You can’t construct a strong building on a weak foundation, and you can’t grow a great corn crop on a weak root system. From freezing temperatures to voracious underground pests and other threats, ...

For centuries, corn growers have focused almost entirely on what happens above ground in terms of plant health and yield. Today, scientists like Jim Schwartz are looking below ground – in the root ...

The 2021 crop year has been quite variable. A dry winter/spring followed by periods of excess rain and dry hot weather has caused considerable plant stress. Corn plants typically give us many ...

For decades, his research group in the College of Agricultural Sciences has been uncovering how roots play a critical role in plant development and survival. "Corn is no exception, and it turns out ...

Applying imaging technology to plant roots, researchers have developed a new understanding of chemicals that are responsible for plant growth. The chemical 'roadmap' identifies where key molecules are ...

A unique confluence of archeology, molecular genetics and serendipity guided a collaboration of Mexican and Penn State researchers to a deeper understanding of how modern corn was domesticated from ...