Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

10/19/2026

One way that SPES supports Virginia agriculture is by conducting variety trials for different crops. The data from these trials helps growers and industry professionals make real time decisions that improve yield and farm-gate value. The 2026 corn data are now available!

Corn variety trials coming soon!

10/15/2026

SPES is excited for what’s in store!

The Virginia Tech Board of Visitors today appointed Richard Linton as the university’s 17th president.

Linton will succeed Tim Sands, who will continue to serve as president until Linton assumes office at the beginning of the 2027 spring semester.

Part of the Virginia Tech Alumni community, Linton received his bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. He currently serves as president of Kansas State University.

“My 40-year journey in the land-grant system began at Virginia Tech,” said Linton. “Having earned three degrees here, the opportunity to return home and serve as president of my alma mater is a true honor.”

Read more ➡️ go.vt.edu/utpPZ

09/11/2026

Most home gardeners know to watch for insect damage, diseases, and weather-related plant stress. But another threat may be damaging plant leaves and contaminating your produce: herbicide residue 🌿

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialist Jeffrey Derr shares how herbicides can unintentionally damage vegetables, flowers, and landscape plants, along with practical tips to help protect your garden and harvest ⬇️

A Virginia Cooperative Extension expert shares tips to avoid herbicide residues that can harm vegetables, ornamentals, and other landscape plants.

08/25/2026

08/25/2026

08/19/2026

08/17/2026

A $1.1 million endowment established by the Virginia Turfgrass Foundation is creating lasting opportunities for graduate students at the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, strengthening cutting-edge turfgrass research while advancing sustainable solutions for the turfgrass industry 🌱

“This is about investing in people,” said David McCall, associate professor and Virginia Cooperative Extension turfgrass pathologist. “When you invest in graduate students, you invest in research, sustainability, and the future of an entire industry.”

See how a decades-long partnership is creating opportunities for future turfgrass scientists ⬇
https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/07/VTF_endowment_expands_graduate_education.html