Current News
Misra delivers 2024 George Washington Carver Convocation Address
The former director of the Iowa State University Seed Science Center and current director of the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Manjit Misra, delivered the 2024 George Washington Carver Convocation address at Tuskegee University in early February. Read more about Misra delivers 2024 George Washington Carver Convocation Address
SSC to launch training program on life cycle of biotech-derived seeds for Africa
Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center (SSC) is poised to inaugurate an online training program on the life cycle of biotech-derived seeds as part of its scope of work as a sub-awardee to a USAID grant. Read more about SSC to launch training program on life cycle of biotech-derived seeds for Africa
Seed science researcher hopes to use back-to-back grants to help farmers improve their crops and increase their paychecks
An Iowa State University Seed Science Center researcher has received back-to-back grants totaling close to $225,000 from the Iowa Soybean Research Center. Dr. Silvina Arias will use the funding to study two completely different issues with soybeans in an effort to promote sustainable and resilient cropping systems. Read more about Seed science researcher hopes to use back-to-back grants to help farmers improve their crops and increase their paychecks
World Food Prize laureate, FAO director-general, Indian ag research secretary visit the Seed Science Center
The World Food Prize events brought dignitaries from all over the globe to Des Moines, Iowa in October to celebrate global efforts to make the world food secure. Their common stop: Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center (SSC). Read more about World Food Prize laureate, FAO director-general, Indian ag research secretary visit the Seed Science Center
After a career spanning over four decades, retirement is on the horizon for Stahr
It was November 1979 when seed scientist and erstwhile Seed Science Center director Dr. Leroy Everson hired the current manager of Iowa State University’s Seed Laboratory, Michael “Mike” Stahr, as a student seed analyst. Little did he know that this undergraduate adventure would lead to a career that would span nearly 45 years. Read more about After a career spanning over four decades, retirement is on the horizon for Stahr
Scholarship winner is a true “hunger fighter”
A junior studying Environmental Studies, International Agriculture, and Horticulture at Iowa State University (ISU) is this year’s David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” scholarship winner. Jocelyn Pocernich, who has a passion for child nutrition, seed science, and global food security, was recognized at the 2023 World Food Prize celebrations in Des Moines by Dr. Read more about Scholarship winner is a true “hunger fighter”
ISU’s Seed Lab breezes through annual ISO audit
AMES, Iowa – For the second year in a row, the Seed Lab at Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center (SSC) passed an ISO 9001 audit with no non-conformities found. Read more about ISU’s Seed Lab breezes through annual ISO audit
Newly appointed NIFA Director to make a campus call
AMES, Iowa – Dr. Manjit K. Misra, newly appointed director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), returns to Ames, Iowa for a visit after assuming his new role last May. He will be guest of honor at a luncheon and open house at Iowa State University’s (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) on Tuesday, August 15, from noon-3 pm. Read more about Newly appointed NIFA Director to make a campus call
Seed Science Center Leads $845k Effort to Spur Ag Biotech Applications and Seed Systems Development in Asia and Africa
The Seed Science Center (SSC) hosted 26 participants from eight countries in Ames, Iowa from May 20-June 05, 2023 as part of a three-year grant from the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS). Read more about Seed Science Center Leads $845k Effort to Spur Ag Biotech Applications and Seed Systems Development in Asia and Africa
Seed physiologist under cover—under cover crops, that is
In the face of climate change, cover crops are becoming a popular way to protect the soil from water and wind erosion. They form a canopy that shields the soil surface from extreme temperatures and heavy, pounding rains. Cover crops also keep water on the farm by allowing water enough time to soak into the soil, preventing run off. Read more about Seed physiologist under cover—under cover crops, that is
Iowa State University’s Manjit Misra Named Director of USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
AMES, Iowa – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture has named Manjit K. Misra as its new director. Read more about Iowa State University’s Manjit Misra Named Director of USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture
ISA and SSC award 12 scholarships to students with a passion for seed science
AMES, IA – The Iowa State University (ISU) Seed Science Center (SSC) and Iowa Seed Association (ISA) awarded 12 scholarships to 11 students this week at the annual Agribusiness Showcase and Conference. The awards included ten ISA scholarships of $1,000 each, the $1,000 Bill Latham Memorial Scholarship and the $1,000 Lisa Shepherd Jenkins Memorial Scholarship and the $500 Manjit Misra Outstanding S Read more about ISA and SSC award 12 scholarships to students with a passion for seed science
Not all corn seed is created equal
"U.S. farmers are already receiving this benefit, even if they aren’t aware of it.” ~ Dr. Gary Munkvold Read more about Not all corn seed is created equal
Iowa State Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business Celebrates 100th Graduate
The Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB) at Iowa State University (ISU) has had an exciting and productive 2022 and are ending the year with a big celebration!
In November of 2022 the STB program celebrated its 100th graduate with Nick Wilmoth successfully defending his final creative component on developing seedling assays to determine the effectiveness of seed treatments against soil-borne pathogens. Read more about Iowa State Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business Celebrates 100th Graduate
2022 David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” Scholar found his passion early in life
AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University (ISU) Junior in agronomy and agribusiness, Christopher Meyer, is named as the 2022 David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” scholar. Read more about 2022 David Lambert “Hunger Fighter” Scholar found his passion early in life
ISRC funds seed treatment research that could help farmers’ and their soybean crops
AMES, Iowa – National Seed Health System co-director and professor of seed pathology Gary Munkvold, is part of a team awarded $150,000 by The Iowa Soybean Research Center (ISRC) in support of soybean research project at Iowa State University. Read more about ISRC funds seed treatment research that could help farmers’ and their soybean crops
SEED SCIENCE CENTER AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY AND CNFA PARTNER TO ADDRESS GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITY
DES MOINES, Iowa – Cultivating New Frontiers in Agriculture (CNFA), based in Washington, D.C., and the Seed Science Center at Iowa State University, based in Ames, Iowa, have formalized their collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding during the World Food Prize Foundation’s Read more about SEED SCIENCE CENTER AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY AND CNFA PARTNER TO ADDRESS GLOBAL FOOD INSECURITY
Learn how weather effects seed with Dr. Susana Goggi
Seed Physiology and the Environment is a course offered by Iowa State University that provides a learning opportunity for those with experience in the field. This opportunity to study with a renowned professor is presented in online environment using recorded lectures, discussion, and activities that reinforce the concepts of seed physiology. Read more about Learn how weather effects seed with Dr. Susana Goggi
Seed Conditioning and Quality Testing Workshops are Back and In-Person
Iowa State University is once again offering a series of workshops on seed conditioning and quality testing procedures this summer. The workshop dates are rapidly approaching, so we are sending this brief reminder in the event either you or a co-worker might be interested in the program. These are small group sessions that feature a mix of classroom and “hands on” equipment operation in our pilot plant at t Read more about Seed Conditioning and Quality Testing Workshops are Back and In-Person
ISU SSC holds sock and glove drive to help Iowa’s sister state, Cherkasy, Ukraine
People all over the world are showing support for Ukraine as its citizens try to fend off a Russian invasion that has left hundreds dead, thousands homeless and millions fearful of what could become of their country. But for Iowa, it is a personal matter that hits close to home. Read more about ISU SSC holds sock and glove drive to help Iowa’s sister state, Cherkasy, Ukraine