Chen Receives USDA AFRI Grant for Potato Beetle Epigenetics Research

Colorado Potato Beetle
Colorado Potato Beetle

Plant and Soil Science Associate Professor Yolanda Chen has received a USDA AFRI grant for $683,490 from the Pests and Beneficial Species in Agricultural Production Systems program. With colleagues, she will be studying the role of epigenetics in the evolution of insecticide resistance in the Colorado potato beetle, a major pest of potatoes. Continue reading “Chen Receives USDA AFRI Grant for Potato Beetle Epigenetics Research”

Pandemic Food Insecurity Report Published

Fruits and vegetables in a basket

A report was recently released that examines the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food insecurity and human health. The report is entitled, “Change in Food Security and Health Outcomes Since the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern New England“. Authors include Meredith Niles, Farryl Bertmann, Emily Belarmino, Scott Merrill, Mattie Alpaugh, Sam Bliss, Ashley McCarthy, lead author Jennifer Laurent, and other researchers at the University of Maine, Continue reading “Pandemic Food Insecurity Report Published”

Corn Research Benefits Farmers, Processors, Markets

Ears of colorful corn in a bucket

Extension Professor Heather Darby has been researching short-season corn varieties for over 20 years in an effort to determine their suitability for the food-grade corn industry and help farmers diversify. A recent Modern Farmer article spotlights the resurgence of food and distilled products, and the rising demand for local corn supplies. Continue reading “Corn Research Benefits Farmers, Processors, Markets”