By Meghan Arbegast
Since officially opening its doors to the public on Aug. 10, the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory has become a hub for agricultural research at NDSU.
The state-of-the-art facility brings researchers from disciplines in plant sciences, soil science, horticulture and more together under one roof, creating new opportunities for collaboration while providing the specialized equipment and space needed to advance research and education for the state.
Bolley’s impact on researchers
For Cameron Matthews, a plant sciences doctoral candidate, that difference has already been noticeable.
Matthews began working in the new facility this summer when his team moved in. As a graduate research fellow in the barley breeding program, his research is focused on quality traits of barley, including developing resistance to kernel discoloration and studying grain dormancy. He’s also conducting a preliminary study examining how naturally occurring carbohydrates in barley affect the thickness of the liquid produced during brewing.
While much of Matthews’ work centers on barley breeding, the new facility has provided him opportunities to interact with researchers working within other areas of plant sciences, including spring and durum wheat breeding.
Source : ndsu.edu