Fall 2022 Seminars
Seminars will be in person, streamed live and recorded at 3:30 p.m. CST/CDT in Keim Hall, Room 150, unless otherwise noted.
Join via Zoom at: https://go.unl.edu/agrohortseminar
Download Fall 2022 Seminars Poster
Irrigation Across the Great Plains
DEREK HEEREN, associate professor and irrigation engineer, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
SALEH TAGHVAEIAN, associate professor and irrigation and water resources engineer, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Irrigation plays a critical role in agricultural production across the Great Plains. A water resources perspective underscores the need for good irrigation engineering and management. Irrigation research and extension activities in Oklahoma and Nebraska will be discussed, along with the status of irrigated agriculture in Nebraska and opportunities for collaboration.
Omic Approaches to Decipher Crop Responses to Arthropod Pests
LISE PINGAULT, senior research associate, Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Understanding innate plant defense mechanisms against arthropod pests will provide more information about genes, metabolites and/or regulatory pathways in crops, which will be extremely valuable for plant engineering approaches. In the Molecular Plant-Insect Interactions Lab, multi-omic approaches to characterize crops defense mechanisms in response to chewing and sap-sucking insects, as well as mites, is used.
Exploring Co-learning in Agroecology
CHARLES “CHUCK” FRANCIS, professor emeritus, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Francis will present on co-learning — an educational strategy to build ownership among teachers, students, farmers and administrators in the learning process. He will discuss how to involve everyone in decision-making to discover optimum course content and activities and how to evaluate supporting and hindering forces in making this transformational change in education.
What’s Light Got to Do With It? Exploring the Role of Plant-reflected Light in Crop Yield Loss and Weed Management
ANDREW KNISS, department head and professor of weed science, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie
Early-emerging weeds negatively affect crop yield potential, but the mechanisms by which weeds reduce crop yield are not fully understood. Yield loss is typically attributed to resource depletion by weeds. In this presentation, Kniss will summarize several years of research on shade avoidance responses in sugarbeet and the subsequent impacts on yield.
We Are Growable: Developing Systems Thinking Through Games
JENNY KESHWANI, associate professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering and a science literacy specialist, Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Game-based learning is a pedagogical approach for engaging diverse students in locally relevant conservation issues. Keshwani will discuss how game experiences help youth explore complex agroecosystems, develop systems thinking habits of mind, and practice making personal and societal decisions related to sustainability and conservation.
Transforming Agriculture Research Through Digital On-farm Research
LAURA THOMPSON, extension educator, Nebraska Extension, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Advancements in digital agriculture tools have increased the scale and complexity of agricultural challenges which can be addressed through on-farm research. On-farm research has the potential to center farmers in the discovery and innovation process and integrate the research, extension and teaching missions of the university. Thompson will discuss the opportunities to leverage the changing landscape of on-farm experimentation drawing examples from the 30+ years of on-farm research in Nebraska Extension.
Communicating Science to Public Audiences
HEATHER AKIN, assistant professor, Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Science communication is increasingly acknowledged as a strategy for engaging public audiences with complex and sometimes controversial science topics. Akin will discuss principles, practice and research related to science communication, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities it poses in Nebraska and beyond.
Attaining Efficacy, Crop Safety, and Sustainability in Cropping Systems: What’s New in the Weed Management Toolbox?
RAMDAS KANISSERY, assistant professor and weed scientist, Department of Horticulture Sciences, Southwest Florida Research & Education Center, University of Florida, Gainesville
Kanissery's presentation will cover novel and alternative approaches for tackling a problem that has troubled crop production forever – weeds. From weed identification apps to herbicide spraying robots, weed management has advanced rapidly in adopting new technologies in the last few decades. He will discuss innovative tools such as precision herbicide placement, steam application, etc., as weed control strategies in citrus orchards and vegetable production systems.
Tackling Nitrogen as Necessary Evil: Impacts on Nebraska’s Cropping System and Water Quality
JAVED IQBAL, assistant professor and extension specialist of soil nutrient management and water quality, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Efficient nitrogen management is imperative in improving crop production while protecting the environment. Iqbal will share his team’s collaborative research and extension efforts with stakeholders in improving nitrogen use efficiency and groundwater quality in Nebraska.
How Do They Survive That? Stress Response in Agrostis
KEENAN AMUNDSEN, professor of turfgrass genetics, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The Agrostis genus includes some of the highest valued turfgrass species, such as A. stolonifera and A. capillaris. These species differ in their functional quality and innate response to various stresses. Genomic and transcriptomic tools were used to characterize differences between these species, providing useful targets for introgression breeding.
Using Incentive-based Management Tools to Help Achieve Groundwater Sustainability Goals
RENATA RIMSAITE, senior program manager, Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute, National Drought Mitigation Center, University of Nebraska
Rimsaite's presentation will focus on agricultural groundwater markets — an incentive-based water management tool used in Nebraska that can provide flexibility and help reduce drought risk for farmers. Groundwater markets in Nebraska are highly variable across the state, and they offer lessons to other regions facing similar groundwater management challenges.