The Berti Research Lab
The Berti Research Lab
Our Projects
National Cover Crop Variety Testing Program
Objectives of the National Cover Crop Variety:
1) evaluate performance of commercially available cover crop varieties and those nearing the release/commercialization stage
2) determine where these varieties are best adapted
3) increase awareness of cover crop varietal diversity for use in different regions and cropping systems of the U.S.
Initiated in fall 2024, the program has now completed its second season of trials at thirteen sites across the United States Each site grew and evaluated multiple varieties of the most popular fall-planted cover crop species, including cereal rye, crimson clover, winter peas, hairy vetch , winter canola , and radishes.
Northern exposure: Adaptation of alfalfa for challenging winter climates
Alfalfa (Medicago spp.) is a perennial legume forage with high nutritive value and capacity for nitrogen fixation via symbiosis with specific bacteria. Winter survival remains a limitation on the geographic range in which alfalfa can be produced as a source of high-quality animal feed.
By phenotyping and evaluating existing germplasm, this project aims to assess current winter survival of the most cold-tolerant available commercial varieties, in addition to testing experimental genetic lines for similar characteristics related to winter survival. Various genotypes of alfalfa have a characteristic for branch rooting rather than characteristic taproot formation, allowing for survival and production in areas with permafrost and other limitations on rooting depth.
Identify stress tolerant camelina germplasm for developing low carbon intensity oilseed feedstock for sustainable aviation biofuels
Camelina (Camelina sativa) is a low-input oilseed with germplasm that ranges in tolerance to abiotic and biotic stressors. To produce meaningful feedstock volumes of biofuel from camelina and other oilseeds, acreages in the millions will be necessary to achieve commercial targets for scale-up of crop and biofuel prouction.
This project aims to identify the most stress-tolerant genetics currently available for camelina, in order to further breeding objectives in advancing stress tolerant camelina germplasm. Ultimately, this can allow for production of camelina in larger areas of marginal lands, that can help to produce biofuels with low carbon intensity.
Effects of enhanced floral resources and nutrition on pollinators and insect pests at ecological, organismal, and molecular levels
Prairie pollinator strips are intentional plantings of pollinator-friendly plant species in agricultural, rangeland, or pasture settings. These pollinator strips provide ecosystem services in the form of habitat and food source for pollinators.
This project aims to evaluate the agronomically effective and feasible methods for establishing and maintaining pollinator strips with or without companion crops to provide for the pollinators who use these plantings for food and shelter.
Testing and release of forage sorghum cultivars adapted to Upper Midwest states
Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a warm-season annual crop with potential for grazing, harvesting as forage, or as a cover crop. Forage sorghum is growing in popularity due to its high tolerance for drought, and its ability to use 40–53% less water and less fertilizer than silage corn while providing comparable nutritive value and silage yield.
Forage sorghum is best suited for hot, dry regions, which is why this project aims to test and help release sorghum cultivars that are adapted to the shorter growing seasons of Upper Midwest States.
Pea and oat breeding
for intercropping as forage
Peas and oats can be successfully intercropped to reduce plant lodging while improving weed supression and protein content of harvested forage biomass. Furthermore, the leguminous nature of peas means they can provide some level of nitrogen fixation via symbiosis with soil microbes.
This project aims to evaluate combinations of various germplasm for both peas and oats to determine optimal mixes for use as forage in intercropping systems.
Life cycle assessment of
integrated cropping system
Life cycle assessment (LCA) refers to a scientific methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, service, or process across its entire lifespan.
In the context of agriculture, this involves measuring environmental impacts derived from input rates, management practices, and field emissions of a specific cropping system. These impacts are then measured against the benefits or yields provided by said cropping system.
Our lab takes that one step further, performing LCA on cropping systems across several projects that span more than a single season, with the aim to model the environmental impacts of integrated agricultural systems.
Investigating difference between spring & winter biotypes of camelina
Using a population of recombinant inbred lines (RILS) and and experimental lines from a diversity panel, the Berti Lab is currently exploring the varying performance and adaptability of both spring and winter biotypes of camelina.
Work has spanned the lab, greenhouse, and field to assess how these RILS and experimental lines may perform under varying conditions and treatments.