Published on 06/22/20

UGA plant breeder Wayne Parrott honored by American Seed Trade Association

By Josh Paine

Along with grant applications, administrative duties, publishing and hands-on research duties, scientists in agricultural research have the monumental job of disseminating vital information to stakeholders, policymakers and the general public.

During its annual meeting on June 16, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) recognized Wayne Parrott, professor in the University of Georgia Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, with a distinguished service award for his research and communication contributions to the plant breeding industry.

“Wayne is one of the outstanding scientists we have in the Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics as well as the interim director of the Center for Applied Genetic Technologies,” said Allen Moore, associate dean for research in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). “Alongside his extensive research accomplishments, he is also a talented communicator of science. I am delighted that ASTA recognized his contributions in educating the public and government on the science and value of modern genetics and genomics needed to produce sustainable crops.”

Parrott’s efforts in addressing current plant breeding regulations and testimonials before Congress and federal regulators were an impetus for the award.

“Science communication is more important now than ever, particularly when it comes to implementing public policy,” said Parrott, who is also a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and UGA Distinguished Research Professor. “We have expert regulators, but they cannot be experts across the board. Thus, it is incumbent on scientists to provide them with the right information.”

Since coming to UGA in 1988, Parrott's laboratory has served as an international flagship for genetic research in soybeans and other crops. He's spent nearly three decades developing new soybean varieties and researching the human and environmental safety of genetically modified crops.

U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations on agricultural biotechnology have been limiting, as they were based on science that was 40 years out of date, according to Parrott.

“These rules have been recently revised, which should facilitate research and investment in the field. I fully expect there will be many new career opportunities that will materialize and help farmers out in the process.”

Methods like CRISPR, a tool for editing genomes, make the improvement process for crops much easier and more efficient.

“For this technology to deliver on its promise, it is important that both the public and regulators understand the risks — or lack thereof — that are involved. And this information needs to get out all over the world because things are so interconnected these days,” Parrott said.

Parrott and other scientists work together to develop and deliver critical data, but national organizations like ASTA are important to help support them.

“It can be really daunting for a single person to try and be heard in a big, wide world. Networking with as many colleagues as possible and with organizations like ASTA helps amplify the message,” said Parrott.

To learn more about the Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics at UGA, visit plantbreeding.caes.uga.edu.

Josh Paine is a marketing specialist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Authors:

Josh Paine

Experts/Sources:

Wayne Parrott

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.

Download Image

CAES News

UGA Extension supports resilience in Georgia farm communities after Hurricane Helene 12/19/24 Emily Cabrera

Hurricane Helene wrought sweeping devastation across Georgia’s agricultural sector in late September, leaving an indelible mark on both the land and the people who tend it, bringing focus to vulnerabilities in Georgia’s farming industry and the need for more robust safety nets. In addition to the physical destruction, the hurricane took an emotional toll on Georgia’s farmers. In response, UGA Extension has prioritized mental health support.

At the 2024 Georgia Life Sciences Summit held Oct. 21-22 in Atlanta, Professor Quingguo “Jack” Huang of the College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences received the Golden Helix Innovation Award for his research in technologies to mitigate “forever chemicals” in water resources. (Photo by Andrew Davis Tucker)

CAES News

Nothing lasts forever: CAES professor finds solutions to break down ‘forever chemicals’ 12/05/24 Carson McAfee

University of Georgia Professor Qingguo “Jack” Huang always wanted to do one thing: solve problems. Growing up in a small city in central China, Huang’s favorite subject in elementary school was math, granting him the opportunity to work on many problems. In high school, his passion transitioned to science, where he learned he could feed those same interests in a way that benefited others. He was finishing high school in the 1980s when Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring made its way to Chinese newspapers, capturing Huang’s attention.

Georgia Simmons at the office of U.S. Sen. Warnock

CAES News

Georgia 4-H alum, CAES student spends semester serving at the nation's Capitol 12/03/24 Josie Smith, Cooper Hardy

Third-year University of Georgia student and Banks County 4-H alum Georgia Simmons has been in the center of the political action this fall with the Georgia 4-H Washington DC Intern Program. Simmons, an environmental resource science major in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, works in the office of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock. As an intern on his staff, she interacts directly with policy experts and lawmakers, participating in the legislative process while earning a semester of credit hours.

Longtime faculty member George Vellidis was named the first permanent director of the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture. IIPA was launched in 2022 and has grown to include more than 70 faculty members. (Photo by Paul Privette for UGA CAES)

CAES News

Vellidis named director of Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture 12/02/24 David Mitchell

University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Professor George Vellidis has been named director of the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture (IIPA). His term began on Nov. 1, and he will serve as the unit’s first permanent director. “Dr. Vellidis has been a vital member of our UGA faculty for years and played a key role in launching IIPA,” said Chris King, interim vice president for research. “Whether it’s his impact as a first-class researcher and educator or the work he does behind the scenes to elevate our reputation in the field abroad, his presence has made UGA a hub for precision agriculture research.”

CAES News

That's the spirit! 11/18/24 Maria M. Lameiras, Claire S. Kinnard

Wheat breeders spend years meticulously crossing varieties to coax the best traits out of each species, carefully propagating plant varieties that are healthier, heartier and better suited for the environments where they are grown. Professional brewmasters are equally painstaking when choosing the components that will give their beers a specific flavor profile.

CAES News

CAES Transfer Pathways Program expands enrollment access for rural students 11/12/24 Emily Cabrera

The Transfer Pathways Program is opening new doors for rural students who dream of attending the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES). In partnership with Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and Southern Regional Technical College, students who complete required coursework at these institutions can transfer to CAES to complete bachelor’s degrees in one of three majors — agribusiness, agricultural education, and agriscience and environmental systems.