Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists are leaving no stone—or rather, leaf—unturned in their search for new ways to counter the fungus that causes tar spot, a yield-robbing disease of field corn in the midwestern United States. Several research studies have demonstrated that some strains of Alternaria alternata are effective biocontrol organisms that can reduce the damage caused by plant pathogens, said Eric Johnson, a research molecular biologist with the ARS center’s Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria. Details on the biocontrol potential of the tar spot fungus’s natural rivals were published in the June 2023 issue of the journal Microorganisms by Johnson and co-authors Pat Dowd, Jose Ramirez and Robert Behle—all with the ARS center’s Crop Bioprotection Research Unit in Peoria.
MyLand, A Soil Health Company, announced that Jeff Tuel has joined the growing MyLand team as Director of Sales to expand the company’s service among growers in California and the Western United States.
National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) geared up for the tenth edition of the Fields-of-Corn.com photo contest with an exciting relaunch. The website underwent a streamlined transformation, designed to pay homage to the captivating history of visual storytelling. Alongside this, a more user-friendly interface has been implemented to streamline the submission process.
Bayer reinforces its commitment to digital farming solutions for the transition to regenerative agriculture at this year’s Agritechnica, an international showcase for the agricultural machine industry. The life science company presents a comprehensive set of innovative solutions leveraging precision farming through data and artificial intelligence at the trade fair, taking place November 12-18 in Hanover, Germany.
Wheat stem sawflies are non-stinging wasp-like insects that cause wheat yield losses across the U.S. Sawflies previously targeted spring wheat crops; however, these pests have recently emerged in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska, suggesting that it is evolving to feed on winter wheat crops as well. To address this growing threat, the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) awarded a $150,000 Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research (ROAR) program grant to Colorado State University to increase crop resistance to wheat stem sawfly. Colorado State University, the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee and the University of Nebraska provided matching funds for a $300,000 total investment.
Trace Genomics and EarthOptics are collaborating to introduce a new level of accuracy in carbon measurement, with fast-track turnaround of results to customers.
Kula Bio, a company offering a sustainable nitrogen replacement solution for crop and turf production, is pleased to announce that Hugh MacGillivray has joined the company as chief commercial officer. In his new position, MacGillivray is responsible for bringing to market Kula-N, a high-performance, cost effective nitrogen source.
