Research Impacts

Research at the College of Agricultural Sciences is at the very heart of Penn State’s land-grant mission: directing our minds and assets at solving the problems and seizing the opportunities facing the people of our state, our country, and the world.

USDA Reports

As a condition of receiving federal appropriations, the college is required to provide a rolling 5-Year Combined Research and Extension Plan of Work and subsequent Annual Reports of Accomplishments and Results. These reports are provided, on a federal fiscal year, to USDA and are due April 1 of each year.

View current Plans of Work and Annual Accomplishments and Results Reports.

Priority impact areas and corresponding research

Resiliency | Characterizing and mitigating biotic and abiotic stressors to improve resiliency and productivity.

• Insect-deterring sorghum compounds may be eco-friendly pesticide
• “Scaring” soybeans into defense mode yields better plants a generation later
• Providing an inexpensive technique to identify unknown viruses in bee populations

Invasive Species | Detecting and rapidly responding to biological invasions.

• Using native parasitic samurai wasps to biologically control stink bugs
• Predicting the threat of the invasive round goby to the multi-million-dollar shellfish industry

Soil and Water | Reducing soil degradation, improving soil fertility, and minimizing inputs.

• Conservation dairy farming could help Pennsylvania meet Chesapeake target
• Soil could filter antibiotics from treated wastewater, protecting groundwater

Intensification | Sustainably increasing agricultural productivity.

• Climate projections suggest jeopardized corn yields for 2050
• Spicing up diets of transition dairy cows for their health

Vector-borne Disease | Mitigating the spread of vector-borne pathogens with minimal environmental impact.

• Using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in mosquitoes promises future control of vectorborne diseases

Functional Foods | Improving human and animal health through mechanisms of bioactive compounds.

• Broccoli may be good for the gut
• Using mushrooms as a prebiotic may help improve glucose regulation

Biotechnology | Using biotechnology to develop sustainable, value-added products.

• Replacing plastics with biomaterial

Infectious Diseases | Protecting against infections and decreasing disease incidence.

• Energy-efficient treatment chamber for wood packaging