Securing the World’s Food Supply
UGA is dedicated to supporting the agricultural industry at home and across the globe. The research of Esther van der Knaap, a professor of horticulture in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, provides a great example of this commitment. She is studying tomato fruit quality with the support of a $4.9 million grant. As a low calorie fruit rich in vitamins and minerals, the tomato is a nutritious ingredient in cuisines around the world.

Esther van der Knaap
Professor of Horticulture
Van der Knaap analyzes genome sequence data from a variety of tomatoes to identify the genes that control important fruit traits, such as flavor, size, color, and firmness. Eventually, this research—which has implications for other commercially important crops—may help farmers develop higher-quality produce more efficiently, bolstering the world’s food supply.
Another important agricultural product is the soybean, which provides the world’s single greatest source of vegetable protein and oil. To improve soybean varieties, a team of UGA researchers led by Wayne Parrott, professor of crop and soil sciences, is creating molecular tools to help experts more effectively target desirable genetic traits in soybeans.
Parrott’s research ultimately seeks to produce pest-resistant soybeans and other crops that can be used to develop oils and proteins for healthier diets, industrial compounds, and biodiesel fuel. This year, Parrott’s lab helped test new insect-resistant soybean varieties that could reduce reliance on pesticides, ultimately lowering production costs and promoting environmental sustainability around the world.
