By Andi Anderson
The International Programs in Agriculture is hosting another session of its International Agriculture Seminar Series, continuing its mission to promote learning and discussion around global agricultural challenges.
These seminars are held three times each semester and feature speakers from both on campus and off campus backgrounds. The series is open to all members of the campus community who are interested in international development and global research.
The upcoming seminar will focus on an important plant disease that affects coffee production worldwide. The presentation is titled The Hunt for the Alternate Host of Coffee Leaf Rust Hemileia vastatrix.
The session will be led by Terry Torres Cruz from the Department of Entomology. The topic highlights ongoing research efforts to better understand coffee leaf rust, a disease that causes serious yield losses and economic challenges for coffee producing regions.
Coffee leaf rust is a major concern for farmers, researchers, and policymakers because coffee is a key agricultural crop for many developing countries.
Understanding how the disease spreads and identifying alternate host plants are important steps toward improving disease management and protecting farmer livelihoods. This seminar offers an opportunity to learn how scientific research supports sustainable agriculture and global food systems.
The seminar will take place on February 6 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. It will be held in room WSLR 116. For participants joining from India, the session corresponds to 10:30 to 11:30 PM IST.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lunch, while coffee and dessert will be provided to create a relaxed and welcoming environment.
In addition to the educational value, the seminar series supports networking and connection among students, faculty, and staff who share an interest in international agriculture. These events help build awareness of global projects and encourage collaboration across disciplines.
Those who wish to stay informed about future seminars can sign up to receive announcements and updates from the International Programs in Agriculture.
This seminar reflects the department’s commitment to sharing research, supporting global understanding, and encouraging open dialogue on agricultural challenges that affect communities around the world.
Photo Credit: pexels-mali-maeder
Categories: Indiana, Education