By Blake Jackson
Cornell University researchers are at the forefront of agricultural innovation, dedicating their expertise to improving food systems worldwide.
From breeding better crop varieties to strengthening soil health and developing effective management strategies, their work is essential for ensuring abundant and sustainable harvests.
"Those of us who uncover scientific discoveries, develop better varieties and farming practices, and distribute that knowledge to our growers are honored to be part of the community that supports food systems and wellbeing, in New York and around the globe," said Margaret Smith, professor of plant breeding and genetics and director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES).
Cornell AES plays a crucial role in facilitating agricultural research, providing a network of farms and greenhouses for trials and managing $5 million annually in federal funding.
Since the dawn of agriculture, humans have sought to improve crops through selective breeding. Today, Cornell researchers employ advanced techniques to enhance plant quality, yields, and resistance to diseases and drought.
Michael Gore, professor and section head of Plant Breeding and Genetics, is focused on breeding sweet corn for the Northeast. Michael Gore utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence to analyze plant genetics and identify traits for improvement. Gore aims to increase nutrient density in sweet corn kernels, contributing to food and nutritional security.
Greg Vogel, assistant professor of plant breeding and genetics, has firsthand experience with the devastating impact of plant diseases on agriculture. Greg Vogel work focuses on breeding tomatoes with resistance to multiple diseases, building upon the research of Martha Mutschler-Chu, professor emeritus.
Lailiang Cheng, professor in SIPS' horticulture section, investigates strategies to mitigate risks and maximize quality in apple orchards. Lailiang Cheng research includes developing methods to test for bitter pit and addressing the challenges of climate change on apple production.
Clare Casteel, associate professor of plant pathology and plant-microbiology, studies the interactions between plants and soil microbiomes. Clare Casteel explores practices that promote plant resilience and reduce the need for pesticides.
Justine Vanden Heuvel, professor in SIPS' Horticulture Section, focuses on enhancing grapevine resilience and sustainability. Justine Vanden investigates the benefits of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in grape-growing, aiming to optimize their use for growers.
Gaurav Moghe, assistant professor in SIPS' Plant Biology Section, explores the potential of AMF in improving sweet potato cultivation in New York. Gaurav Moghe investigates the benefits of AMF in enhancing yields, drought tolerance, and cold resistance.
Photo Credit: cornell-university
Categories: New York, Crops, Education