Research
Learn more about some of our current cross-disciplinary agriculture research projects and the potential to make significant impacts in food and agriculture innovation and sustainability.
Microbiome & Water Stress in Sunflowers
Drought stress in crops affects belowground fungal microbiomes. Our work shows that fungal community structure is driven by watering levels and plant genotypes.
Learn morePredictive Modeling to Enhance Crop Yield
Heterogeneity in soil moisture and mineral content across a landscape influences plant productivity and soil microbial activity.
Read moreMonitoring Honey Bee Pests
Healthy honey bees are important for maintaining pollination services. Effective monitoring for emerging pests and diseases is an important aspect of maintaining honey bee health.
Learn moreAgri-STEM
Designing and promoting effective Agri-STEM programming for rural and urban students.
Learn moreSpecialty Crop Production & Processing
The Mid-South Mississippi Delta has the potential to become a center of agricultural diversity, productivity and prosperity in the U.S.
Read moreComparative genomics of the flower development in the sunflower family
This National Science Foundation supported project will increase available genomic tools for the study of the sunflower family and provide novel for gene editing to improve yield and sustainability in the family.
Learn moreMonitoring Pathogen Buildup in White Oak Outplanted Restoration Sites
This research includes investigation of biological and climate-based drivers to white oak growth; suitability of white oak provenances; and molecular interactions between white oak and pathogens to inform breeding strategies for enhanced resilience.
Read moreBiodiversity Risk Assessments
The biodiversity risk assessment can help users identify and prioritize areas for conservation action plans that preserve and restore local area biological diversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience and reduce downstream business and financial risks in the supply chain.
Read more