Plant biology students rank at international agricultural science conference
Graduate students from the Department of Plant Biology were recently recognized at the 2024 International Annual Meeting of the American Society of Agronomy, the Crop Science Society of America and the Soil Science Society of America, according to a press release.
Mark LaBarge, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Plant Biology, received second place in the Turfgrass Breeding, Genomics, Physiology and Molecular Biology Oral Student Competition.
Ryan Earp, a graduate research assistant in the Department of Plant Biology, received second place in the Turfgrass Breeding, Genomics, Physiology and Molecular Biology Poster Competition.
In an interview with The Daily Targum, LaBarge and Earp shared their experiences presenting and being recognized at an international event.
LaBarge's presentation "Evaluation of Improved Cold Hardy Bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass for Use in New Jersey" highlighted the challenges turfgrass managers face due to climate change.
"I wanted to provide valuable information for both the scientific and professional turfgrass community," LaBarge said. "Studying environmental science for my undergraduate and Master's degrees also led me to strive to contribute research to the turfgrass field that will potentially lessen its environmental impacts."
LaBarge's work centers on addressing the increasing challenges faced by turfgrass managers, such as increased heat and drought conditions. He researched alongside faculty members from the Department of Plant Biology and graduate students from multiple departments.
Their research aims to provide information on the performance, benefits and shortcomings of bermudagrass and zoysiagrass as a more sustainable alternative.
Upon completion of his Ph.D., LaBarge said he hopes to pursue a career as an environmental golf course consultant.
"The goal is to provide turfgrass managers with effective ways to decrease their environmental impact without sacrificing the quality of their facility," he said.
Earp's poster "Comparison of Genotype Calling Methods for Kentucky Bluegrass" compared different software used to conduct genetic evaluation of Kentucky Bluegrass.
"There have been recent pushes in the turfgrass field to explore and better understand genetic mechanisms in the different species and leverage that understanding to increase breeding efficiency," Earp said.
He said he began researching turfgrass during his undergraduate years at Texas A&M University. Now, Earp focuses on bridging the gap between genetic information and sustainable traits in turfgrasses to help advance the breeding goals of the Rutgers turfgrass breeding program.
His research seeks to enhance the current understanding of Kentucky bluegrass, which has a complex genetic makeup, laying the foundation for using genetic analysis in Kentucky bluegrass breeding. His long-term goals as a graduate student include developing a solid foundation to create a successful breeding program like Rutgers' and finding new ways to conduct genetic analysis on Kentucky bluegrass.
"I hope to achieve these by continuing to be involved in the breeding program assisting with plant selection and other key decisions, networking and reaching out to experts who could assist me in my research and developing a sound research protocol," he said.
Earp and LaBarge also shared their thoughts on the significance of their awards. Both discussed the collaboration that went into their research and consequent recognition.
"It is an honor and privilege just to be in a position to present my research at an international conference," LaBarge said. "Receiving this award is a testament to the exceptional instruction and teamwork that goes into any scientific research and I am grateful for the recognition."
