Science in Action to Improve the Sustainability of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Food Systems
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Perspectives on Sustainability - CSANR Blog
May 25, 2017
Dave Crowder will investigate microbial mediation of disease resistance, pollinator attraction, and crop yield in apples. Photo: J & P Donaho, Flickr c.c.
We’ve arrived at the 10th year that CSANR has held a competitive process to select seed projects under the BIOAg Grant Program. This year’s selections bring us to a total of 91 funded project proposals, standard and integrated. The program is one key way that the Center achieves its goal of incubating research and educational activities that advance the sustainability of agriculture in the state. In addition, the program has supported a number of graduate students who have and will pursue careers in academia, industry and community leadership with a focus on sustainability.
Could predatory flies provide early season control of spotted wing drosophila in red raspberry?
May 22, 2017
Featured BIOAg research: Potential for early season control of spotted wing drosophila by predatory flies (Scathophagidae) as a secondary benefit of manure amendments in red raspberry
Spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is considered the most important pest of soft fruit in Washington State. Current control methods require weekly insecticide applications, which are unsustainable. So far however, no effective biological controls have been identified. Large numbers of yellow dung flies were observed in a Whatcom County red raspberry field following an early spring manure application. This prompted an investigation into the potential of yellow dung flies to impact SWD populations by feeding on overwintering females returning to berry fields early spring.
Spotted wing drosophila on raspberry [male in focus (L), female out of focus (R)]. Photo: B. Gerdeman
May 18, 2017
Researchers: Serena Chung, John Harrison, Brian Lamb, and Tsengel Nergui
Widespread use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers and fossil fuel combustion have led to significant increases in reactive nitrogen emissions and deposition globally. Emissions are any transfer of nitrogen compounds from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere, while deposition describes transfer from the atmosphere back to the surface. Excess nitrogen is a serious environmental concern for many reasons including causing eutrophication of terrestrial and aquatic systems and contributing to global climate change. Within the Northwest, there are pressing questions about the degree to which agricultural practices contribute to excess nitrogen and its associated environmental consequences.
News and Announcements
Hands-On Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Field Day May 25th
May 4, 2017
Professional Development Program RFP posted
February 16, 2017
Feb. 15 deadline for food-energy-water collaboration
January 25, 2017
