Priority Impact Areas

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