Scientists from 13 states came together for a collaborative research project Oct. 5-7 at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center that focuses on environmental and genetic determinants of seed quality and performance.

Each attendee was affiliated with a university that provides accessible education and conducts research in agriculture and related fields in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Greg Welbaum, professor at the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, organized the event and presented a seed research summary on various topics. Other presentations discussed diverse aspects of seed biology research with the main goal of the project to bring seed scientists with similar research interests together to seek collaborative funding for joint research projects.

"If you perform seed research for the United States Department of Agriculture or a land-grant university, you are invited to join this collaborative research group," said the group's incoming chair, Hector Perez, a professor at the University of Florida.

Paul Johnson, a professor at Utah State University, provided insights into the administrative aspects of the project, ensuring its smooth operation. As the group prepares a new proposal for a four-year project, researchers interested in joining are encouraged to reach out to Johnson.

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