Seminar Archives
January 20, 2017

Using formative assessments to improve critical thinking and writing skills

SYDNEY BROWN
Assistant Director, Innovative Instructional Design, UNL Online & Distance Education

Faculty know writing improves critical thinking and that writing skills are essential for future success, but find giving feedback on and grading long written work, such as term papers, to be prohibitively time consumptive. In this seminar session, we will look at four assessment techniques making use of short written work that improve high-level learning such as analytic thinking and synthesis, but which also improve writing skills and give faculty keen insight into students’ understanding of course concepts.

Presentation.pdf
(See last page for links to additional information)

January 27, 2017

Thinking differently about extension work

CHUCK HIBBERD
Dean and Director, Nebraska Extension

Advancement in teaching and learning methods for Extension professionals is evolving the way we engage Nebraskans. Also, the roles of Extension Educators and Specialists are evolving as we think about collaboration and accomplishment. Our opportunity in this age of digital engagement can strengthen our relationships with learners in ways that enhance outcomes. This will be an interactive seminar on modern Extension methods and applications.
January 20, 2017

Engineering empowerment: Science literacy through engineering design

JENNY KESHWANI
Science Literacy Specialist and Assistant Professor, UNL Biological Systems Engineering

The IANR Science Literacy Initiative fosters a society with an enhanced capacity, for both individuals and groups to make effective decisions grounded in STEM-informed analyses of complex, real-world challenges. In this presentation Jenny Keshwani will describe several projects that use the engineering design process to promote science literacy.
February 10, 2017

Functional genomics investigation of seed and vegetative development in maize and sorghum

DAVID HOLDING
Associate Professor, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture and Center for Plant Science Innovation

This seminar will describe the generation and characterization of mutants for identification of modifier genes in the high-lysine Quality Protein Maize variant. David Holding will also describe our mutagenesis, mapping and candidate gene pipeline for general functional genomics of seed development and mineral homeostasis in maize. Finally, he will describe a gene editing approach for improving sorghum digestibility.
February 17, 2017

Creating a new generation of systems thinkers: Agroecology and phenomenology

CHARLES FRANCIS
Professor, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture, Visiting Professor of Agroecology, Norwegian University Life Sciences

Agroecology has emerged as an alternative and holistic approach to systems thinking in education, applying phenomenology and practical experience along with science as valuable foundations for learning. Working with farmers and food system professionals, student teams use open-ended case studies to pursue education for responsible action. Agroecology explores production, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of food systems, with innovative programs in Norway, U.S. Midwest, Sweden, Uganda, Ethiopia, and India, as well as many countries in Latin America.
February 24, 2017

Translating research into impact: Thoughts on weed science extension

CHRIS PROCTOR
Assistant Extension Educator, Weed Management, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture

The importance of research data to inform extension outreach is widely recognized. Nevertheless, one of the challenges facing extension professionals is effectively translating research data into impactful information. While this challenge is not new, this seminar will consider how we might continue to make progress on enhancing the impact of extension related research outcomes.
March 3, 2017

Corn residue utilization effects on yield, crop water use and the soil resource

MARTY SCHMER
Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS

Corn residue or stover has been used for decades for grazing, livestock bedding, or harvested as supplemental feed for beef and non-lactating dairy cattle. There are multiple advantages to utilizing corn residue, including managing residue quantity in high production fields, supplemental revenue, and a simple, cost-effective method of integrating crop-livestock systems. In addition to its use for the livestock industry, corn residue is the primary feedstock for a fledgling cellulosic bioenergy industry. This seminar will look at current USDA-ARS research on corn residue utilization in Nebraska and in the Corn Belt Region.
March 10, 2017
Video not available.

Exploiting fungal microbiomes for plant stress resistance and improved yields in cotton agroecosystems

GREG SWORD
Professor & Charles R. Parencia Chair in Cotton Entomology, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University

Beneficial fungal endophytes can confer protection to plants from a variety of stressors and improve yields in major agricultural crops. This talk will highlight progress in the targeted application of fungal endophytes in cultivated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) to mediate resistance to multiple stressors including insects, nematodes and drought, with significant positive impacts on plant performance and yields in the field.
September 2016

Creating a new generation of systems thinkers: Agroecology and phenomenology

CHARLES FRANCIS
Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Visiting Professor of Agroecology, Norwegian University Life Sciences

Agroecology has emerged as an alternative and holistic approach to systems thinking in education, applying phenomenology and practical experience along with science as valuable foundations for learning. Working with farmers and food system professionals, student teams use open-ended case studies to pursue education for responsible action. Agroecology explores production, economic, environmental, and social dimensions of food systems, with innovative programs in Norway, U.S. Midwest, Sweden, Uganda, Ethiopia, and India, as well as many countries in Latin America.
March 15, 2017

Stalk Lodging: Insights from Structural Engineering

DOUGLAS COOK
Crop Biomechanics Laboratory, Assistant Professor of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi

Douglas Cook’s research focuses on crop biomechanics. The aim of his research is to quantify factors than are predictive of crop stalk strength. To accomplish this goal, he has worked closely with academic and industry scientists to characterize stalk failure, design stalk testing protocols, perform stalk strength experiments, assess stalk geometry, design devices for measuring stalk strength and record the sounds produced by growing corn. His research has been supported by grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and industry. His research findings have been published in fields as diverse as acoustics, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, agronomy, medicine and botany. Cook earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Utah State along with minors in mathematics and Mandarin Chinese. He also received a master’s and doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University.
March 23, 2017

Glyphosate-Resistant Weeds in Ontario, Canada - Distribution and Control

PETER SIKKEMA
Professor, Weed Management – Field Crops, University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, Ontario

Peter Sikkema’s research focuses on the development of precision weed management programs in corn, soybean, edible bean and cereals to improve the level of weed control, reduce crop injury, increase crop yield and maximize net returns to Ontario producers. Recent or current projects include crop tolerance and weed management in corn; soybean, edible beans and cereals; benefits of two-pass weed management strategies in Roundup Ready corn and soybean; control of problem weeds in corn, soybean and wheat; surveys on the distribution of glyphosate-resistant (GR) weeds in Ontario; and development of strategies for the control of GR weeds in Ontario. There are four weed species with confirmed resistance to glyphosate in Ontario, among the 37 globally known GR weeds. These include giant ragweed (seed collected in 2008), Canada fleabane (seed collected in 2010), common ragweed (seed collected in 2011) and waterhemp (seed collected in 2014). Surveys show that over time the number of locations is increasing and GR weeds are found over a wider geographical area. Field trials were established at various sites with GR giant ragweed, Canada fleabane, common ragweed and waterhemp in 2010–2016 to evaluate control options in corn, soybean and wheat. Sikkema will speak about the importance of implementing weed management practices that limit the selection of additional GR weeds. Long-term approaches to weed management will be presented.
March 31, 2017

Regulating plants: The diverse and essential roles of hormone amino acid conjugates

PAUL STASWICK
Professor, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture

Conjugating amino acids to jasmonic and indole-3-acetic acids is critical for proper regulation of plant growth, development and defense response. Recent study of the enzyme family responsible for conjugation will be highlighted to illustrate their surprisingly diverse roles in activating, inactivating and changing the biological function of these signal molecules.
April 7, 2017

Response surface methodology in genomic prediction

REKA HOWARD
Assistant Professor, UNL Statistics

Response Surface Methodology (RSM) is a strategy to aid accurate predictions for genomic prediction (GP) methods and will be described in this seminar. RSM will be illustrated with a simulated example on double haploid lines with factors such as the number of progeny, markers, QTLs, genetic architecture of the population, and heritability.
April 13, 2017

Breeding for heat tolerance in Pearl millet: a pioneering effort at ICRISAT

SK GUPTA
Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, ICRISAT Head Quarters in India

SK Gupta has a Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and about 20 years of experience in breeding of several crops—pearl millet, chickpea, pigeon pea, green gram, red gram, Sesbania and black gram.
In his earlier role as legume breeder, he released about 12 cultivars of different legume crops. He has been working with International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics since 2008 and is now leading the Pearl Millet Breeding Program at ICRISAT head quarters in India. He is engaged in the development of diverse range of pearl millet hybrid parents (both seed and restorer parents) which are utilized by public and private sector breeding program to develop hybrids for different geographies.
Gupta is leading a consortium of seed companies engaged in pearl millet research, with about 30 members, and providing them materials for developing hybrids. He has been coordinating pearl millet breeding activities for ICRISAT in Eastern and Western African countries in some of the mega-projects. Recently, he was product line coordinator for the CGIAR Research Program – Dryland Cereals for promoting hybrids in SA and ESA countries. He has published about 70 research papers in prominent journals, is guiding post-graduate students, and is currently engaged in about 12 projects in different capacities.
April 14, 2017

Expanding integrated agricultural systems using multidisciplinary research and extension strategies

DAREN REDFEARN
Associate Professor, UNL Agronomy and Horticulture

The identification, development, and evaluation of agronomically sound, environmentally acceptable and economically viable forage-crop-livestock systems is fundamental to agricultural diversification. Our efforts towards developing such systems will be described.
April 21, 2017

Emerald ash borer: An agent of change

ABBY STILWELL
Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine

Stilwell will address how the emerald ash borer (EAB) and other wood-boring pests transformed landscapes and legislation and what’s being done to manage it. This presentation will discuss everything you wanted to know about the impacts of EAB, but were afraid to ask.
September 15, 2017

Responses of sorghum and wheat modified for increased usability to pathogens

DEANNA FUNNELL-HARRIS
Research Plant Pathologist, Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, USDA-ARS; Adjunct Associate Professor, Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Funnell-Harris' research focuses on responses of sorghum metabolically modified for increased usability, to grain and stalk pathogens. Recently, she has studied the response of modified wheat to the insidious disease, Fusarium head scab. The surprising results have demonstrated that these changes do not always result in a more susceptible plant.
September 29, 2017

Harnessing components of the root microbiome for integrated management of soilborne plant diseases

TONY ADESEMOYE
Assistant Professor and Disease Management Specialist, Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, West Central Research and Extension Center, North Platte

Soilborne diseases are difficult to manage and continue to cause yield losses in row crops. Rhizoctonia and Fusarium are two important soilborne pathogens. This presentation will discuss research to harness beneficial components of the microbiome for integrated management of soilborne diseases, including extension components.
October 6, 2017

Fixing the soybean nitrogen credit: Is cropping systems diversity always good?

MICHAEL CASTELLANO
Frankenberger Professor of Soil Science, Agronomy, Iowa State University

Two cropping systems dominate the Midwest: continuous corn and corn–soybean rotation. Corn-soybean rotation produces 15 percent more corn despite 25 percent less nitrogen fertilizer. Mike Castellano will discuss the ecosystem processes contributing to this so-called "soybean nitrogen credit" while considering underappreciated environmental impacts of the two systems.
October 20, 2017

Serendipitous applied agronomy: Extension and research in the blender (and some philosophy)

ROGER ELMORE
Professor and Extension Cropping Systems Agronomist, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Serendipitous agronomic research capitalizes on "rare" environmental situations that most agronomists and certainly farmers hope to never experience. Over the course of a few decades though, it is surprising how often the results of these nearly spontaneous research projects prove useful. This type of work represents a blend of extension and research and will be discussed in this seminar.
October 27, 2017
Video not available for this seminar.

How and why does the season and frequency of burning affect plant biomass production?

TIMOTHY DICKSON
Assistant Professor, Biology, University of Nebraska Omaha

This seminar will present results of a decades-long Nebraska experiment manipulating burning and mowing season and frequency. Results indicate autumn burning increases biomass production the same amount as the spring burning commonly used to increase rangeland forage production, and that increased biomass production is not due to warmer spring soil temperatures.
November 3, 2017
Video not available for this seminar.

Assembling soil microbiomes that modify plant traits

JENNY KAO-KNIFFIN
Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Cornell University

The soil surrounding roots holds a diverse array of microorganisms that can influence plant development. Microbial experimental systems can be used to tease apart components of the microbiome responsible for trait development in plants. I will be discussing the concept of assembling microbiomes that alter specific plant traits, in hopes of developing microbial technologies that enhance agricultural sustainability.
November 10, 2017
Video not available for this seminar.

Integrating genomics and bioinformatics in the wheat breeding program for the development of superior cultivars

VIKAS BELAMKAR
Research Assistant Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Vikas Belamkar will highlight the evaluation and utilization of genotyping-by-sequencing, marker-assisted selection, and genomic prediction for cultivar development. Real case scenarios and success stories from the collaborative USDA-University of Nebraska-Lincoln wheat breeding program will be shared.
November 17, 2017

Changing cell walls to improve sorghum for bioenergy and forage uses

SCOTT SATTLER
Research Molecular Biologist, USDA-ARS; Adjunct Associate Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Scott Sattler will provide an overview on sorghum research to alter phenylpropanoid metabolism through brown midrib mutants (bmr) and transgenic approaches. He will discuss how these changes affect lignin, phenolic constituents and biomass conversion of sorghum. The effects of altering lignin synthesis on sorghum-insect interactions also will be discussed.
December 1, 2017
Video not available for this seminar.

Switchgrass metabolism

GAUTAM SARATH
Research Molecular Biologist, Wheat, Sorghum and Forage Research Unit, USDA-ARS; Adjunct Professor, Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

An overview of studies on switchgrass conducted over the last few years will be discussed. Switchgrass is a perennial warm-season grass targeted as a bioenergy species. Knowledge about molecular changes accompanying dormancy and responses to biotic stressors will be needed to breed elite germplasm with improved winter survival and biotic resistance. Such data will be broadly applicable to other native perennial species as well.