CPSC

Globally recognized as one of the most influential modern scientists, Elizabeth “Lisa” Ainsworth has been named Professor and C.A. Ewing Chair of Crop Physiology in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also holds a joint professorship in the Department of Plant Biology at Illinois.

Two researchers in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have been named to the 2024 Clarivate Analytics Highly Cited Researchers list. The list recognizes research scientists and social scientists who have demonstrated exceptional influence – reflected through their publication of multiple papers frequently cited by their peers during the last decade. 

Food systems for humans and wildlife was the theme of a symposium held Oct. 17-18 at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. The annual symposium focuses on a particular aspect of international food security each year.

“I want to create something so unique that it will captivate experts and keep everyday people coming back,” said Bradley “Brad” Beam, an entrepreneurial winemaker from Illinois. Since founding Spoon River Junction in 2020, Beam has kept this mission a central focus of his efforts. Yet his journey toward innovative success and passion for winemaking began years earlier.

In a recent study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, researchers tested whether modern high-yielding soybeans benefit from nitrogen fertilizer, with results suggesting additions are largely unnecessary. 

Looking for a family-friendly event this weekend? Check out the third annual Crop Sciences Harvest Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Agronomy Seed House south of campus.  

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research that aims to connect the dots between quantitative and molecular genetics and improve crop breeding.

Drought stress has long been a limiting factor for crop production around the world, a challenge exacerbated by climate change.

For more than a century­, scientists have targeted a key plant trait known as water use efficiency (WUE) to help crops grow with less water and avoid suffering from drought stress. Greater WUE can help plants avoid drought stress – but for most crops it’s also associated with lower productivity when water is plentiful.

When giant ragweed takes hold in a crop field, the towering weed reduces yield and sends plumes of its famously allergy-inducing pollen into the air. There are few tools available to thwart the menace, especially for farmers growing non-GMO soybeans. Now, some Wisconsin farmers are left with even fewer options. 

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing in University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign research that could expedite the development of climate-resilient corn.