Agricultural Research Institute Webinar Series
Attend Our Free Webinar Series
Third Wednesdays of Each Month, 12-1:00 pm, Online only on Zoom.
This series highlights applied research—through CSU and industry collaboration—to benefit California agriculture, natural resources and food systems featuring Chico State faculty and students!
Come to as many as you like.
These projects were supported by the California State University Agricultural Research Institute grant numbers 21-01-105, 22-05-102, and 23-05-105.
Who Should Attend:
Growers, extension agents, researchers, students, and anyone interested in sustainable agriculture.
Fall 2025
Long-Term Impacts of Mechanical Pruning on ‘French’ Prune Orchards and on Student Research, Mentorship, and Teaching
Presented by Dr. Richard Rosecrance
September 17, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
Join us for a webinar on the results of a five-year field study (2019–2023) that was conducted in a mature ‘French’ prune orchard in California to evaluate the long-term impacts of six distinct pruning regimens on yield, fruit quality, canopy structure, and labor efficiency. Treatments included dormant hand pruning; spring and fall mechanical hedging and boxing; and an innovative angled mechanical system designed to create a diamond-shaped canopy. Findings include the impact on yield, pruning costs, labor inputs, and preserving long-term productivity and orchard health.
Beneficial Recycling of Olive Pomace as an Antioxidant Additive for Asphalt Roads
Presented by Dr. Kun Zhang
October 15, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
This collaborative research project between Chico State and UC Davis explored an alternative recycling option for olive pomace as a bio-renewable antioxidant for asphalt roads. The project was supported by California State University (CSU) Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), CSU RSCA Grant, and USDA AFRI programs, as well as industrial partners, including Olive Oil Commission of California (OOCC), California Olive Ranch, and CalRecycle. Three undergraduate students were supported by ARI in the research activities.
In this webinar, the speaker will discuss the characterization of the bioactivities of the processed olive pomace (POP) for its radical scavenging activity. The antioxidant performance of POP-modified asphalt binders will be presented to show that POP is a promising bio-based antioxidant additive to retard asphalt aging. The beneficial use of POP-modified asphalt in pavement maintenance and preservation will be highlighted based on engineering, economic, and environmental analyses.
Biological Soil Health Strategies: Compost Tea and Cover Crops in Tomato Systems
Presented by Dr. Jamal Javanmardi
November 19, 2025, 12:00-1:00 pm, on Zoom
This webinar explores innovative, research-based approaches to enhancing soil health and crop productivity in tomato systems. A multi-year field study compared compost tea applications and cover cropping techniques as sustainable, biologically active soil management practices.
Key Topics:
- How compost tea influences soil microbial communities and plant health
- Comparative benefits and challenges of cover crops and compost tea
- Economic and practical feasibility for growers
- Metagenomic insights into bacterial and fungal dynamics
- Implications for sustainable tomato production and organic farming