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Big Data for Better Sweetpotatoes

Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology

Corn earworm attacking corn plant.

Sep 5, 2022

Soil Temperature Can Predict Pest Spread in Crops

Researchers use historical soil temperature data to learn about - and predict - overwintering success of the nasty corn earworm. 
A close-up image of rows of corn in a field

Sep 1, 2022

Researchers Propose New Framework for Regulating Engineered Crops

New approach would rely on "-omics" testing to uncover unexpected genetic changes in new crop varieties. 
A photo of the landscape on the Galapagos Islands. Hills are made up of volcanic rock and are interspersed with small bodies of water.

Jul 29, 2022

NC State Brings Expertise, Interdisciplinarity to Galapagos Consortium

In joining the International Galapagos Science Consortium, NC State bolsters its current research and service on the archipelago. 
Brandi Merrick in front of a sign for the Varsity Research Building at NC State.

Jun 1, 2022

Grad Student on Home Turf as Volunteer at U.S. Women’s Open

Brandi Merrick volunteers as a greens mower at the 77th U.S. Women’s Open golf tournament at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Moore County this week. It's a chance to follow her twin passions: turf grass and golf. 
Female cockroach feeding on gift from male cockroach

May 12, 2022

Sugar Aversion Hampers Cockroach Coupling

How does a cockroach's aversion to sugar turn into an aversion to mating? NC State researchers discover the mechanism behind this behavior. 
Tobacco thrips with Plant Armor

Apr 6, 2022

In ‘Plant Armor’ Crop Cover, Insects Have to Navigate Textile Maze

NC State researchers' design for a new crop cover could provide an effective, chemical-free alternative for insect protection. 
corn plants in bags

Jul 21, 2021

Microbes Play Role in Corn ‘Hybrid Vigor’

Tiny soil organisms have surprising effects on a crop phenomenon that generally favors hybrid over inbred plants. 
Bite-resistant textiles

Jul 13, 2021

Mosquito-Resistant Clothing Prevents Bites in Trials

NC State researchers created insecticide-free, mosquito-resistant clothing using bite-proof textiles they designed. 
Photo of a diseased leaf.

Jun 11, 2021

Irish Potato Famine Pathogen Stoked Outbreaks on 6 Continents

NC State researchers track the evolution of pathogen that causes late-blight disease in potatoes and tomatoes. 
Photo of sand fly.

May 6, 2021

Surprising Sand Fly Find Yields New Species of Bacteria

Researchers discover a new species of bacteria while examining sand fly larvae rearing area. 
Beekeeper holds up boards covered with bees

Jan 13, 2021

Shedding Light on the Secret Reproductive Lives of Honey Bees

Research at NC State and the University of British Columbia shows that there are trade-offs between sperm viability and the expression of a protein involved in the insect’s immune response. 
Researchers test drones to detect resistant ash trees.

Sep 17, 2020

Scientists Pilot Drones in Effort to Save Trees From Invasive Beetle

NC State are using drones to try to find ash trees with natural resistance to the emerald ash borer invasive pest. 
Hemlock woolly adelgid, a sap-sucking insect.

Sep 2, 2020

Researchers Warn of Food-Web Threats From Common Insecticides

A researcher from NC State argued for curbing the use of neonicotinoid insecticides and warned about their spread. 
Aerial of tractor spraying fields at Lake Wheeler farms.

Aug 5, 2020

Seed-funding Grows Agricultural Advancements

GRIP4PSI, a seed-funding program for the N.C. Plant Sciences Initiative, invests in a better future for growers and consumers alike. 
A bunch of sweetpotatoes

May 27, 2020

Big Data for Better Sweetpotatoes

An interdisciplinary team is setting out to use artificial intelligence to make sweetpotatoes even more profitable.