She succeeds Ray Hammerschmidt, who plans to retire.

Byrne, who holds a doctoral degree, has worked at MSU as the plant pathology diagnostician since 1999, after earning a B.S. in plant science from Cornell University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in plant pathology from MSU.

In addition to her diagnostic role, Byrne teaches plant pathology to students in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology and has served alongside Hammerschmidt as the associate director for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network since 2003.

For more than 20 years, Hammerschmidt, a PhD, served as the faculty coordinator for the MSU diagnostics lab and the director for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. His work during this time has grown and strengthened the training and networking capacity of diagnosticians to benefit MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics clients and the regional and national networks, according to a news release.

In addition to those roles, Hammerschmidt is an accomplished professor of plant pathology, focusing on physiology and biochemistry of disease and disease resistance in cucurbits, potatoes, cherries, arabidopsis (small flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard), and soybeans.

Hammerschmidt also taught MSU’s core plant pathology class, two graduate plant pathology courses and served in various administrative roles including the chair of the former Department of Plant Pathology, interim director of MSU Extension and Project GREEEN advisor.

In July 2022, after almost 42 years of dedicated service to MSU and the greater community, Hammerschmidt retired. He stayed on as professor emeritus and worked part time on research, Project GREEEN and the transition of leadership of the Plant & Pest Diagnostics and North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. He plans to “retire again” at the end of 2024.

When asked about his successor, Hammerschmidt commented, “I’m very pleased that Dr. Byrne has accepted the directorship of Plant & Pest Diagnostics. She is already very well-known for her excellence as a plant pathology diagnostician and Plant & Pest Diagnostics team member. She has a very clear vision for how the Plant & Pest Diagnostics will continue to provide excellent service while growing and evolving to meet changing needs. As the associate director of North Central Plant Diagnostic Network, she has provided valuable assistance and guidance to both me and members at the regional and national levels. I have no doubt that Jan will excel in her new position and continue to move diagnostics forward!”

MSU has offered plant-related diagnostic services to the public and local and national agricultural communities for more than 25 years. Services include identification of plant pests and plant health analysis spanning pathology, entomology, nematology and abiotic issues.

As the North Central Plant Diagnostic Regional Center for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network, MSU has faculty and staff devoted to each of these diagnostic disciplines and continues to expand its capabilities through advances in molecular diagnostics.

The services at Plant & Pest Diagnostics will remain unchanged and Byrne will continue to serve as the plant pathology diagnostician and teach in her new leadership position.

— Erin Hill, Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

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Growers and industry individuals can participate virtually.

The BTI’s 2024 Centennial Symposium is scheduled for Aug. 8-9 at its Ithaca, New York, headquarters.

The special two-day event promises to be an enriching experience filled with insightful talks, engaging discussions, and opportunities to connect, according to a news release.

“Our Institute only turns 100 once, and we would be honored to have you join us for this special occasion, either in-person or virtually,” according to the release.

Speakers include:

• Alexa Schmitz, co-founder & CEO of REEgen, a startup that uses bacteria to extract rare earth elements (REEs) from low-grade sources at low temperature and pressure.

• Daniel Voytas, professor at the University of Minnesota

• Eddie Watkins, professor of Biology at Colgate University

Career panel speakers:

• Eddie Watkins, professor of biology at Colgate University

• Julian Avila Pacheco, research scientist at the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT

• Mariko Matsuda Alexander, editorial manager at Bio-Rad Laboratories

• Daniel Evanich, development scientist at New England Biolabs

• Rebecca Povilus, USDA geneticist and vegetable germplasm curator

Founded in 1924, the Ithaca, New York, institute is an independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with Cornell University that promotes plant science research to advance discoveries in plant sciences to develop sustainable and resilient agriculture, food insecurity and improve human health.

Read more about the symposium here.

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In the intricate nexus of agriculture and economics, the National Plant Diagnostic Network emerges as a pivotal force. The fragility of our agricultural ecosystems is evidenced by the potential havoc a single plant pathogen can wreak on food chains and industries worth billions. 

The interception of such threats before they inflict economic carnage is a testament to the indispensable role of early detection and diagnostics, which not only prevent staggering financial losses but also preserve the integrity of the ecosystem. A fiscal examination further substantiates the high returns on investment in plant health, where even minimal funding could save millions by averting the costly repercussions of disease outbreaks. 

The economic rationale for fully funding the NPDN is unequivocal, positioning it as not only a protector of natural heritage but a strategic defender against the perils of underfunding.

Economic rationale and analysis

It is conservatively estimated that NPDN’s early detection and diagnostic capabilities save tens to hundreds of millions of dollars annually by preventing economic losses in agriculture and preserving ecosystem services. Smart offers a vivid example, recounting how NPDN’s proficiency potentially saved over $990,000 in plant value in just one regulated pathogen case.  

The perils of underfunding

Should funding for NPDN stagnate, the implications are dire. The U.S. would witness outdated diagnostic equipment failing to detect new pathogen strains, leading to unchecked spread and crop destruction. The oak and tanoak trees in California and Oregon, for example, might have succumbed to a regulated pathogen, translating into losses exceeding the market value of $50 million in timber and ecosystem services. With pests and diseases costing the global economy more than $220 billion annually, the U.S. cannot afford to fall behind in plant health diagnostics.

Strategic alignment with national goals

The alignment of NPDN’s mission with national security and biosecurity goals is unequivocal. With the detection of over 1,800 pathogens in new locales throughout 2023, NPDN’s role in preempting threats to the U.S. agricultural system—worth billions in trade—is clear. Without the network, the cascading effect of unchecked pathogens on crop yield, trade embargoes, and food supply resilience would be profound.

Federal funding efficiency and critique

The budgetary analysis reveals a stark reality: with current funding levels, NPDN operates on a mere 20% of the funds required to run state-based diagnostic labs. Static funding jeopardizes the network’s ability to respond to emerging threats, maintain critical equipment, and provide essential training. The network’s highly leveraged efficiency in utilizing federal dollars is unparalleled, yet the constant threat of budgetary stagnation endangers its ability to protect an agricultural export market valued at $135.5 billion in 2021.

The imperative for modernization

Allocating additional funds for technological advancements and first-detector training is not just recommended but essential for maintaining pace in the ever-evolving battle against new pathogens. The absence of such investment leaves our diagnostic labs vulnerable, potentially resulting in significant financial repercussions for the industry, including yield losses, costly control measures, and market restrictions. Therefore, a strategic approach to funding is crucial for the continuous innovation required to safeguard our agricultural future.

The cost of neglecting these areas is quantifiably substantial; without dedicated investment, diagnostic labs could fall critically behind, leading to unchecked pathogen spread. This neglect could manifest in annual industry losses potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars through reduced yields, increased expenditure on control measures, and imposed market restrictions. Thus, proactive fiscal commitment is indispensable to preclude such sizable economic deficits and to ensure ongoing innovation in protecting our agriculture.

Opportunities for collaboration and expansion

Current funding constraints mean missed opportunities for collaboration and expansion. The potential for a multiplicative effect of invested dollars is immense: for every dollar spent on NPDN, the return is not just in safeguarded crops but also in educational outreach and enhanced biosecurity. Investment here would pay dividends in building a more resilient agricultural sector capable of withstanding the trials of climate change and globalization.

Call to action

With the NPDN requiring a fraction of the Farm Bill’s multi-billion-dollar allocation to operate at full capacity, the choice is clear. Fully funding NPDN means protecting billions in agricultural assets, securing the jobs of millions of Americans, and preserving the cornerstone of our food security. The cost of inaction is not just the dollars lost; it is the irreversible damage to our nation’s agricultural heritage and the future it sustains.

— By Natacha Rousseau and Alicyn Smart, Guest Contributors

Alicyn Smart directs the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab, the Regional Center for the Northeast Plant Diagnostic Network (NEPDN), and is the Deputy Executive Director of the National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN). The Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab identifies diseases present on samples submitted and provides a management plan in the form of a diagnostic report to homeowners, farmers, the lawn care industry and nurseries to Maine residents and beyond. Smart identifies areas where research in plant pathology is needed. 

Natacha Rousseau specializes in sustainability, climate technology and plant pathology. She holds a Master’s in International Political Economy and a Bachelor’s in International Relations and Art History. Rousseau has promoted environmental sustainability as the senior public relations director at KlimaDAO and by leading campaigns at Diplomatiq. Currently, she is a lead communications consultant at The American Phytopathological Society (APS).

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The 2025 edition of the conference will be offered as a hybrid and bilingual event.

It will feature four days of virtual workshops and numerous in-person gatherings across the state.

The conference is geared to support smaller-scale farmers, ranchers and local food advocates by promoting education, resources and critical conversations.

Organized by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the event invites experts, farmers, service providers and advocates to share their knowledge and experiences.

Past conferences covered topics including whole orchard nutrient cycling, climate change adaption strategies, land stewardship, expanding food access for all with online SNAP payments for farmers, integrating livestock into cropping systems, growing relationships between growers and state prisons, increasing landscape resilience through whole systems planning, and transforming rural healthcare.

Workshop proposals are open for submission until Sept. 15, 2024. The conference also seeks sponsorships.

For more information, visit here.

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University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, UC Cooperative Extension and the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics recently released the report.

The “2024 Sample Costs to Establish, Produce and Harvest Blackberries” can be downloaded from the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics website.

“The study provides growers with a baseline to estimate their own costs, which can help when applying for production loans, projecting labor costs, securing market arrangements or understanding costs associated with water and nutrient management and regulatory programs,” Brittney Goodrich, UC Cooperative Extension specialist and study co-author, said in a news release.

The cost study models a management scenario for a 30-acre farm, 15 acres of which are planted to blackberries. The remaining acres are planted to other berries or are used for the irrigation system, roads and buildings. The authors describe the cultural practices used for the establishment, production and harvest of blackberries, including land preparation, soil fertility and pest management, irrigation and labor needs.

The 28-page study shows costs for each operation, material inputs and costs, and cash and non-cash overhead costs in a variety of formats for an establishment year and then four additional production years. A ranging analysis for the four production years is also included and shows potential profits or losses over a range of prices and yields, according to the release.

For a detailed explanation of the assumptions and calculations used to estimate the costs and potential returns, readers can refer to the narrative portion of the study.

Sample cost of production studies for many other commodities grown in California are also available on the website.

For more information, contact Mark Bolda, University of California Cooperative Extension farm advisor, at mpbolda@ucanr.edu or Jeremy Murdock in the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics at jmmurdock@ucdavis.edu.

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition and youth development, its mission is to improve the lives of all Californians.

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Maria Harrison is an adjunct professor in the section of plant pathology and plant-microbe biology at Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science.

The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) celebrates the election of Harrison as a Fellow of the Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences. Harrison is the institute’s William H. Crocker Professor.

Election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society is extended to individuals who have made substantial contributions to improving natural knowledge, including mathematics, engineering science, and medical science.

“Harrison joins an exceptional group of over 90 researchers from across the world who have been elected to the Fellowship this year,” Sir Adrian Smith, the Royal Society’s president, said in a news release. “This new cohort has already made significant contributions to our understanding of the world around us and continues to push the boundaries of possibility in academic research and industry.”

The honor recognizes Harrison’s contributions to understanding plant-fungal symbioses, which play crucial roles in plant nutrient uptake and soil health. Her work has shed light on the mechanisms underlying their development, nutrient transport, and regulation, according to the release.

Harrison’s research has advanced understanding of how plants accommodate fungal endosymbionts within their root cells and how reciprocal transfer of phosphate and carbon between the two partners is achieved.

Harrison studied microbiology at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and plant molecular biology at the University of Manchester, Institute of Science and Technology where she obtained her Ph.D. in 1987. She joined the Plant Biology Division of the Noble Foundation in Oklahoma as a postdoctoral researcher, where subsequently, as a staff scientist, initiated research on arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis. In 2003, she moved to the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research located at Cornell University.

Harrison has served on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions and several editorial boards including New Phytologist, Annual Reviews of Plant Biology and eLife. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and of the American Academy for Microbiology. She was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 2019.

Harrison has authored papers on a variety of plant science topics as well as studied helping ag become more efficient in using phosphorus, a disappearing nutrient.

“It is a tremendous honor,” Harrison said in the release. “I would like to recognize and thank all of the Harrison lab members and collaborators who have contributed to our research over the years—their achievements built the research record that led to this award. I am also grateful to the BTI staff for their support and to my faculty colleagues at BTI and across the Cornell campus who make this vibrant research community such an enjoyable place to work.”

BTI has a longstanding commitment to advancing plant science research, and Harrison’s election to the Royal Society further reinforces BTI’s position at the forefront of this field, according to the release.

“As the Institute continues to tackle pressing global challenges, such as food security and environmental sustainability, the expertise and insights of researchers like Harrison will be instrumental in finding innovative solutions,” Silvia Restrepo, the institute’s president, said in the release. “We are incredibly proud of Maria’s election to the Royal Society. Her research has advanced our understanding of plant-microbe interactions and their potential to address global challenges in agriculture and environmental sustainability. This recognition is a testament to her dedication, innovation, and passion.”

Founded in 1924, the Ithaca, New York, institute is an independent nonprofit research institute affiliated with Cornell University that promotes plant science research to advance discoveries in plant sciences.

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Building upon the success of its 2023 program, which encompassed more than 10,000 acres across diverse crops, including fruits and vegetables, this year’s initiative marks another milestone in ProGro BIO’s commitment to supporting and expanding regenerative agricultural practices, according to a news release.

The 2024 program, which has already been fully subscribed, is designed to further showcase the efficacy of ProGro BIO’s natural organic microbial soil inoculant, Rhizol.

Comprised of 35 microbial isolates in a highly concentrated form, Rhizol rejuvenates soil biodiversity paving the way for enhanced crop performance, yields, and support of regenerative farming practices, according to the release.

“On the heels of our successful 2023 program, interest in ProGro’s 2024 in program has been extremely well received,” Zach Lancaster, ProGro BIO field director, said in the release. “Buoyed by the success of last year’s program, we are significantly expanding into new geographies and markets with our 2024 program. With over 370 plots across 20 states, this year’s program engages participants from all sectors of agriculture including growers, consultants, universities, and research organizations. Our In-Field programs provide first-hand experience with Rhizol for farmers and crop consultants across the country paired with third-party supervision and data analysis.”

In 2023, ProGro BIO launched one of the largest agricultural in-field trial programs in recent years, spanning 22 states and encompassing numerous crop types. Results from the program demonstrated significant findings including expanded root systems and growth at the seedling stage, accelerated early season vigor, expedited foliar formation and leaf development, increased fruiting activity in the reproductive growth phase and net increases in crop yields, according to the release.

The company launched full commercial sales activities for the 2024 spring planting season.

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, ProGro BIO focuses on soil health and crop productivity through a line of all-natural soil inoculants designed to enhance biodiversity and resilience in agricultural ecosystems. The company’s all-natural organic microbial formulations are the most advanced formulations of beneficial bacterial and fungal strains available on the market. Rhizol is the result of three decades of research and development and testing that can increase crop yields, accelerate plant growth, strengthen soil to better defend against soilborne pathogens and destructive parasitic nematodes, and perpetuate drought resistance, according to the release.

ProGro offers crop protection products for onions, potatoes, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelons, cover crops, and other vegetables.

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The program is a partnership involving Michigan State University, the Michigan Plant Coalition and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The program, which began in 2024 and is administered by MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension, was created to address long-term climate- and water-related challenges in plant agriculture.

Overall, research will examine topics including plant and soil health, carbon sequestration, efficient use of water and protection of water resources. Results will be shared with growers across the state through MSU Extension.

In 2024, the state of Michigan provided a one-time $5 million allocation for a competitive grants program, which supports each of the four new projects at roughly $1.25 million over three years.

“We’re thrilled to announce the first set of projects for this essential program,” George Smith, MSU AgBioResearch’s director, said in a news release. “The review panel received an impressive group of proposals, and the initial research through the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program will set the tone for the initiative. We believe these four projects represent a diverse set of priorities that are critical to climate resiliency and the long-term viability of Michigan agriculture.”

The four funded projects will focus on:

• Increasing resiliency of tree fruit production to climate change through a holistic approach to water, nutrient and soil management. Researchers will work to develop a climate-smart technology that can optimize irrigation and fertilizer management to make timely decisions, as well as maximize water and fertilizer use efficiency. The principal investigator is Younsuk Dong, an assistant professor in the Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering.

• Creating a decision-support system that promotes sustainable farming by providing insights into climate-smart approaches. The goal of the project is to develop a statewide tool that integrates socioeconomic analysis, groundwater flow, nutrient and pollutant fate and transport modeling, and field observations. The principal investigator is Pouyan Nejadhashemi, an MSU Foundation Professor in the departments of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, and Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences. He is also a director of the Center for

• Intelligent Water Resources Engineering.
  Providing Michigan field crop farmers the information they need to build climate-resilient cropping systems. Using an innovative and multidisciplinary approach that engages field crop farmers as partners, the research team will assess factors influencing climate adaptation and mitigation of major commodity crops in Michigan. Researchers will explore how regenerative agriculture practices enhance soil health and yield stability, evaluate the relationship between soil health and greenhouse gas emissions, and identify factors that influence farmer adoption of climate-smart practices. The principal investigator is Christine Sprunger, an assistant professor in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences based at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station. Sprunger is also a faculty member in the MSU Plant Resilience Institute.

• Addressing specific pest management concerns regarding the effects of erratic weather on early season management, bloom prediction and late-season management in apple, blueberry, cherry and grape production systems. The goals of the project are to develop resilient disease management strategies, adaptive insect pest control measures, integrated bloom prediction models and effective outreach strategies for stakeholder engagement. The principal investigator is Julianna Wilson, an assistant professor in the Department of Entomology.

“One of the foundational aspects of this program is that it’s grounded in on-farm research and outreach,” Quentin Tyler, MSU Extension’s director, said in the release. “Through our strong partnerships with Michigan growers and the agriculture industries, these projects will allow us to produce and deliver highly relevant, usable recommendations.”

In addition to the competitive grants, the Agricultural Climate Resiliency Program is also conducting a faculty and Extension educator cluster hire to expand MSU expertise on topics such as the economic impact of climate change on Michigan farms, water quality with an emphasis on nutrient flow and retention, and modeling climate-smart agriculture practices, according to the release.

A recurring $1 million investment from the state of Michigan is supporting the positions, as well as $1.5 million for startup packages from the MSU Office of Research and Innovation.

For more information on the program, visit here.

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BioTek Ag is a North Carolina-based agricultural company with more than three decades of experience helping farmers improve and protect crop yields. It manufactures and provides specialized nutrients, nitrogen stabilizers and other products that improve soil biology and enhance the effectiveness of crop inputs.“BioTek Ag is a trusted provider of private-label solutions that help farmers become more sustainable and profitable,” Greg Thompson, chairman of the Custom Agronomics board of directors and senior operating partner at Inverness Graham, said in the news release. “This acquisition immediately enhances our portfolio of nutrient use efficiency products, expands our footprint, and strengthens our overall team.”

BioTek Ag will become part of Custom Agronomics.

“Custom Agronomics is an ideal partner for BioTek’s next chapter of growth,” BioTek Ag founders Jim Wendling and Kim Tart said in the release. “We share a commitment to delivering exceptional products and service through private label offerings and believe there is a strong cultural fit between the two organizations. The capabilities of the combined platform will allow us to better serve customers who are focused on increasing production and maximizing their return on investment.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

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The partnership provides the Dartmouth, NS, Canada-based Acadian’s U.S. customers with increased ease of access to products and local technical expertise, in line with the company’s commitment to bring innovative solutions to the agricultural industry, according to a news release.

“This partnership gives our U.S. customers access to Acadian products even faster and provides them with better on-the-ground expert support,” Candace Azad, Acadian’s vice president of North America, said in the release. “Koppert’s expertise and dedication to innovation align perfectly with our mission to deliver cutting-edge biological solutions, and we’re excited to work together for the benefit of our customers.”

Through the partnership, Acadian customers gain access to an expanded support network, which includes additional agronomic advice. Customers also benefit from Koppert’s robust logistics capabilities, including additional warehousing and a dedicated delivery fleet, ensuring faster shipping times, according to the release.

Koppert now distributes Acadian and Acadian Organic to U.S. retail customers in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

Acadian Plant Health is a biostimulant company with a core focus on sustainable, science-based biological solutions for specialty and broad-acre crops.

Based in Howell, Michigan, Koppert USA’s Koppert Biological Systems (KBSI) is an agricultural crop protection and natural pollination supplier. KBSI provides biological solutions to the horticulture and agriculture industries.

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