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Researcher develops novel strategy to improve crops and treat diseases
March 3, 2015
A novel strategy to enhance genome editing promises to increase the efficiency of making genetic improvements in a wide range of organisms, a new study suggests. The results could help boost applications such as developing better crops and treating genetic diseases in humans, Penn State researchers said.
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New crop production guide aimed at helping farmers tap growing organic markets
February 27, 2015
If you are an organic-crop producer in the Northeast, or a farmer interested in transitioning to organic, there is a new resource available to help provide the research-based information you need to be successful. The newly published Penn State Organic Crop Production Guide is among the most comprehensive university-produced guides in the country.
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Small predator diversity is an important part of a healthy ecosystem
February 23, 2015
Biodiversity, including small predators such as dragonflies and other aquatic bugs that attack and consume parasites, may improve the health of amphibians, according to a team of researchers. Amphibians have experienced marked declines in the wild around the world in recent decades, the team added.
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Project looks to horticulture value chain to improve outlook for Honduran women
February 23, 2015
Impoverished families in western Honduras stand to benefit from a new project aimed at improving access to that country's markets for high-value horticultural crops. Researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have received a nearly $1.4 million grant to perform a gender-based analysis of the Honduran horticultural value chain, with an eye toward reducing barriers to participation for women and other marginalized groups, while enhancing family income and nutrition.
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Penn State Extension plays critical role in educating food suppliers
February 23, 2015
In the last few years, as the federal government has tightened safety regulations across the food supply chain to prevent foodborne illness, the role Penn State Extension plays in educating growers and processors to comply with new prevention-based controls has become critical.
