News
College of Agricultural Sciences edition
College of Agricultural Sciences edition
Stories
Gene-editing protocol for whitefly pest opens door to control
Whiteflies are among the most important agricultural pests in the world, yet they have been difficult to genetically manipulate and control, in part, because of their small size. An international team of researchers has overcome this roadblock by developing a CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing protocol that could lead to novel control methods for this devastating pest. Full story
Common soil fungus could be ally in organic corn growers' fight against pests
A common soil fungus might be enlisted as a powerful partner by corn producers to suppress pests and promote plant growth, according to Penn State researchers, who suggest promoting the fungus could be an especially valuable strategy for organic growers who struggle with insect control. Full story
Pa. dairy industry has future, despite shrinkage, damage from COVID-19 outbreak
The COVID-19 outbreak is hitting Pennsylvania’s beleaguered dairy industry hard, and sadly, there is a segment that will not be able to sustain more economic body blows. However, the long-term outlook for dairy appears to be stable in the state, according to a Penn State Extension expert. Full story
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, state temporarily OKs farms applying milk to fields
In response to a sharp reduction in the demand for milk due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which has disrupted supply chains, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has issued emergency guidance that allows dairy farmers to discharge milk on their land. Full story
PROSPER Program continues to respond to families' educational needs
Penn State’s PROmoting School-community-university Partnerships to Enhance Resilience (PROSPER) project is continuing to connect and engage Pennsylvania families and keep schools informed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story
Penn State Extension educator offers tips on how to avoid scams
At a time when individuals should be supporting each other, there are those unscrupulous few who will seize the opportunity to take advantage of others. A Penn State Extension educator offers tips on how to avoid scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full story
Research information outlines Pennsylvania specifics related to COVID-19
Many Pennsylvania residents are facing an increased risk for severe symptoms of the novel coronavirus while having limited access to medical services, and policy briefs from Penn State’s Pennsylvania Population Network (PPN) demonstrate why. Full story
Extension offers tips for implementing e-commerce in a food or farm business
For those farm and food operations that have not ventured into the e-commerce world, there are numerous considerations behind the decision to strategically utilize e-commerce, beginning with the choice of platform to use, according to Penn State Extension educators. Full story
Virtual Undergraduate Exhibition brings together nearly 200 students
During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent cancellation of public events, organizers in the Office of Undergraduate Education still wanted to provide some avenue for undergraduates to gain the experience of communicating their research and be able to compete for prizes. Nearly 200 participants shared their research and creative work during the 2020 virtual Undergraduate Exhibition at Penn State. Full story
Penn State engineer aims to tackle COVID-19 from two angles
To combat COVID-19 in both the treatment and testing arenas, Yong Wang, Penn State professor of biomedical engineering, has received two grants from the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences COVID-19 multi-institute seed grant fund. Full story
Penn State Extension webinars outline process for Paycheck Protection Program
Penn State Extension is hosting free webinars aimed at helping farmers and small business owners, including sole proprietors, understand the Paycheck Protection Program, a loan program designed to help businesses keep their workforce employed during the COVID-19 crisis. Full story
Town hall-style webinar to focus on H-2A visa ag workers in uncertain times
Penn State Extension will present a town hall-style, web-based seminar on May 7 to assist Pennsylvania agricultural stakeholders who rely on the H-2A visa program for temporary workers to operate their businesses. Full story
Behring receives Distinguished Alumni Award from alma mater
Deanna Behring, assistant dean and director of international programs in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is being lauded by her alma mater, Albion College, for her professional achievements. Full story