“Ten years ago, Bassuk developed CU-Structural Soil to help street trees survive in soil that’s been compacted by traffic and construction. When dirt gets packed too tight, air and water can’t flow down to the roots. Often that means the roots head off on their own expeditions for nutrition and room, tearing up sidewalk on the way, or the tree dies out and the city spends time and money replacing it. CU-Structural Soil is a mix of dirt and rocks designed to bear the load of pavement and whatever rolls across it, while leaving enough open space underground for tree roots, air and water. It’s since been licensed and sold to builders and landscapers across the U.S. and Canada.” Read the whole article.
Habanada peppers‘Plant inventor’ engineers black-and-white cucumbers, pear-flavored melons (Sept. 19, Cornell Chronicle) profiles Michael Mazourek, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, and his efforts to develop designer vegetables and fruits, including black-and-white cucumbers, pear-flavored melons and ‘Habanada’ peppers — low-heat but flavorful habanero chilis. “Beyond the funky flavors and colors, Mazourek’s vegetables have practical purposes: nutritional content, disease and pest resistance, and suitability for organic and regional growing conditions.”
Marvin Pritts receives teaching excellence awardDepartment chair Marvin Pritts received an ‘Award for Excellence in Teaching and Commitment to Students’ September 18 from the Tri-Council and Order of Omega (the fraternity and sorority leadership council).
