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Research

Explore ACRE’s cutting-edge research projects, where science and collaboration meet to address critical challenges in agriculture and conservation. From advancing sustainable farming practices to developing new technologies for food security and ecosystem preservation, our projects highlight the impactful work being done to shape a resilient and sustainable future.

Financing Nature

Susy Jaramillo, Marketing & Supply Chain Management Department, Chris Ramezanpour

Developing innovative models to finance biodiversity

Speciality Crop Production and Processing

Chris Ramezanpour, Jennifer Mandel, Shawn Brown, Deb Leslie, Wes James

The Mid-South Mississippi Delta has the potential to become a center of agricultural diversity, productivity and prosperity in the U.S.

Agri-STEM Programming and Curriculum

Shawn Brown, Jennifer Mandel

Designing and promoting effective Agri-STEM programming for rural and urban students.

Comparative Genomics of the Flower Development in the Sunflower Family

Jennifer Mandel, Biological Sciences in collaboration with Auburn University and the University of Georgia

This National Science Foundation supported project will increase available genomic tools for the study of the sunflower family and provide novel for gene editing to improve yield and sustainability in the family.

Monitoring Pathogen Buildup in White Oak Outplanted Restoration Sites

Shawn Brown, Biological Sciences in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service

This research includes investigation of biological and climate-based drivers to white oak growth; suitability of white oak provenances; and molecular interactions between white oak and pathogens to inform breeding strategies for enhanced resilience.

Biodiversity Risk Assessments

Jennifer Mandel, Shawn Brown and Leigh Bordman, Biological Sciences

The biodiversity risk assessment can help users identify and prioritize areas for conservation action plans that preserve and restore local area biological diversity, soil health, and ecosystem resilience and reduce downstream business and financial risks in the supply chain.

Microbiome and Water Stress in Sunflowers

Jennifer Mandel & Shawn Brown

Drought stress in crops affects below ground fungal microbiomes. Our work shows that fungal community structure is driven by watering levels and plant genotypes.

Predictive Modeling to Enhance Crop Yield

Eddie Jacobs, Mohammadreza Davoodi, Shawn Brown, Jennifer Mandel

Heterogeneity in soil moisture and mineral content across a landscape influences plant productivity and soil microbial activity.

Monitoring Honey Bee Pest and Pathogens Using Environmental DNA

Leigh Boardman

Healthy honey bees are important for maintaining pollination services. Effective monitoring for emerging pests and diseases is an important aspect of maintaining honey bee health.

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