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Robert MitchellView profile

Adjunct Professor

• Bioenergy
• Grassland Management
• Grassland Ecology
• +4 more

Robert Mitchell serves as a USDA Research Agronomist and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. His work bridges federal agricultural research with academic instruction, focusing on practical applications for crop producers. Education: B.S. Natural Resource/Wildlife, University of Nebraska, 1989 M.S. Agronomy/Range & Forage, University of Nebraska, 1992 Ph.D. Agronomy/Range & Forage, University of Nebraska, 1995 Mitchell's research centers on bioenergy crop development and grassland management systems , with emphasis on perennial grass establishment, growth physiology, and ecological integration. His investigations address critical challenges in converting marginal cropland to sustainable bioenergy production while maintaining soil health and ecosystem services. Key themes include switchgrass agronomy, carbon sequestration dynamics, and balancing biomass yield with environmental stewardship across Midwestern landscapes. Analysis of his 25+ publications (2012-2016) reveals consistent focus on perennial grass bioenergy systems , particularly switchgrass genetics and management. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary integration of agronomy, ecology, and soil science, with recurring themes in feedstock sustainability, genetic improvement, and landscape-scale environmental impacts. Collaborative studies often involve USDA-ARS, university partners, and multi-institutional bioenergy initiatives. Scientific Awards: No awards documented in source material Mitchell's project activities emphasize applied research for producer adoption, including optimizing grass establishment protocols and marginal land utilization strategies. While specific grants aren't listed, his publications reflect sustained funding through USDA programs and regional bioenergy partnerships. No student advisement details appear in the provided text. His research operates within USDA-University collaborative frameworks, leveraging field trials across Nebraska and the Midwest to develop practical management guidelines for perennial bioenergy systems.

Shaun TownsendView profile

Associate Professor

• Hop Breeding
• Plant Breeding and Genetics
• Crop Science
• +2 more

Shaun Townsend is an Associate Professor (Senior Research) in the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University's College of Agriculture. He leads the Aroma Hop Breeding Program focused on developing new hop cultivars adapted to Oregon's growing conditions, emphasizing essential oil quality for the craft beer industry. The program collaborates closely with Dr. Tom Shellhammer's Food Science & Technology group and USDA-ARS geneticist Dr. John Henning, integrating molecular biology into hop breeding. Their first cultivar release was 'STRATA', with additional cultivars in development. Education includes: Ph.D. in Agronomy Plant Breeding and Genetics from New Mexico State University (1998) M.S. in Agronomy Plant Breeding and Forage Production from Montana State University (1990) B.S. in Agronomy from Montana State University (1988) Research interests span hop breeding, plant genetics, crop science optimization, essential oil biochemistry, and molecular marker applications. His work examines how agronomic practices affect essential oil profiles and develops disease-resistant cultivars using genomic tools. Publications (2013-2021) demonstrate consistent focus on hop genetics, disease resistance (powdery/downy mildew), environmental stress responses, and cultivar development. Recent work emphasizes genome-wide association studies, precision QTL mapping, and terroir influences on hop quality. Service activities include: Oregon Representative for the national Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee College of Agriculture Variety Review Committee Crop & Soil Science Promotion and Tenure Committee Cereal Variety Review Committee Laboratory leadership includes directing the Aroma Hop Breeding Program and collaborative projects with USDA-ARS on molecular breeding techniques.

Steve ShirtliffeView profile

Professor

• Field crop agronomy
• Crop Phenotyping
• Crop Imaging
• +3 more

Steve Shirtliffe is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources. His research focuses on field crop agronomy, crop phenotyping, precision agriculture, and weed science. He holds a Ph.D., M.Sc., and B.Sc. from the University of Manitoba. Dr. Shirtliffe’s work integrates remote sensing, machine learning, and field experimentation to improve crop yields and agricultural sustainability. He has pioneered applications of UAV-based imaging for crop analysis, including canola yield prediction and weed management. His research emphasizes precision agriculture, crop lodging prediction, and mechanical weed control systems. He has received prominent awards including the ASA Professor of the Year (2008) and University of Saskatchewan’s Provost’s Outstanding Teaching Award (2011-12). Courses taught include PLSC 375 (Current Topics in Agronomy), PLSC 401 (Sustainable Crop Production), and PLSC 898 (Plant Population Biology). Recent research highlights include: Development of AI-driven field boundary delineation systems Integration of SAR and optical data for crop phenology mapping Optimized deep learning models for edge device yield prediction Long-term weed dynamics studies in organic/conventional systems His work addresses critical challenges in Prairie agriculture through innovative technology applications and systems-level crop management strategies.

• Agricultural Sciences
• Plant Science
• Legume Genetics
• +4 more

Summary Prof. HÜSEYİN ÇANCI is a Professor in the Department of Field Crops at Akdeniz University's Faculty of Agriculture. He has held academic positions including Professor (2024–Present), Associate Professor (2018–2024), and Assistant Professor (2013–2018). His research focuses on crop genetics, legume improvement, and stress tolerance in plants. Education Doctorate in Field Crops (2009), Akdeniz University M.Sc. in Field Crops (2002), Akdeniz University B.Sc. in Field Crops (1998), Akdeniz University Research Interests His work emphasizes enhancing crop productivity through genetic improvement, particularly in legumes like chickpea, faba bean, and common bean. Key areas include drought and heat resistance, disease/pest resistance, and nutritional quality. He employs techniques like induced mutation and hybridization to develop resilient crop varieties. Grants & Projects "Resilient Mediterranean" (EU-funded, 2022–2025) "High-Yielding Faba Bean Development" (TÜBİTAK, 2015–2018) Academic Leadership He served as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture (2022–Present) and previously led departments and research initiatives. He actively reviews for journals like Scientific Reports and Turkish Journal of Field Crops .

Mohamed MergoumView profile

Professor

• Wheat Breeding
• Plant Genetics
• Genomics
• +3 more

Mohamed Mergoum serves as Professor in Wheat Breeding and Genetics at the University of Georgia's College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences within the Crop & Soil Sciences department, based at the Griffin research campus and affiliated with the Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics (IPBGG). His research program integrates classical breeding with genomic selection and marker-assisted tools to develop improved wheat cultivars for Georgia and the US Southeast, emphasizing: High yield potential under regional conditions Durable resistance to Fusarium head blight, rust, and Hessian fly Abiotic stress tolerance (heat/drought) End-use quality trait optimization Barley and oats germplasm screening Recent publications (2024-2025) reveal strong focus on genomic prediction for yield/quality under stress, disease resistance gene discovery, and cultivar development through genome-wide association studies and QTL mapping. His work demonstrates strategic application of multi-environment models and epistatic effect analysis to accelerate breeding cycles. Dr. Mergoum trains next-generation plant breeders while maintaining critical partnerships with: Georgia agricultural industry (UGRAF, GSD) SunGrains consortium for genomic selection USDA-ARS Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative He leads the UGA Small Grains Breeding and Genetics program at Griffin, directing field trials and genomic research to address southeastern US production challenges through collaborative grant-funded projects.

Esteban RiosView profile

Associate Professor

• Forage Breeding
• Quantitative Genetics
• Genomic Prediction
• +2 more

Esteban Rios is an Associate Professor of Forage Breeding and Genetics in the Agronomy Department at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. His research addresses the critical need for improved forage cultivars to support livestock production in subtropical regions through breeding programs focused on yield, nutritive value, and climate resilience. Education: Ph.D. in Agronomy, University of Florida, 2016 M.S. in Agronomy, University of Florida, 2013 B.S. in Agronomy Engineering, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste (Argentina), 2010 Dr. Rios' program integrates quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, and phenomics to develop improved cultivars of alfalfa, bahiagrass, and other forage species. Key research areas include drought tolerance, apomixis utilization, nutritive value enhancement, and adaptation to Florida conditions. Recent publications demonstrate innovations in genomic selection for forage species, evaluation of diverse germplasm resources, and development of high-throughput phenotyping methods. Research trends include genomic prediction optimization, genotype-by-environment interaction analysis, and breeding for climate resilience. Awards: Crop Science Society of America Outstanding Paper (Genetic Resources Division, 2020) He has advised multiple graduate students and secured significant grant funding including a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation award ($8.7 million consortium). Dr. Rios has released seven forage and turfgrass cultivars and serves in leadership roles including Chair-Elect of the Plant Science Research and Education Unit Advisory Council.

• Plant Pathology
• Integrated Pest Management
• Crop Disease Epidemiology
• +3 more

Jaime Willbur, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU), with a focus on integrated disease management in potato and sugar beet production. Their research combines pathogen biology, ecology, and disease epidemiology to develop predictive models and remote sensing tools for effective disease management. Willbur holds a B.S. in Chemical Biology from Lawrence Technological University and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Education: B.S. Chemical Biology, Lawrence Technological University Ph.D. Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin – Madison Research Interests: Integrated pest management strategies for potato and sugar beet Predictive modeling of disease dynamics Remote sensing technologies for crop disease monitoring Quantitative resistance in plant germplasm Recent Contributions: Developed weather-based models to predict Sclerotinia sclerotiorum apothecial presence in soybean fields Evaluated soybean germplasm lines with quantitative resistance to fungal pathogens Received the MSU Outstanding Supervisor Award in 2024 Labs & Affiliations: Willbur is affiliated with the Plant Biology Laboratory at 612 Wilson Road, East Lansing, and the Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center in Frankenmuth, MI.

Aaron BeattieView profile

Associate Professor

• Barley Breeding
• Oat Genetics
• Crop Improvement
• +3 more

Aaron Beattie is an Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture and Bioresources, holding the Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program (SRP) Chair in Barley and Oat Breeding and Genetics. His primary affiliations are with the Department of Plant Sciences and the Crop Development Centre. He completed his Ph.D. at the University of Saskatchewan, M.Sc. at the University of Guelph, and B.Sc. (Honours) at the University of Waterloo. Beattie’s research focuses on barley and oat breeding, emphasizing genetic improvement, disease resistance (e.g., crown rust, spot blotch), genomic analysis, and agronomic traits. His work integrates genomics, remote sensing (e.g., UAV technology), and molecular tools to enhance crop productivity and resilience. Key projects include global oat diversity studies, silage fermentation optimization for livestock, and genotype-by-environment interactions. He has been recognized with the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (2016) and the Dean’s Award for Outreach and Engagement (2020). His research spans plant pathology, nutritional science for livestock, and precision agriculture technologies. Beattie is currently on sabbatical leave until August 31, 2025.

Mark HusseyView profile

Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Forage Crops
• Bioenergy Grasses
• +3 more

Mark Hussey is a Professor in the Department of Perennial Grass Breeding & Genetics at Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He specializes in plant breeding, forage crops, and bioenergy grasses, with a focus on perennial grass genetics and apomixis in forage species. His work emphasizes improving cold tolerance and biomass yields in species like buffelgrass and switchgrass. Education: B.S. Biology (University of Illinois, 1977); M.S. & Ph.D. Agronomy/Plant Breeding (Texas A&M, 1979 & 1983). Research interests include: Development of apomictic grasses for sustainable forage systems Switchgrass as a bioenergy crop Genetic improvement of buffelgrass and other C4 grasses His publications span over 40 years, focusing on grass genetics, agronomy, and bioenergy applications. Key themes include soil carbon dynamics in switchgrass systems and nematode interactions with biofuel crops. Awards: None explicitly listed. Advising: Supervises graduate students Rashmi Dangol and Angeles Zuniga. Active in Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Research programs.

Calvin TrostleView profile

Professor

• Agronomy
• Crop Science
• Soil Science
• +3 more

Calvin Trostle is a Professor and Extension Agronomist at Texas A&M University, affiliated with the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor in Plant & Soil Sciences at Texas Tech University. As the State Hemp & Alternative Crops Specialist, his work focuses on row crops, peanuts, alfalfa, and hemp. He leads applied research and extension programs across Texas, emphasizing sustainable practices like reduced tillage systems, cover cropping, and soil fertility management. Trostle collaborates extensively with county agents and contributes to multiple agricultural newsletters and radio programs. His research spans crop adaptation, weed management, and Rhizobium inoculation strategies for legumes. He co-chairs two M.S. committees and advises multiple students at Texas Tech. Research Interests: Trostle’s work addresses crop productivity under semiarid conditions, industrial hemp agronomy, alternative crop diversification, and biological nitrogen fixation. His recent studies explore planting date optimization for hemp, guar drought tolerance mechanisms, and the integration of perennial crops for marginal land restoration. He evaluates crop varieties and management practices to enhance yield stability and environmental resilience. Grants & Advising: Trostle’s advisory role includes two M.S. committee co-chairships and additional student mentorship. His extension programs annually engage hundreds of producers through field days, media interviews, and agent trainings. He has pioneered initiatives like the Texas High Plains Uniform Variety Trials and contributed to USDA germplasm evaluations for guar. Labs/Teams: Affiliated with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and collaborates with Texas Tech’s Plant & Soil Sciences department. His work interfaces with USDA research programs and regional agricultural stakeholders.

• Plant Genetics
• Plant Breeding
• Legume Biology
• +12 more

Åshild Gunilla Ergon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Faculty of Biosciences. Her research focuses on plant genetics, breeding, and sustainable agriculture, with a strong emphasis on legumes and macroalgae. She is actively involved in multiple research projects including Breed4Kelp2Feed, SafeKelp, DIVERSILIENCE, and EUCLEG, contributing to advancements in climate-resilient crops and sustainable food systems. Research Interests: Genetics and breeding of legumes, especially red clover and faba bean Adaptation to abiotic and biotic stresses, including cold and drought Genomics and phenomics in plant breeding Macroalgae (sugar kelp) breeding for commercial and environmental safety Diversification in agriculture through species mixtures and crop rotation Symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria and its role in sustainable farming The recent publications reflect a strong trend in integrating molecular genetics, field experimentation, and climate adaptation strategies. Her work increasingly employs advanced techniques such as UAV imaging, machine learning, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to improve breeding efficiency and sustainability. There is a clear focus on Nordic agricultural challenges, particularly winter survival, freezing tolerance, and low-input systems. Scientific Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned in the text. Advising and Grants: While specific student names are not listed, Dr. Ergon is actively supervising research through collaborative publications and projects. She is involved in major funded initiatives such as DIVERSILIENCE and EUCLEG, indicating successful grant acquisition. Her advising likely includes MSc and PhD students in plant sciences and sustainable agriculture. Labs and Teams: Dr. Ergon collaborates with research teams across Europe, particularly within the EUCARPIA network and the LegacyNet multi-site experiment. Her work involves interdisciplinary collaboration with experts in genomics, agronomy, animal nutrition, and marine biology. She contributes to international efforts in improving forage crops and sustainable ley farming systems.

Jeff BradshawView profile

Professor

• Biological Control
• Field Crops Entomology
• Insect Ecology
• +5 more

Dr. Jeff Bradshaw is a Professor and Director of the Doctor of Plant Health Professional Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Department of Entomology. He leads the Doctor of Plant Health Program, which trains practitioners in integrated plant management across economic, environmental, and social dimensions. His research focuses on pest management and arthropod ecology in dryland crops and agroecosystems, with particular emphasis on cereal crops, sunflower, and soil health. He is also involved in developing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies and team-based solutions for wheat stem sawfly challenges. Bradshaw holds a Ph.D. in Entomology & Plant Pathology from Iowa State University (2007), following earlier degrees from Southern Illinois University and Illinois Central College. His work spans field crops entomology, biological control, and sustainable agriculture practices. He has received notable awards including the 2016 Innovative Extension Specialist recognition and the 2012 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor honor from UNL. Research interests include soil arthropod roles in soil health, pollinator ecosystem services in sunflower crops, and the impact of pest control measures on forage quality. His published work addresses topics like greenbug resistance in switchgrass, wheat stem sawfly phenology, and the economic significance of native solitary bees in sunflower pollination. Bradshaw is an active member of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), serving as President of its North Central Branch. His contributions bridge applied research, extension education, and interdisciplinary collaboration to address agricultural challenges in Nebraska and beyond.

Melanie CaffeView profile

Associate Professor

• Oat Breeding
• Plant Genetics
• Genomic Selection
• +7 more

Melanie Caffe is an Associate Professor at the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, South Dakota State University (SDSU). She leads the oat breeding program, focusing on improving oat cultivars for grain and forage production, disease resistance, and nutritional value. Her research integrates genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping with drones, and root system analysis under drought stress. Dr. Caffe collaborates with the oat milling industry to enhance seed quality and marketability, while addressing challenges like crown rust resistance and ochratoxin contamination. Her academic responsibilities include teaching PS746 (Plant Breeding) and serving on committees like the American Oat Worker Committee and the SDSU Variety Release Committee. She also engages in extension activities, educating producers through field days about released oat varieties. Research interests span genomic strategies for β-glucan enrichment, drone-based biomass estimation, and root architecture responses to stress. Recent work emphasizes translating metabolomic insights into improved seed trait predictions and optimizing genomic prediction models across environments. Awards include the 2018 Pat and Jo Cannon Intellectual Property Commercialization Award. Dr. Caffe’s labs include the Young Brothers Seed Technology Laboratory (Room 113), where she develops oat cultivars like 'Hayden', 'Natty', and 'Rushmore'. Her work bridges basic genetics with applied breeding, addressing both agronomic and consumer health needs.

Rosalyn ShimView profile

Associate Professor

• Plant Breeding
• Genetics
• Crop Improvement
• +4 more

Dr. Rosalyn Shim is an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics in the Department of Plant and Soil Science at Texas Tech University's Davis College. She joined the faculty in April 2017 after previous research positions at Nagoya University and the International Rice Research Institute. Dr. Shim holds honorary scientific advisory roles with the Rural Development Administration of South Korea and maintains memberships in the Philippine Society for the Advancement of Genetics and Crop Science Society of the Philippines. Her educational background includes a B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Genetics (with Plant Breeding minor) from the University of the Philippines-Los Baños, and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences from Nagoya University, Japan. Dr. Shim's research program focuses on harnessing genetic variation from wild crop relatives to enhance agronomic traits in cotton, tomato, and rice. Her laboratory investigates: Molecular mechanisms of preferential chromosome transmission from wild species Genetic basis of abiotic stress tolerance (particularly cold adaptation) Development of genomic tools for precision breeding Germplasm characterization using ecogeographic and gene bank mining approaches She directs the Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Genetics, exploring fundamental questions about genetic variation through integrated genetics-genomics approaches. Her publication record (2020-2024) demonstrates strong focus on: Molecular dissection of stress tolerance mechanisms in cotton Wild allele introgression in tomato and rice Seed biology and dormancy regulation Development of breeding resources for underutilized species Marker-assisted improvement of climate resilience Research consistently integrates field phenotyping with multi-omics approaches. Dr. Shim teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including PSS 4321 (Fundamental Principles of Plant Breeding), PSS 3324 (Seed Science), and PSS 5326 (Advanced Seed Science). She currently advises 10 graduate students (7 PhD, 3 MS) and has graduated 5 students since 2019. Her laboratory develops instructional materials on plant breeding techniques, including video resources on hybridization, marker-assisted selection, and yield testing.

Jonathan McLachlanView profile

Lecturer

• Pasture agronomy
• Pasture nutrition
• Legume establishment
• +2 more

Dr Jonathan McLachlan is a Lecturer in Pasture Science and Grazing Management at the University of New England's School of Environmental and Rural Science. He holds a Bachelor of Rural Science (First Class Honours) and PhD in Pasture Production from UNE. Research interests focus on optimizing pasture systems: Pasture agronomy and nutrient management Legume establishment and persistence Root architecture and soil-plant interactions Grazing system optimization Weed management in pastures His recent publications (2018-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on phosphorus dynamics in tropical pastures, legume nutrition, and sustainable grazing practices. Research spans fundamental soil-plant processes to applied field solutions, with increasing focus on educational innovation in agriculture.