Plant, Soil, & Microbial Science Department at Michigan State University

Are you getting all the help you need? Be sure to check the PSM website for info about how to get paid while you learn here in Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

This weekend 8 students attended Spring SASES at The Ohio State University. Four days of networking, learning, tours, & fun! Four students (Isabella Smith-Corso, Brandon barker, Tyler Worden, & Trey Ellens) competed in the Crop Judging Contest, where Trey Ellens placed 5th! Congrats to all that attended and a huge thanks to our official crops judging sponsors:

Bayer U.S. Crop Science
Gold Coast Sales,LLC
Michigan Beans
Michigan Corn
Michigan Wheat
Nutrien Ag Solutions Michigan
Syngenta
Wilbur-Ellis

Is it just me— or is the vernal equinox happening earlier this year?

FUN FACT: Astronomical spring began on March 21 during most of the 20th century, but the 400-year Gregorian calendar cycle has shifted this event a bit earlier, according to

Fair days ahead for all!

Today in science history we celebrate someone who stood on the shoulders of giants to bring a new order to the natural world that continues to thrive!

Wow thank you future farmers for your time and brain cells We hope we piqued your curiosity about bacteria in crops!

*Gentle reminder - please mind the deadlines! Plan ahead! See your advisor! Tell your people to make their travel plans! The big day is coming! Go to Commencement.msu.edu/graduate for more info! GOOD LUCK

Join us as we acknowledge Black farmer’s contributions to American agriculture this, and every month

You never know until you try! Apply now! https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/degree_cerficate_programs/undergraduate_programs/scholarships

To find out about MSUs Black History Month events, visit:

https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/black-history-month-events-at-msu?collection=bc6f8813-8e5e-4555-b323-815c9aa6091e

Some highlighted events this year are:

The "Dr. William G. Anderson Lecture Series — Slavery to Freedom: An American Odyssey," hosted by the College of Osteopathic Medicine throughout the month.

The 2024 Sankofa Black History Month Program hosted by the College of Education’s Office of K-12 Outreach.

Dr. Whatley is best known for his regenerative farming system, combined with the now immensely popular community supported agriculture model, to help rebuild sustainable small farms for families. Thank you Michigan Black farmers

Dr. Dennis Pennington is the wheat extension specialist, a position in partnership between MSU AgBioResearch, MSU Extension and the Michigan Wheat Committeer. Dr. Pennington "is responsible for working with researchers to coordinate efforts, conduct on farm research and assist with publishing the wheat performance trial results." ⁣
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Learn more about Dr. Pennington's involvement by visiting the link in out bio! ⁣
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Coordinator of this event, Kristin Poley says, "The Great Lakes Crop Summit is a partnership amongst the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, the Michigan Soybean Committee, and the Michigan Wheat Program and some important topics come from our research investments.” ⁣
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Dr. Marty Chilvers (MSU PSM link in bio) and Mike Stanton (MSU Allegan Extension) speak on soybean disease management. ⁣
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Check out the MSU extension website linked in out bio!⁣
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Dr. Marty Chilvers is a speaker at the 2024 Great Lakes Crop Summit. His first seminar of today addresses mycotoxin management. ⁣
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Mycotoxins are natural toxins produced by some fungi that can harm humans and animals in low doses.⁣
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Learn more about what Marty does in the PSM department by following the link in our bio!⁣
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Dr. Brook Wilke, KBS LTAR; Marc Hasenick and John Burk, (Alumni CSS) will host the farmers panel discussion – with a focus on optimizing conservation practices like cover crops, no-till/strip till, nutrient reduction, precision management, and biodiversity conservation areas. With generations of experience between them, these farmers and researchers together will provide insights into their learning experiences regarding 1. agronomic challenges of conservation practices, 2. how to overcome challenges and reduce/eliminate risk, and 3. how to know if/when the conservation practices are working and adjust nutrient rates/blends/timing. Ultimately this session will highlight success stories and hopefully help other farmers learn how to reap the benefits of conservation practices faster and minimize failures. GREATLAKESCROPSUMMIT.COM SEE YOU THERE

Why does undergrad MMG senior Alassane Sow work in a lab in PMS? “Here I get to look at a lot of different organisms, and see how they interact with the environment.” He also got to see his fungus eat nematodes on his microscope slide!

"True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice."⁣
Stride Toward Freedom, 1958⁣
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"Stride Toward Freedom" is Martin Luther King's memoir of the Montgomery bus boycott. It explores the journey of 50,000 African Americans embracing nonviolence to fight for their rights with love. King discusses the racial conditions in Montgomery, the origin and significance of the boycott, and the roles of leaders. The book delves into King's intellectual influences, emphasizing nonviolence to win opponents to friendship. Throughout the writing process, King relied on colleagues, and the book, released in 1958, received praise for its impact on justice and equality. The lesson centers on nonviolence, dignity, and self-respect in the pursuit of civil rights.⁣
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Links to Dr.Kings Nobel Piece Prize speech and more information on the Montgomery Bus Boycott are in our bio!

⚠️ Attention all followers ⚠️ We have some exciting news to share with you!⁣
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We are in the process of transitioning to a brand new page, designed to provide you with an even better experience. We're working hard to set up the page, ensuring it meets all your expectations. We anticipate that it will be ready at the end of January ❄️️ or beginning of February 💟 . We can't wait for you to like 👍, follow 📲, and share 📫 our new page. Stay tuned for updates and get ready to join us on this exciting journey!⁣
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Dr. Christy Sprague from Michigan State University's PSM department will be presenting at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference on Wednesday, January 10th. ⁣
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The discussion she will be participating in is titled "Current Topics in Crop Protection and Pest Management." Dr. Sprague's presentation will focus on providing attendees with an update on the most recent information regarding w**d pressure and management. ⁣
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Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current challenges and advancements in w**d management. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Dr. Sprague's expertise in crop protection and pest management.⁣
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**dmanagement **dpressure

Meet Dr. Michelle Hulin, PSMs newest faculty member. ⁣
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Michelle did her PhD and first postdoc position at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)/University of Reading in the United Kingdom (2013-2020). Here her research focused on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae on the stone-fruit tree species cherry. She then did a second postdoc at The Sainsbury Laboratory in Norwich in the United Kingdom (2020-2023) where she worked on mechanistically understanding how bacterial type 3 effector proteins work to promote plant disease. Michelle joined the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University in January 2024 as an Assistant Professor. Her research program focuses on factors that drive the evolution of virulence in bacterial populations on plants with a focus on mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and bacteriophages and effector biology. Her program will integrate molecular biology and computational analyses with traditional plant pathology and field work to comprehensively study important bacterial diseases of crop species. ⁣
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Welcome, Dr. Hulin. We are happy to have you here! ⁣
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Join us at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference on Wednesday, January 10th, where Dr. Marty Chilvers, a renowned PSMs expert, will be presenting on current topics in crop production and pest management. In his session, Dr. Chilvers will provide a comprehensive update on two critical issues: Tar Spot and Vomitoxin. These topics are of utmost importance to the agricultural community, and Dr. Chilvers will shed light on the latest developments and strategies for managing these challenges effectively. ⁣
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Mike Staton, an expert from MSU Allegan County Extension, will be a featured speaker at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference. He will be presenting on Wednesday, January 10th. ⁣
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Staton will share valuable on-farm updates on Michigan soybean production. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, attendees can expect to gain practical and up-to-date information.
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Happy New Year PSM Spartans! May your path be illuminated with boundless joy and unparalleled happiness. Remember, this year is yours for the taking, so seize every opportunity that comes your way and conquer new heights. We have complete faith in your unwavering determination and indomitable spirit. Let us forge ahead, united as one, as we strive to make this year a remarkable chapter in our collective journey. Wishing you all a truly magnificent and prosperous New Year!⁣
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#2024

Dr. Manni Singh, from Michigan State University's Plant, Soil, and Microbial Science department, has been selected as a speaker for the upcoming 2024 MABA Winter Conference. Dr. Singh will be presenting on Wednesday, January 9th. ⁣
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His presentation will focus on the topic of "ROI and Soybean Production" as part of the "Soybean Production Update" session. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the field, Dr. Singh will delve into the intricacies of maximizing Return on Investment (ROI) in soybean production. ⁣
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Dr. Singh's presentation promises to provide valuable insights! ⁣
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Dr. Perry Ng from MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will be a featured speaker at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference on Wednesday, January 10th.⁣
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He will present in the topic of "Wheat Production Update," and will focus on wheat quality. This presentation promises to be informative and relevant for farmers, researchers, and industry professionals alike. ⁣
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Don't miss the opportunity to learn from Dr. NG's expertise and gain valuable knowledge on optimizing wheat quality. ⁣
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PSMs Dr. Dennis Pennington and Dr. Eric Olson are scheduled to present at the 2024 MABA winter conference on January 10th. Their presentation will focus on the "Wheat Production Update". ⁣
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Dr. Pennington will provide an update on wheat production, including the findings from the Great Lakes YEN (Yield Enhancement Network). This will offer valuable insights into improving wheat yields in the region. ⁣
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On the other hand, Dr. Olson will present the latest developments in wheat breeding.⁣
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Their presentations promise to be informative and beneficial for attendees!⁣
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Michigan State University (MSU) Extension experts, Madelyn Celovsky and Monica Jean, will be sharing their expertise at the highly anticipated 2024 Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA) winter conference. They will both present on Wednesday, January 10th. ⁣
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Madelyn and Monica will take part in conversation surrounding the tops of "Managing Cover Crops to Improve Soil Health: An Industry Perspective."⁣
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Attendees can look forward to an engaging and enlightening session as Celovsky and Jean share their knowledge on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024. ⁣
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PSMs' Scott Bales is set to present at the 2024 MABA Winter Conference on January 9th. During his session, Bales will offer a comprehensive overview of Michigan's 2023 Dry Bean production. Attendees can expect valuable insights into the state's dry bean industry, helping them make informed decisions for the upcoming planting season. Bales' presentation promises to be an informative and insightful session for all participants.⁣
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Wishing all the PSM Spartans a joyful and rejuvenating winter break! ❄️ 💚 🤍 ❄️ ⁣
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Whether you choose to spend your break with loved ones or enjoy some peaceful solitude, make the most of this time to recharge your batteries. Engage in activities that bring you joy and allow you to unwind. It could be reading a book, exploring new hobbies, or simply spending quality time with family and friends.⁣
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Remember to stay safe and take care of yourselves during this winter season. Let's also keep in mind those who may be less fortunate and find ways to spread kindness and warmth. As we eagerly await the new year, let's return with renewed energy and determination to conquer new challenges.⁣
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Happy winter break, PSM Spartans! Enjoy every moment and we'll see you back on campus soon. 👋