Category: Research
UF experts deploy AI to help farmers forecast crop yields
New tools count fruit and flowers with drone imagery, helping growers forecast strawberry and tomato yields.
Dirt to Glass 2026 returns to Traverse City with vineyard performance, wine quality focus
The two-day August conference helps growers improve vineyard performance and wine quality. Registration is open now.
Explore orchard innovation in the Alps with IFTA’s 2026 Study Tour
The International Fruit Tree Association’s IFTA in the Alps tour will take growers through some of Europe’s most innovative fruit-growing regions, including Lake Constance and South Tyrol, with a special visit to Interpoma 2026.
MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith leaving for University of Arizona dean role
George Smith will step down as director of MSU AgBioResearch in August to become dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Arizona.
New research could reshape fight against gray mold in produce crops
New findings suggest disease-control strategies may need to shift away from breeding plant-by-plant resistance and instead target the mechanisms the fungus uses to recognize its host. Learn more.
Blackberry genetics breakthrough identifies primocane-fruiting region
Scientists identified the genetic region associated with primocane-fruiting in blackberries, helping breeders accelerate development of improved cultivars with stronger yield and fruit quality.
Study finds strawberry powdery mildew evolved separately across continents
Researchers discovered that the powdery mildew infecting strawberries in North America is genetically different from the version found in Europe and Asia.
Great Lakes Tek Flex highlights robotics, precision ag tech for specialty crop growers
Great Lakes Tek Flex will showcase robotics, drones and precision ag technology for specialty crop growers Sept. 10-11 in Michigan.
How Arkansas scientists harnessed predictive models to improve future grape varieties
Read more to see how predictive science could reshape the future of grape production and agricultural innovation.
Agrivoltaics in action: Iowa State research uncovers best crops for solar
New data shows yield gains for select vegetable crops grown in solar installations. Learn more about this cutting-edge production system.
UF/IFAS breeding research aims to cut $130M loss from strawberry runners
Researchers are looking at selective breeding as a fix for a major production issue in strawberry crops. Learn about the research project.
AI takes root: What’s the deal with decision support tools for specialty crop farmers?
A look at Gen AI platforms reveals promise and limitations. Explore where AI can support you — and where expert insight still matters most.
Central Valley test farm debuts, looks to accelerate AgTech adoption
Read more on how the site brings growers and AgTech companies together and how it could impact specialty crop production.
Plant disease primer: diagnosing crown, root issues in strawberries
Maintaining healthy crowns and root zones in strawberry crops is crucial. Learn how to diagnose and overcome common issues.
UC-Santa Barbara seeks blueberry growers for pollination study
Help UC-Santa Barbara understand how growers managing pollinator habitats and pollination in blueberry crops. Take the survey today.
Women in agriculture: Cultivating change
Learn more about three women leading farms and driving innovation
Florida blueberry meeting showcases smarter sampling, stronger varieties and disease defense
New insights on freeze tolerance, leaf rust and mid-season nitrogen testing can sharpen decisions. Read the takeaways and adjust your program.
Penn State offers grape, wine industry webinar series free for growers
A series of free, live webinars will be held through April for grape and wine growers. Find out which topics will be covered.
Price spreads explained: What USDA’s 2024 farm-to-retail data means for specialty crop growers
New USDA data shows where produce dollars go from field to shelf. See what crops return the most to growers and capture more value.
Mizzou researchers unlock how plants regulate root growth
A key protein controls plant root length, paving the way for more drought-resistant crops. Learn more about this research breakthrough.