote sustainability. With rising demand and climate resilience, AILVs are culturally and agriculturally relevant.

Apr 21, 2025

Simon Fraher: Sweetpotato Genetics PostDoc

Simon Fraher is graduating and transitioning to the next Sweetpotato and Potato Breeding and Genetics Programs Postdoctoral Scholar, breeding for pest and pathogen resistance.

Dec 17, 2024

Student Spotlight Interview: Balihar Kaur

Meet Balihar Kaur, a crop science PhD student advancing zoysiagrass breeding to improve seed yield and sustainability. Recently, she showcased her skills by winning the beginner track at the 2024 N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative Hackathon, where she applied AI to solve real-world agricultural challenges.

Oct 17, 2024

8th International Plant Breeding Seminar Series

The fall series will consist of a weekly webinar for six consecutive weeks beginning Oct 17 – Nov 21, 2024, on Thursdays from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm EST. We will focus on the contribution of women towards breeding better crops globally.

Sep 23, 2024

Computing Skills in Plant Breeding Workshop

Join us from December 9 – 13, 2024 to develop skills essential for plant breeders in various aspects of your work. The early registration deadline is Monday, September 30, 2024, and the final deadline is Monday, November 25, 2024.

Jul 30, 2024

Alumna Helps Develop First Seedless Blackberry

CALS alumna Lauren Redpath has leveraged her doctorate in horticultural science to help cultivate the world’s first seedless blackberry.

Jul 29, 2024

Cultivating African Indigenous Vegetables

Inspired to improve food security for her village in Kenya, Gladys Wanja Njeri is breeding African Indigenous Vegetables for nutritional value, climate adaptation, economic stability and beyond.

Jul 25, 2024

Advancing Miscanthus: A Better Bioenergy Crop

Distinguished Professor Tom Ranney’s research has led to the development of new triploid bioenergy grasses with an array of optimal characteristics for growers and the environment.

Jun 5, 2024

Carlos Iglesias appointed to USDA Specialty Crop Advisory Board

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today the appointment of 14 members to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics (NAREEE) Advisory Board. Eight members are new appointments and six members are re-appointments.

May 29, 2024

Craig Yencho Earns 2024 O. Max Gardner Award

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences professor and internationally acclaimed plant breeder has received the University of North Carolina System’s highest faculty honor.