UNL Fall Seminars Focus on Crop and Soil Innovation

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) Department of Agronomy and Horticulture will launch its fall Agronomy and Horticulture Seminar Series with the theme, “Innovating Agriculture: Transforming Research into Solutions.” The series will focus on advances in crop genetics, soil health, weed management, plant diseases, and postharvest technologies, highlighting research aimed at addressing agricultural challenges.

The seminar series begins Aug. 27 with a presentation by Sophie Alvarez, director of the Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility at the Nebraska Center for Biotechnology and a research professor in agronomy and horticulture. Her seminar, “From Molecules to Fields: Proteomics and Metabolomics at the Frontiers of Agricultural Innovation,” will explore how advanced molecular technologies can contribute to crop improvement and agricultural research.

Alvarez explained that proteomics and metabolomics technologies can help researchers identify biomarkers associated with desirable crop traits and better understand how crops and soil microbiomes respond to environmental stress. She noted that the research can support the development of climate-adapted crops and improve agricultural resilience.

The seminar series will continue throughout the fall and feature speakers from UNL and other universities. Topics will include biological disease control, Palmer amaranth management, soil health and nutrient management, grain infrastructure, crop yield research, sustainable hemp processing, plant science commercialization, soil microbial interactions, gene editing technologies, soybean breeding, and soil biogeochemistry.

All seminars are free and open to the public. Sessions will be held on Thursdays in Keim Hall, Room 150, and streamed live at 11 a.m. CST/CDT, with most presentations also available as recordings. Refreshments will be served before each seminar.

Through the series, UNL aims to showcase innovative agricultural research and provide valuable information for producers, researchers, educators, and industry professionals seeking practical solutions to current and future agricultural challenges.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-sasiistock