Scientists at NCAUR have developed an inexpensive, environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic insecticides. They discovered that the byproducts of processing mustard seeds into spices and oil can be exploited for controlling mosquitoes in their habitat. This technology demonstrates how plant-based biocontrol agents can be used as practical and ecofriendly bioinsecticides.

Pennycress as cash cover crop to “fuel the bioeconomy” was selected as a top USDA-ARS innovation at the 100^th USDA Ag Outlook Forum. Pennycress was initially discovered as a potential new oil seed crop by scientists at NCAUR. Oils from genetically modified pennycress are playing a role in the project as new and non-edible oil feedstocks for conversion to biofuels and bioproducts.

Identifying the influence of crop species, varieties, and seasonal dynamics on microbial colonization provides valuable insights for developing effective microbial biocontrol. NCAUR scientists are using an interdisciplinary approach, combining field observations and controlled lab experiments, to advance sustainable agriculture practices.

NCAUR scientists isolated fungi and bacteria from corn leaves that may one day be able to control outbreaks of the corn tar spot pathogen. Some of these fungi and bacteria have been able to reduce the releasing of reproductive structures of the tar spot pathogen. Tar spot is a problem in Florida and Midwestern United States.

NCAUR has an ongoing effort to convert agricultural waste to wealth. Scientists at NCAUR have been able to transform lactose, a dairy industry waste, into environmentally friendlier plastics with applications in industry and consumer products. These novel plastics represent a “win-win-win situation” for industry, farmers, and consumers.