Mission:
The Wooster, OH Location comprises two Research Management Units: Application Technology, and Corn, Soybean and Soft Wheat Quality, all served by a Location Support Staff. Application Technology Unit missions are basic research and development on: new/improved application technology to protect horticultural, landscape and field crops from damage by pests and adverse environmental conditions, while safeguarding ground-water/environmental quality and food/worker safety; improvement of controlled environment agricultural systems (including nursery, greenhouse, high tunnel, vertical farm, plant factory, and similar production systems), with an emphasis on environmental controls, input use efficiencies, pest management, and plant adaptation in order to enhance profitability and reduce pesticide usage; and on minor-use crop label expansion (IR-4).The missions of the Corn Soybean and Wheat Quality Research Unit are to: 1) develop knowledge necessary to improve management of viruses and insect-transmitted pathogens of maize and soybean; and 2) improve end-use quality and value of eastern soft wheat for the domestic and export markets.