Howdy! This is a channel of communication for Dr. Rossi's Horticultural Crop Physiology Lab at Texas A&M | @TAMU | @aglifesciences | @tamuhort | Gig' em Aggies!
When agriculture faces serious challenges, the country often turns to Texas and to @TAMU.
John Bellinger brings decades of experience in cattle production, food safety and animal agriculture to this fight. He understands what is at stake for ranchers, rural communities and the nationβs food supply, and he understands how to bring people together to solve problems.
The @USDA has named Texas A&M University System Regent John Bellinger as Senior Advisor for New World Screwworm Preparedness, tapping a longtime cattleman and food safety leader to help coordinate the federal and state responses: tx.ag/TAMUS060926
ALT The image features a headshot of a person in a suit on the left. The background is maroon with the Texas A&M University System logo in the top right corner. Text reads: "USDA Turns to Texas A&M Regent John Bellinger in Fight Against New World Screwworm.
This Memorial Day, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
As Aggies, we remember the values of selfless service, leadership, and dedication exemplified by those who gave everything for our freedom. #MemorialDay
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT#3 How do nanoplastics and PFAS found in irrigation water affect plants? This Texas Water Research Institute-funded project is one of the first studies of its kind in woody perennial crops and brings together @AgriLife, @tamuhort, @TAMUCVEN, and @TEESresearch.
What if giving back didnβt have to wait until later? π‘π€
Six recent Aggie graduates created an endowed scholarship for petroleum engineering students before even beginning their careers. Their gift reflects the values of integrity, gratitude and selfless service learned through the Graham Petroleum Ventures Program.
π tx.ag/PVPStudentDonors#AggieEngineers#AggieGiving#SelflessService#TAMUEngineering
ALT December 2025 PVP graduates (from left) Whitten Bowles, Hondo Goebel, Ava Blackburn, Cecilia Orta, Cannon Pierce and Jackson Cook.
Last week, students had the opportunity to visit Texas A&M University and explore greenhouse, phenotyping, and field research facilities.
The visit provided valuable exposure to plant phenotyping, controlled-environment agriculture, and modern crop research systems. @AbccUsda
Research Spotlight #2 πWeβre testing biochar as a soil amendment in grapes varieties to improve soil structure, root health, and vine physiology in black βgumboβ clay soils. Great work by Ray Gonzalez in collaboration with Michael Cook @txextension and colleagues at @tamuhort
Research spotlight ππ¬ Andrew McFarland (M.S. student, @tamuhort) is using multispectral imaging MRI for phenotyping of grape varieties under salinity stress @AgriLife Plant Phenotyping Facility. Robotic imaging above ground, MRI below ground: all non-destructive.
Fantastic time at the Annual North Texas Grape and Wine Field Day @GraysonCollege. Excitement around the T.V. Munson Memorial Vineyard, new phenotyping tech, and fresh ideas for collaboration. Excellent wines from the Texoma AVA and great vibes. Yβall remember to drink local!π·π
Excited to see this paper finally published! This is part of the work that Giancarlo a former student at the @UFIFAS_IRREC did in collaboration with Dr. Matt Mattia at the @USDA in Ft. Pierce, FL, really fun and productive work. More to come!
link.springer.com/article/10β¦
HORT 202 is a wrap! Pretty special to be doing this in a program with 140 years of horticulture education at Texas A&M. Huge thanks to Allison Love, Harper Esterak, and Jacob Muras for the incredible work as TAs. 100 students, 5 sections, 15 weeks, and 13 hands-on labs. WHOOP!
HORT 201 Fall 2026 is in the books! 15 weeks, 500 students, and a semester full of hands-on experiences: 12 tastings and demonstrations. We also welcomed 4 Extension speakers connecting our class to the real world of horticulture. Proud of this cohort. @tamuhort. Always growing.
Deep soil testing can help producers manage costs as fertilizer prices stay high. @txextension specialists recommend it to identify nutrients already in the soil. Learn more: tx.ag/TestingDeepSoil
ALT Two people are taking soil samples with heavy equipment attached to a John Deere tractor in a field. The sky is overcast, and there are houses and other structures in the distance. Some small green plants are visible in the foreground.
Our latest paper, in collaboration with @UFIFAS_IRREC has just been accepted! We found that moderate biochar applications can significantly enhance root system architecture and nutrient uptake across multiple citrus rootstocks in sandy soils. π± π
frontiersin.org/journals/soiβ¦
Great to see Dr. Ballabina, who began her career as a @txextension agent, named the sole finalist for president of @TAMU. She has spent her career serving Texas. @AgriLife
The Board of Regents has named Dr. Susan Ballabina as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University: tx.ag/TAMUS041326
ALT A professional portrait of Dr. Susan Ballabina is centered against a Texas A&M University-themed background. Text indicates Dr. Susan Ballabina is the Executive Vice Chancellor for the Texas A&M University System and the named sole finalist for 28th President of Texas A&M University. The Texas A&M University logo is displayed in the top right corner.
Happy Easter! Sharing a bit of Texas spring with this one and wishing everyone a blessed Easter Sunday, hope it brings you some peace, light, and a chance to recharge. π°π£π#HappyEaster#EasterSunday
Today, we are celebrating Dr. Norman Borlaug on what would have been his 111th birthday! Known as the Father of the Green Revolution, Dr. Borlaug made it his lifeβs mission to help feed the world.
Happy Birthday, #NormanBorlaug@aglifesciences| @BorlaugTAMU
ALT Norman Borlaug, wearing a straw hat, is standing in a field of wheat, holding a clipboard and writing. The setting appears to be rural with expansive crops.
ALT Norman Borlaug, in a plaid shirt, stands in a wheat field holding a hat. In the background, there are pyramid-shaped structures and a cloudy sky.
ALT A group of individuals and Norman Borlaug are standing in a field of crops, engaging in conversation. They are dressed in casual outdoor clothing and hats. The setting appears agricultural, with tall crops in the foreground and open sky in the background.
Happy #NationalAgDay! The A&M @aglifesciences has been putting the 'A' in Texas A&M since 1876! 150 years of advancing agriculture and supporting communities! Gig 'em Aggies, WHOOP!
Agriculture touches every part of our lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and the fuel that keeps us moving. On National Ag Day, we recognize those who grow, raise and sustain food and fiber for Texas and beyond.
Happy #NationalAgDay πΎ
ALT A person stands in a tall wheat field holding a paper bag. The sky is clear and blue, and the person is smiling, wearing a cap and casual clothing.
ALT In a barn with open walls, a person stands focused, wearing gloves and holding a syringe near a table with test tubes. Another individual, partially visible, stands near the table. A cow walks in the fenced area outside. Sunlight filters in, illuminating the scene.
ALT A large green John Deere tractor is in a field, with two individuals seated on its equipment in the back, performing tasks while the tractor is stationary. The sky is clear and blue.
ALT A person holding a green plant with roots in their hand, resting on their knee. The person is wearing a gold Aggie ring on their finger. The background is blurred greenery.