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.

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