Honey bee colony loss in the U.S. linked to mites, extreme weather, pesticides

January 30, 2023

Honey bee colony loss across the United States over the last five years is primarily related to the presence of parasitic mites, nearby pesticides, and extreme weather events as well as challenges with overwintering, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

‘Keeping it Green’ podcast aimed at plant professionals and enthusiasts

January 27, 2023

A new Penn State Extension weekly podcast, titled “Keeping it Green,” is aimed at ornamental plant professionals and enthusiasts. The podcast features interviews with horticultural professionals and covers design, installation and maintenance, plant selection, pests, and other current horticulture topics. 

Penn State Extension offers courses for heart health

January 27, 2023

February is American Heart Month, a time when the nation brings awareness to heart disease as the leading cause of death in the United States. To help make heart health a priority, Penn State Extension is offering a free, 12-week email series — “A Journey to a Healthier Heart” — that focuses on small lifestyle changes to improve heart health.

Spotted lanternfly experts share what research has uncovered about the pest

January 27, 2023

Since the spotted lanternfly’s unwelcome arrival in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in 2014, researchers have been working tirelessly to learn more about the invasive pest, now confirmed in 45 Pennsylvania counties and reported in surrounding states.

Machine vision system developed capable of locating king flowers on apple trees

January 26, 2023

A machine vision system capable of locating and identifying apple king flowers within clusters of blossoms on trees in orchards was devised by Penn State researchers — a critical early step in the development of a robotic pollination system — in a first-of-its-kind study.

Ag Sciences Global Gear Closet now accepting donations

January 24, 2023

To help ease costs related to preparing for education abroad, Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has established the Ag Sciences Global Gear Closet — a resource for students that provides donated items that might be helpful while studying abroad.

Forest Landowners Conference slated for State College on March 24-25

January 24, 2023

Hundreds of landowners, natural resources and forestry professionals, and conservationists interested in forests will gather at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College on March 24-25 to learn how to better care for their woodlands. The fifth biennial Forest Landowners Conference is hosted by Penn State’s James C. Finley Center for Private Forests, Penn State Extension and partners.

Assistant professor in College of Ag Sciences, Extension gets early career award

January 23, 2023

Tyler Groh, assistant research professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, has received the 2022 Inspiring Early Career Scientist Award from the American Society of Agronomy’s Environmental Quality Section.

Researchers devise, test food-safety training program for farmers market vendors

January 23, 2023

Responding to a need revealed in their earlier studies, a team of Penn State researchers developed and pilot-tested a customized food safety training program for farmer’s market vendors.

Webinar to focus on running for local office

January 18, 2023

For anyone who has thought about serving on a school board, borough council or township board of supervisors, Penn State Extension will offer a webinar titled “Toss Your Hat in the Ring.”  

Bucknavage appointed to Pennsylvania Food Policy Council Advisory Committee

January 17, 2023

The governor’s office recently named Martin Bucknavage to represent Penn State Extension on the advisory committee of the new Pennsylvania Food Policy Council. Bucknavage is a senior food safety extension associate in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and team lead for industrial food safety and quality.  

Penn State assists Cameroonian refugees with specialty mushroom ventures

January 17, 2023

Specialty mushrooms such as oyster are relatively easy to grow on a small scale, making them attractive to those looking to diversify a farm, engage in a hobby or launch a small business. Research-based information from Penn State Extension about producing specialty mushrooms also may benefit people from a war-torn region of Africa.  

Penn State forest hydrologist receives prestigious award for career-long work

January 13, 2023

David DeWalle, Penn State professor emeritus of forest hydrology, has been awarded the 2023 Warren A. Hall Medal from the Universities Council on Water Resources.

Two College of Ag Sciences faculty among highly cited researchers in 2022

January 12, 2023

Andrew Patterson and Jonathan Lynch in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences were recognized recently as highly cited researchers by the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science Group.

Student Farm offers engagement opportunities across campus

January 11, 2023

As a new growing season approaches, the Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Student Farm prepares for another year of supporting the campus food system.

Center for Socially Responsible AI awards seed funding to 6 projects

January 11, 2023

The Penn State Center for Socially Responsible Artificial Intelligence recently announced the results of its third seed funding competition. The center awarded $145,000 to advance six interdisciplinary research projects that feature researchers from eight colleges and institutes.

'His Name Is George Floyd' author Robert Samuels to visit University Park

January 10, 2023

Author and award-winning Washington Post reporter Robert Samuels will visit Penn State’s University Park campus on Thursday, Feb. 9, to discuss his book, “His Name Is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice.”

Land-use webinar to focus on managing vegetation on utility transmission lines

January 8, 2023

Managing vegetation on transmission lines to promote the reliable, safe operation of electric utility transmission and distribution systems will be the focus of a Penn State Extension webinar scheduled for noon on Jan. 18.

Controlled, localized delivery of blood thinner may improve blood clot treatment

January 5, 2023

Heparin has long been used as a blood thinner, or anticoagulant, for patients with blood clotting disorders or after surgery to prevent complications. However, the medication remains difficult to dose correctly, potentially leading to overdosing or underdosing. A team of Penn State researchers combined heparin with a protein fragment, peptide, to slow down the release of the drug and convey the medication directly to the site of a clot.

Loerch retires as senior associate dean in College of Agricultural Sciences

January 3, 2023

Steven Loerch forged an illustrious career as a land-grant animal scientist, teacher, extension specialist and administrator spanning more than four decades. He reflected on his experiences as he approached his retirement as senior associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Dec. 31.

Some no-till crop rotations on dairy farms could benefit from strategic tillage

December 22, 2022

Many no-till growers are reluctant to implement any soil disturbance due to concerns about negative impacts on soil health. However, a new study by a team of Penn State researchers suggests that plowing fields once after five years in a crop rotation that includes coverage with cover crops and perennials can maintain soil health and provide other benefits.

Indigo Ag creates fellowship to further efforts of Penn State Microbiome Center

December 19, 2022

In support of the Penn State Microbiome Center, Indigo Agriculture created the Indigo Agriculture Graduate Fellowship in the College of Agricultural Sciences through a $200,000 gift, matched 1:1 by the University through the now-concluded Graduate Scholarship Matching Program.

County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania extends Schmidt’s fellowship

December 19, 2022

As Cristy Schmidt, Penn State Extension applied research educator, nears the end of her two-year term as the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania’s Extension fellow, the organizations announced a yearlong extension of her fellowship, moving the end date to Dec. 31, 2023.

Penn State researchers battle food insecurity with native plants cookbook

December 14, 2022

Researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences have created a cookbook with information about wild food plants, including their nutritional values and recipes for how to cook with them, as a way to address food insecurity.

Corn-colonizing fungus may help the crop repel disease, grow larger

December 14, 2022

A fungus that can colonize, or grow within, corn plants doesn’t just leave the plant unharmed — it also can help the plant stave off harmful bugs and other fungi, according to a new study by Penn State researchers.

New grant looks to biomaterials to help reduce construction waste

December 13, 2022

A new grant from the American Institute of Architects will allow a Penn State-led research team to study whether fungal biomaterials can replace synthetic acoustic insulation, potentially reducing construction waste.

Study examines feeding damage caused by spotted lanternflies on young maples

December 12, 2022

Short-term, heavy feeding by adult spotted lanternflies on young maple trees inhibits photosynthesis, potentially impairing the tree’s growth by up to 50%, according to a new study by Penn State scientists.

Sustainable steps: Penn State student promotes sustainability through fashion

December 12, 2022

The University’s Fashion Society may seem like a fun way to appreciate a passion for fashion, but to Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences student Gabrielle Leach, it’s also a way to promote sustainability and enhance awareness of the impact of fast fashion to consumers.

Registration now open for College Connections webinar series

December 9, 2022

Registration is now open for the first three sessions in 2023 of College Connections, a monthly webinar series designed to give a unique, inside perspective of the programs, people, priorities and partnerships of the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.

PlantVillage Warrior View awarded $2 million from Google to fight climate change

December 7, 2022

PlantVillage, a Penn State-sponsored project, received a $2 million grant from Google's AI for Social Good program to fund the team’s work to develop accurate maps of dryland landscapes across Africa. This work aims to help communities of African pastoralists in arid drylands to adapt to climate change and restore their lands, ultimately resulting in carbon drawdown for the planet.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)