Honey bee colony loss in the U.S. linked to mites, extreme weather, pesticides

January 30, 2023

Honey bee colony loss across the United States over the last five years is primarily related to the presence of parasitic mites, nearby pesticides, and extreme weather events as well as challenges with overwintering, according to a new study led by Penn State researchers.

Forest Landowners Conference slated for State College on March 24-25

January 24, 2023

Hundreds of landowners, natural resources and forestry professionals, and conservationists interested in forests will gather at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center in State College on March 24-25 to learn how to better care for their woodlands. The fifth biennial Forest Landowners Conference is hosted by Penn State’s James C. Finley Center for Private Forests, Penn State Extension and partners.

Assistant professor in College of Ag Sciences, Extension gets early career award

January 23, 2023

Tyler Groh, assistant research professor in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, has received the 2022 Inspiring Early Career Scientist Award from the American Society of Agronomy’s Environmental Quality Section.

Penn State forest hydrologist receives prestigious award for career-long work

January 13, 2023

David DeWalle, Penn State professor emeritus of forest hydrology, has been awarded the 2023 Warren A. Hall Medal from the Universities Council on Water Resources.

Study examines feeding damage caused by spotted lanternflies on young maples

December 12, 2022

Short-term, heavy feeding by adult spotted lanternflies on young maple trees inhibits photosynthesis, potentially impairing the tree’s growth by up to 50%, according to a new study by Penn State scientists.

Internships earn awards for College of Agricultural Sciences students

December 2, 2022

Twelve Penn State students have been selected as College of Agricultural Sciences Alumni Society 2022 Internship Award winners. The award, which includes a $1,000 stipend, was established to encourage students to participate in a credit or noncredit educational internship program related to their field of study.

Students in College of Ag Sciences course support 'Plant the Moon' Challenge

November 22, 2022

Students enrolled in a course offered by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences this fall explored the possibility of growing food in space as part of NASA’s Plant the Moon Challenge.

Building on the Life’s Work of a Revered Scholar, Educator, and Forestry Practitioner

November 21, 2022

Back in 2011, the late Professor Emeritus and Ibberson Chair Jim Finley co-founded the Center for Private Forests at Penn State with Allyson B. Muth, Ed.D. and other colleagues within the College of Agricultural Sciences. A legendary professor, Jim served for many years on the faculty of the Department and also co-founded the dual title degree program on Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment. Following his unexpected death in October 2021, and the University’s subsequent decision to rename the Center in his honor, the work of the Finley Center has taken on new urgency for its staff and volunteer Council.

Ag Sciences student named 2023 National Veterans Leadership Foundation fellow

November 17, 2022

John Buckley, a U.S. Navy veteran and a senior majoring in forest ecosystem management in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, is one of a select number of military-connected students nationwide to be named a 2023 National Veterans Leadership Foundation fellow in recognition of his service and leadership potential.

Muth, Powell, Finley named 2022 Pa. Forestry Association award recipients

November 17, 2022

Allyson Muth, Michael Powell and Linda Finley in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management were honored for their contributions to the conservation of Pennsylvania’s natural resources at the Pennsylvania Forestry Association’s Annual Symposium on Nov. 5.

'Elements of Global Change' presentation to take place Nov. 30

November 10, 2022

A one-hour “Elements of Global Change” presentation and discussion by students in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management will occur at 7 p.m. at Sower’s Harvest Café on Nov. 30.

Faculty in College of Ag Sciences recognized for research achievements

November 8, 2022

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences lauded outstanding accomplishments in research during the college’s inaugural Research Awards Ceremony, held Oct. 25 at the Hintz Family Alumni Center on the University Park campus.

Ramped up: Higher demand for wild leeks has foragers overeager, threatens plant

November 8, 2022

Early spring enthusiasm for ramps — also known as wild leeks — may be causing lower plant yields and threatening communities of the forest herb, according to Penn State researchers.

Fighting fire with fire: Study gauges public perception of prescribed burns

November 1, 2022

Prescribed fires can reduce wildfire risks and support habitat restoration, but to be successful these policies also require public support. A new study may fill in gaps in understanding public perception toward prescribed burns in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic, where these fires are increasingly used. 

International consortium to better assess Africa drought risks, boost resilience

October 27, 2022

An international, Penn State-led consortium aims to improve drought risk analysis and management and increase societal resilience in Africa, funded by a three-year, $1.1 million grant from the Belmont Forum.

Prescribed fire could reduce tick populations and pathogen transmission

October 21, 2022

Prescribed fire — a tool increasingly used by forest managers and landowners to combat invasive species, improve wildlife habitat and restore ecosystem health — also could play a role in reducing the abundance of ticks and the transmission of disease pathogens they carry, according to a team of scientists.  

Penn State Soil Judging Team places 3rd at regional tourney; headed to nationals

October 20, 2022

Penn State’s student Soil Judging Team recently captured third place overall in a regional competition, edging out the University of Maryland, to qualify for the national championships next spring.

Mixed cover crops capture carbon in soil, could help mitigate climate change

September 21, 2022

When it comes to adding carbon to the soil, all cover crops don’t perform equally, according to a team of researchers whose new study revealed the disparity for the first time.

No-till management may reduce nitrous oxide gas releases, fight climate change

September 14, 2022

Scientists have long known that no-till farming reduces erosion and lessens water and nutrient runoff from crop fields, but now a new study by a team of Penn State researchers suggests that limiting soil disturbance may also diminish releases of nitrous oxide.

Microbiome Center announces inaugural Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellows

September 13, 2022

The first-ever round of Interdisciplinary Innovation Fellowships will support the work of Microbiome Center members and allow them to acquire knowledge and techniques to then share with other University colleagues.

'Growing Impact' podcast discusses solar irrigation pump effects on FEW nexus

September 2, 2022

A team of researchers is investigating a government policy that increases solar-powered irrigation pumps in India and how the use of solar irrigation pumps may impact India’s highly exploited groundwater reserves and the country’s food and energy production.

Alumna honors mother through scholarship, memorial tree, seat wall at Arboretum

August 15, 2022

To honor her mother’s legacy, Tina Terrell committed $80,000 to create the Lucille Terrell MANRRS Scholarship in the College of Agricultural Sciences, designate a scarlet oak in The Arboretum at Penn State as “Lucille’s Tree” and name one of the Arboretum’s future Fountain Garden seat walls in her honor.

Researchers get $2M NSF grant to develop Africa water-food-energy network

July 29, 2022

A team of Penn State researchers has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a three-institution team developing the “SustainFood Network,” which will link scientists, communities and policymakers in addressing challenges at the nexus of water, energy and food security in Africa.

Researchers get $2M NSF grant to develop Africa water-food-energy network

July 27, 2022

A researcher in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to lead a three-institution team developing the “Sustainfood Network,” which links scientists, communities and policymakers to address challenges in Africa at the nexus of water, energy and food security.

Torrey pine genetic research may benefit efforts to save chestnut, ash trees

July 20, 2022

A new genomic study of the rarest pine tree in the world, the Torrey pine, aimed at bolstering the case for a genetic rescue of the species barely surviving in the western U.S., revealed the complexity and risk associated with the endeavor. However, a tree geneticist at Penn State who oversaw the research suggests it may benefit efforts she is involved in to save other species in the East.

Water community introduces new council members, director of research

July 18, 2022

New members were elected to the Penn State Water Council and a new director of research was announced for the emerging Water Consortium.

Alumnus creates College of Ag Sciences’ first general graduate fellowship

July 7, 2022

Fueled by a desire to help those who otherwise may not be able to afford to pursue their education, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences alumnus Tom Donaldson committed $400,000 from his future estate to create the T.D. Graduate Fellowship in Agricultural Sciences.

College of Ag Sciences planning new embedded course with travel to Antarctica

June 29, 2022

Penn State students will have the chance to explore Antarctica through a new embedded course, “Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment,” offered in the fall 2023 semester.

Secrets of reptile and amphibian aging revealed

June 23, 2022

An international team of 114 scientists, led by Penn State and Northeastern Illinois University, reports the most comprehensive study of aging and longevity to date comprising data collected in the wild from 107 populations of 77 species of reptiles and amphibians worldwide.

Forest ecologist Marc Abrams retires from College of Ag Sciences after 35 years

June 14, 2022

Marc Abrams, professor of forest ecology and physiology and the Nancy and John Steimer Professor of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State, will retire at the end of June as one of the world’s leading forest ecologists.