Research

Dr. Irving Carlson: 1926 - 2019

Dr. Irving Carlson joined the agronomy family as a plant breeder in 1960. He passed away February 23, 2019 at the age of 92.

After getting his bachelor's and masters at Washington State University, he earned his PhD in plant breeding at the University of Wisconsin in 1955. He spent four years at North Carolina State University before coming to Ames. 

A key focus of his work was the development of new varieties of orchard grass and other cool season forage crops. In addition, Irving advised many graduate students from around the country and around the world.

Making Waves: Kelsie Ferin Proves Renewable Energy and Clean Water Go Hand in Hand

Making Waves: Kelsie Ferin Proves Renewable Energy and Clean Water Go Hand in HandWhen Kelsie Ferin sits down to code, she has a million square miles of soil, water, and sky at her fingertips: from Iowa’s Corn Belt to the Mississippi River, and all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. These iconic landscapes form the backdrop for Ferin’s research on how bioenergy crops can help purify the nation’s water.

Brown Graduate Fellows Awardee

The Brown Graduate Fellowship has been awarded to Virginia Nichols. The Brown Graduate Fellowship is to be used to strategically advance ISU research in the areas of study that are governed by the Valentine Hammes Family and Leopold Hammes Brown Family Trust.  The areas of study include science, agriculture, and space science. The preference is to fund Ph.D. students, although exceptional M.S. students will be considered.

Dr. John Pesek: 1921 to 2019

Dr. John Pesek was a soil scientist, champion of sustainable agriculture, teacher and leader. Regrettably, our esteemed colleague passed away February 11. With over 40 years of service to the Department of Agronomy and Iowa State University, Dr. Pesek left a lasting legacy.

Dr. Pesek was born November 15, 1921 in Hallettsville, Texas. He received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from Texas A&M in 1943, at which point he entered the military. He was a member of the 98th Bomb Group within the 15th Air Force.

I fight anti-GMO fears in Africa to combat hunger

As a child, I remember feeling hungry most of the time. Growing up in rural Tanzania, I walked to school barefoot and most of the time had one meal a day. After school, I helped my mother with various farming chores, including feeding the animals, weeding, harvesting and planting. I often heard my mother express concerns about the lack of ways to protect our crops from drought, pests and diseases. I wanted to help my mother but was too young to understand what the solution might be.

Data mining brings new clarity to plant breeding, according to new Iowa State University study

By Fred Love, University News Service

AMES, Iowa – The immense number of possible hybrids that can be created from inbred corn plants can leave plant breeders wondering where to start when attempting to produce new crop varieties with desirable traits. But new research from an Iowa State University agronomist shows how advanced data mining techniques can enhance the efficiency of the process.

CALS Awards

 

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recently selected outstanding faculty and staff to be awarded for their contributions to the education, service, research, and dedication that makes CALS so great. The Department of Agronomy would like to recognize our very own who were awarded.

 

 

Anti-GMO sentiment has repercussions for developing world

Anti-GMO sentiment holds back agricultural advancement in the developing world, but an Iowa State University agronomist hopes his research will clarify the scientific consensus and spark wider acceptance of the technology in Africa.

Corn yield tests prepare for 100th year helping farmers decide what seeds to plant

The Iowa Crop Performance Tests are gearing up for their 100th year of gauging the yields of hundreds of seed varieties, an annual effort that helps farmers decide what seeds to plant the following year.

Farmland expansion increases carbon footprint in Corn Belt

Faster conversion of land into agricultural production in recent years has raised the region’s carbon cost of producing grains, according to recently published research from an Iowa State University scientist.

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