Summer 2024
Hot but not bothered
Finding grass and turf to withstand hotter temperatures » More ...
Plant Pathology
Winter 2022
Touring the turfgrass
A tour of the Washington State University turfgrass research farm with director and plant biologist Michael Neff.
Listen to this episode of the magazine podcast, Viewscapes, on November 15.
Read more about plant biosciences research in “Just a small thing making a big difference.”
Winter 2022
Just a small thing making a big difference
From a simple plant comes big science » More ...
Winter 2022
Oh, Christmas trees!
There might not be a perfect holiday tree but Dr. Christmas Tree has improved the options. » More ...
Summer 2022
Seeds sown
The Washington State University research and Extension center at Mount Vernon celebrates 75 years. » More ...
Winter 2021
In memoriam: Jack Rogers
The WSU mycologist and plant pathologist left a strong legacy. » More ...
Spring 2019
What’s gone viral?
Grapevine leafroll viruses threatens the wine industry in Washington and beyond, which is why Washington State University researchers like Naidu Rayapati are exploring the way leafroll viruses travel through grape plants. » More ...
Winter 2017
Briefly noted
Untold Stories: Forty Years of Field Research on Root Diseases of Wheat
By R. James Cook
American Phytopathological Society Press: 2017
Throughout the compelling stories and personal experiences shared by Jim Cook, a retired research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service and emeritus professor of plant pathology at Washington State University, readers can find practical crop management techniques and other beneficial information that can be used in the field and the lab. Cook also chronicles many of his insightful experiences—and imparts his philosophy, wisdom, and practical guidance.
Living on the Edge: Adventures of a Hunter
By Shannon L. … » More …
Fall 2017
Medicinal plants
At least 10 percent of the 250 most essential modern medicines are derived from flowering plants.
Aspirin (genus Salix) Known to the ancient Sumerians and Egyptians, Hippocrates in about 400 BCE mentions the use of salicylic tea as a fever reducer. Willow bark extracts have been a standard component of the European pharmacopoeia ever since. Modern aspirin was first synthesized in 1853.
Cinnamon bark (obtained from the inner bark of trees of the genus Cinnamomum) While there is no scientific evidence of its efficacy (yet), cinnamon has been used medicinally for at least 4,000 years, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. The word derives from an ancient Phoenician one … » More …
Spring 2017
After the rains
WSU meteorologist Nic Loyd is stuck on one word for last October’s Washington weather: Wet.
Make that two words: Abnormally wet. Sea-Tac measured over 10 inches of rainfall. Even dry Yakima saw almost 2-1/2 inches. But the undisputed epicenter of soggy conditions was Spokane which registered not only their rainiest October ever, but the highest precipitation for any month ever recorded: a whopping 6-1/4 inches. That’s remarkable when compared to an average October rainfall of just 1-1/4 inches. Especially given that their typical annual total is just over 16 inches.
Loyd says this was due to an unusually deep and persistent trough of low pressure … » More …