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department of crop science
News   june 2009 plant physiology

June 2009
Plant Physiology





The June 2009 Plant Physiology cover story features research by NCSU Crop Science Researchers.

On the Cover: In this issue, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers are shown by cryo-field emission-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-FE-SEM) and other imaging techniques to form tissue-like bundles during elongation (see Singh et al., pp. 684-699). A specialized outer layer of the primary cell wall fuses fibers into bundles, which then become tightly packed and organized within the boll. The view of the fiber surface that was appressed to the inner boll wall (in the large cryo-FE-SEM image) was revealed when a window (portrayed symbolically in the upper left) was cut in the wall of an 11-DPA cotton boll just prior to rapid freezing. At the onset of secondary wall deposition, fiber individuality is restored by developmentally controlled and spatially targeted cell wall hydrolysis. Contributors to this photomontage were Mark Grimson (Texas Tech University), Candace Haigler and Richard Glick (North Carolina State University), and David Livingston (USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC).
 

  Welcome

Crop Science is a diverse discipline that encompasses research, extension and teaching related to the genetic improvement, production and utilization of agronomic and turfgrass crops. From genetically altering crop plants to withstand drought, to management of biofuel crops, our scientists are working to feed, fuel, and clothe our world's growing population.

Crop Scientists study agronomic crop plants; how they grow and why they die, how to genetically improve the yield of grain, fuel and fiber crops; how to enhance grain nutrition, increase a plant's ability to convert sunlight into usable energy, boost a plants ability to fight off diseases and insects, and produce our crops in an economically and environmentally sustainable way.

Crop Scientists also study turfgrasses. North Carolina has over 2 million acres of turfgrass and our scientists are improving disease and insect resistance of many turfgrass species. A healthy turf is not only attractive but it also provides a safe environment for professional and amateur athletes and protects our soils and natural resources.

The Department of Crop Science offers two distinctly different undergraduate degree programs; a Bachelor of Science in Plant and Soil Science and a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science. Each degree program provides a strong science-based foundation as well as technical and supporting courses related to each individual discipline.