Iowa Beef Center Director John Lawrence (standing) moderates a panel discussion at the Sixth BIGMAP symposium.

Sixth BIGMAP Symposium Focuses
on Food and Fuel Crops

Over 130 individuals attended the Sixth Annual BIGMAPsymposium titled “Food and Fuel Crops: Issues, Policies, and Regulation.” Prabhu Pingali, deputy director for agriculture development for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Josette Lewis, USAID, were among the featured speakers at the event held April 21 and 22 in Ames. The symposium focused on the needs of Iowa and the developing world.

Video Highlights Research in Plant Pathogens

A new video highlights Seed Science Center Endowed Chair Gary Munkvold's research on diseases that affect the production and utilization of seeds and the management of mycotoxigenic fungi in corn. View video. or View/download.

New Initiative Addresses Food and Biofuels

"Food, Feed, and Fuel Initiative: Iowa" was funded by a grant from the USDA in August of 2008. Read more.

Carver Sculpture Dedicated at Seed Science Center

Members of the seed industry as well as center and campus faculty and staff were on hand to help dedicate a life-sized statue of George Washington Carver November 18 at the Seed Science Center. As a special part of the ceremony, ISU alumnus Paxton Williams, who impersonates Carver, addressed the audience on the importance of service. Read more.

Seed Science Center, BIGMAP Expansion
Dedication Held October 14

Over 150 individuals attended the dedication ceremony of the $2 million, 5,000-square-foot Seed Science Center/ BIGMAP addition held Tuesday, October 14. Keynote speaker for the event was Namanga Ngongi, President of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa. Ngongi and ISU President Gregory Geoffroy took part in a ceremonial seed exchange as part of the event. Read more.

Ngongi interview on WOI radio (MP3)

"This building is important, but it's the people who do the work here who will make a difference in the world."—Dr. Wendy Wintersteen, Endowed Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seed Science Center Expansion Dedication

News & Events

2009 Seed Science Center Workshop Dates Now Available

2009 Workshop Brochure

Misra Named to Dean's Chair for Distinction
Seed Science Center and Biosafety Institute for Genetically Modified Agricultural Products Director Manjit Misra was named the Dean's Chair for Distinction in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in July. Read more.

Munkvold to Chair Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business

Gary Munkvold, Iowa State University associate professor of plant pathology and Seed Science Center Endowed Chair, has been appointed chair of the Graduate Program in Seed Technology and Business (STB)—a program that combines seed science and technology with essential courses in business management. Read more.

Harries Honored by FELAS

ISU Seed Scientist Adelaida Harries was awarded the Medal of Merit from the Latin-American Federation of Seed Associations (FELAS) Read more.

SEEDS Program Benefits African Agro Dealers

Seed Science Center Global Program Leader Joe Cortes and Scientist Adelaida Harries have been involved with the SEEDS program in Africa since 2005. The program is designed to enhance seed policies and regulations, promote seed business development, and build the capacity of existing seed companies. Read more.

Munkvold, Gaul Receive Grow Iowa Values Fund Grant

Seed Science Center Associate professor of plant pathology Gary Munkvold and Assistant Scientist Alan Gaul have been awarded a competitive grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund to develop a low-temperature, plasma treatment for seeds. Read more.

The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences video "History in the Making" highlights the Seed Science Center and other research programs within the college at Iowa State. View the video.