Researchers are sampling annual bluegrass populations across Tennessee to quantify herbicide resistance and develop new diagnostic assays. The goal is to optimize management plans that integrate cultural and chemical techniques to mitigate resistance.
UTIA Chancellor Tim Cross has been recognized for his exceptional service as an Extension educator and leader. He received the 2018 Distinguished Service Ruby Award from Epsilon Sigma Phi, honoring his contributions to Extension and outreach work.
Researchers at UT Institute of Agriculture will modify potato plants to detect and report potential threats such as nerve agents, radiation, and plant pathogens. The goal is to innovate a new sensor platform that can help protect deployed troops and civilians in post-conflict settings.
Dr. Barry Rouse, a renowned immunologist, has received the American Veterinary Medical Association's Lifetime Excellence in Research Award for his groundbreaking work on HSV-1 and ocular disease. He has continuously funded research since 1978, garnering over $20 million in funding and publishing more than 400 scientific manuscripts.
Lone Oaks Farm in Tennessee will receive a $1 million challenge grant from FedEx Corp to establish a STEM Education Center. The center will provide youth education and 4-H activities, with the goal of igniting excitement about STEM among students.
A new map of daily light integrals has been created by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, providing guidance for greenhouse managers on local light regimes and supplemental lighting requirements. The updated maps use recent solar radiation data from 1998 to 2012, offering higher resolution and more precise data.
A team led by UTIA faculty members will study the epidemiology of Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, a fungus causing salamander population declines in Europe. The research aims to find ways to combat the fungus and has significant implications for US wildlife health.
Dr. Michael O. Smith, a UTIA professor of poultry production, has been elected a Fellow in the Poultry Science Association for his professional distinction and contributions to the field. He is one of five members elected at any given meeting, recognizing his contributions without longevity considerations.
Researchers propose genetically engineering houseplants to serve as early sensors of environmental hazards like mold, radon gas, and volatile organic compounds. This technology could lead to more responsive interior environments that prioritize occupant health and well-being.
The SunTrust Foundation has awarded the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture a $300,000 grant to expand its financial literacy program, On My Own, which already reaches over 30,000 students annually. The program uses simulation-based challenges to teach students about managing family income and make real-life decisions.
Hadziabdic Guerry is a plant geneticist working on the frafra potato project, which aims to transform the species into an alternative food source. The research focuses on assessing the genetic diversity and spatial structure of existing populations to improve production and nutritional value.
Researchers are working to develop commercially valuable products from plant materials, including chemicals, fuels and industrial materials. The goal is to make biobased products more cost-effective by using lignin and other plant components.
Seong-Hoon Cho, a UTIA researcher, will spend six months in South Korea designing the country's framework for forest carbon sequestration payments. The project aims to optimize risk/reward trade-offs and encourage forest carbon sequestration through innovative economics and finance modeling.
Drake Copeland's study suggests Palmer amaranth may be developing greater tolerance to herbicides, making it harder to control. The initial findings also indicate that PPO-resistant and susceptible biotypes respond differently to Group 15 herbicides.
Kimberly L. Jensen, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has received the SAEA's Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant contributions to agricultural economics and Southern agriculture. She is recognized for her research interests in bioenergy economics, agribusiness, and environmental labeling.
Two University of Tennessee scientists, Thomas Mueller and Larry Steckel, received top honors from the Weed Science Society of America for their peer-reviewed articles on weed control and dicamba persistence. Their studies provide valuable insights into agricultural spray hoses and cover crops as a weed management tool.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
Barry Sims, associate director of UT AgResearch, received the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to land grant research and administration. He oversees the system's 10 centers and coordinates faculty research at the centers.
University of Tennessee assistant professor Tyson Raper received the 2018 Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award for his research contributions to cotton physiology. He leads education and research efforts on cotton, wheat, and small grain crops.
David Hughes and his team received an Honorable Mention for their work on The Economics of Local Food Systems: A Toolkit to Guide Community Discussions, Assessments and Choices. The toolkit aims to provide standardized evaluations of food systems, leading to better-informed policy decisions.
The University of Tennessee is studying hops production in others states and developing educational materials to aid in the evaluation of hops production in Tennessee. The goal is to help Tennessee farmers capitalize on a new market opportunity for locally-grown specialty crops like hops.
John C. Stier, associate dean at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has been named a Fellow in the American Society of Agronomy, the highest recognition bestowed by the society. He is recognized for his career contributions to the turfgrass industry and his service as a professor and researcher.
Researchers found that a multi-spectral camera mounted on a quad-copter provided more accurate results than a digital camera, with over 93% accuracy in estimating plant populations. The study aims to improve crop monitoring efficiency and profitability for farmers.
The Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program aims to connect Tennesseans with opportunities in agriculture, providing resources and support for those starting or developing an agriculture-based enterprise. The program will also help build a network of veteran farmers across the state.
Researchers will analyze U.S. biorefinery supply chains from feedstock to alternative jet fuels, with a focus on Southeastern states. The project aims to accelerate the commercialization of renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
Steve Sutton, a renowned 40-year UTIA administrator, was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for his tireless dedication to Tennessee youth. He created numerous educational programs and opportunities for thousands of young people.
The UT-ORNL led US-China Transdisciplinary Environmental Research Network will identify transdisciplinary research opportunities and collaborations for scientists in the US and China. The project aims to enhance sustainable use of natural resources, address global issues involving food, energy, and water systems.
A new study by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture found that TVA reservoirs generate an average annual economic impact of $11.9 billion, supporting over 130,000 local jobs. The study also revealed that these reservoirs provide significant recreational opportunities, with visitors experiencing high levels of satisfaction.
A fall calving season in the southeastern United States can be more profitable due to higher calf prices at weaning and increased calves weaned per cow. This is attributed to longer growing seasons for forages, providing a competitive advantage in feed costs.
Dr. Tim Cross, UTIA chancellor, receives the Southern Extension Service Award for Excellence in Leadership from ASRED for his exemplary service to the national land-grant university system. His work has made a significant impact in areas such as farm management and policy development.
Agricultural production improves hive health by providing adequate food resources and nectar yields, outweighing pesticide risks. Bees in agricultural areas had better colony thermoregulation and higher brood production than those in non-agricultural environments.
The UTIA Dairy Products Evaluation Team won first place at the Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation contest, ahead of 13 other teams. Students including Michael Luethke and Katie Magee took top honors in their respective categories.
A new project led by UTIA faculty will recruit 14 undergraduate Research and Extension Fellows to explore agro-ecological farming in western Belize. The team will work with local partners to empower forest and wildlife stewardship while increasing the students' skills to become leaders in agricultural and conservation efforts globally.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's 'On My Own' financial literacy program has received a $75,000 grant from the SunTrust Foundation to expand its reach in Tennessee. The program aims to provide middle school and high school students with essential skills such as creating a budget, reading a paycheck, and understandi...
Researchers from UT Institute of Agriculture won the Outstanding Paper Award in Weed Technology for their study on cover crops and herbicides. The study found that combinations of grass and legume cover crops provided effective control over glyphosate-resistant Palmer Amaranth, with cereal rye and wheat showing the best results.
The UTIA project used aerial acoustic recordings to track at-risk avian species on DoD facilities, improving compliance with environmental regulations. The project was recognized as the DoD's Project of the Year for 2016 for resource conservation and resiliency.
Dr. Chris Boyer has been selected as an Emerging Scholar by the Southern Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) for his research on farm and environmental management. He will receive the award for his demonstrated publication activity and work with UT Extension educators to serve agricultural producers in Tennessee.
Researchers examine how native grass management can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity in the eastern US. They focus on optimizing fertility and cover crop strategies for nutrient-efficient species like switchgrass and big bluestem, which produce extensive root systems that support micro-invertebrate communities.
A UT doctoral candidate won a competition presenting research on the impact of droplet size and orifice number on fungus control in cotton. The study found no significant difference in disease control or yield between treated and untreated cotton.
A new grant program aims to encourage students to pursue food, agriculture, natural resource, and human science careers through experiential instruction. The University of Tennessee will develop a curriculum and professional development products to teach soilless vegetable growing systems in controlled environments.
The Tennessee wine industry has seen significant growth, with 435 direct workers in the winery industry, an increase of 20% from the previous year. The state now has 72 bonded wineries, providing well over 500 jobs, mainly in rural areas where job options are limited.
A new multistate research project aims to educate fruit and vegetable growers on agricultural water treatment systems. The project will develop a curriculum to equip growers with knowledge to successfully implement water treatment systems, reducing the risk of foodborne pathogens.
The aging locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway are causing inefficiencies that increase transportation costs for grain and oilseeds. The study estimates a 40% decrease in economic activity if Lock 25 is closed, leading to a decline of over 7,000 jobs and $2.4 billion in economic activity annually.
A UT researcher is leading a $3-million grant to develop a user-friendly interface for recording and sharing tree genomic data. The project aims to create an ecosystem of community databases for analyzing tree genomics data, providing tools for researchers and promoting public awareness of healthy trees.
The University of Tennessee Weed Diagnostics Center provides a range of services, including basic weed identification and DNA-based herbicide resistance testing. The center aims to help users implement optimal management strategies to keep weeds under control and conserve resources.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a grant to expand the farm financial management database FINBIN to include Tennessee farms. This expansion will provide benchmark financial information for producers, lenders, and other agricultural professionals, enabling them to make more informed financial decisions.
Researchers found that incorporating an unfertilized winter wheat cover crop into annual crop rotations can significantly reduce nitrogen and phosphorus lost from row crops, enhancing downstream water quality. The strategy may also help alleviate the Mississippi River's nutrient load contributing to the Gulf Dead Zone.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been awarded a $10,000 sponsorship to implement a Summer Camp STEM Experience during Junior 4-H camp in Columbia, Crossville, and Greeneville. The program aims to spark youth interest in STEM education through hands-on activities, including zip-lining, wildlife ecology, and archery.
A new Bt technology could provide improved control of thrips and plant bugs in cotton, reducing the need for insecticide applications. The treatment has shown better plant protection than alternative strategies in field tests.
Researchers at the University of Tennessee Center for Renewable Carbon explore feedstock supply and logistical issues to develop cost-competitive biofuels and bio-based products. The study aims to determine if blending feedstocks can increase performance while lowering costs.