News Stories - Page 23

Peggy Ozias-Akins, a global leader in the application of biotechnology for crop improvement, has been named UGA’s recipient of the SEC Faculty Achievement Award. She is pictured in her greenhouse surrounded by Pennisetum (pearl millet) hybrid plants. CAES News
Ozias-Akins receives SEC Faculty Achievement Award
Peggy Ozias-Akins, D.W. Brooks Professor and Distinguished Research Professor in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, has been named the University of Georgia’s recipient of the Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award.  
The Tecomaria capensis 'Orange' is only one of dozens of varieties of plants available at the UGA Trial Gardens online plant sale. CAES News
Spring plant sales abound at CAES
With the weather warming and spring buds popping, eager gardeners can take advantage of three spring plant sales being held by the Trial Gardens at the University of Georgia, the UGA Horticulture Club and UGArden, all part of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Postharvest blueberries were tested under blue light to determine whether the light affected fruit quality or disease development. CAES News
UGA researchers investigate blue light to increase blueberry quality and fight disease
The COVID-19 crisis has put supply chain issues at the forefront of food production and packaging concerns. Researchers at the University of Georgia investigated a potential solution for extending the shelf life of blueberries by exposing blueberries to blue light during storage.
Al Pearson, a member of the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Board, and his wife, Mary Pearson, established the Dr. Maurice E. “Butch” Ferree Scholarship to support students majoring in horticulture in honor of Ferree, who retired in 1998 after 24 years with UGA Extension. CAES News
New horticulture scholarship honors professional tie that led to lifelong friendship
As a peach and pecan producer in central Georgia, Al Pearson relied on the expert advice provided by University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. In addition to the valuable counsel provided by Extension peach expert Maurice E. “Butch” Ferree, Pearson gained something unexpected: a lifelong friend.
The camellia represents desire, passion and admiration — a wonderful choice for Valentine’s Day. CAES News
Add color during dreary months by adding winter-blooming plants to the landscape
I find it ironic that Valentine’s Day occurs in February, a time of the year when we see very few plants blooming in the landscape. In addition to cards and candy, flowers are one of the most popular gifts during this annual celebration of love. In 2018, the Society of American Florists estimated that 250 million cut roses were produced for Valentine’s Day and an estimated 35% of Americans purchased flowers.
UGA horticulture Professor Matt Chappell demonstrated proper pruning technique at a green industry event in January 2020. CAES News
Late-winter pruning can benefit summer-blooming and nonblooming plants
Pruning in the correct manner and at the proper time can help to maintain the size and shape of your woody shrubs, improving their appearance and appealing to the artist in every gardener.