Karla Estrada

My work at the Small Grains laboratory involves conducting field-scale, multi-environment agronomic experiments. I helped set up trials in different locations in California to measure productivity and quality of small grains across diverse agroecosystems. Our goal is to leverage emerging measurement techonologies such as drone flights to improve resource use efficiency, and one of my projects focused on finding efficient and cost-effective ways to estimate soil nitrate concentrations. These DIY tools were used to further develop decision support tools that feature interactive user experience and communicate spatiotemporally specific information on a growing number of topics related to the management of small grains.

I worked with breeders to collect data for plant variety protection for different vegetable crops such as watermelon, tomato, pumpkin, and squash. My project involved developing data sheets in accordance to UPOV guidelines and collecting data on a regular basis on different characteristics of specific crops. This involved a thorough understanding of botanical terms for each crop as well as an understanding of germplasm protection laws. The unique data sheets created streamline the IP filing process, as they are now used by breeders to collect data.

IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition in developing countries. I helped further this mission by disseminating published research and creating blogs, articles, and twitter posts for the general audience. I read many academic articles to develop an understanding of the research and worked closely with the communications department to create informational publishable content.

I worked for the Crop Protection Discovery and Development group, which focused on trial planning to test fungicides, pesticides, herbicides, and seed treatments that protect against disease. My project involved working with wheat and Fusarium Head Blight, using a fungicide that had been recently registered in North America. The main objective of my study was to assess the efficacies of this fungicide and the timing of application alongside industry standard triazole fungicides on suppressing FHB, reducing mycotoxins and improving wheat agronomic performance. The assessment was conducted in two artificially inoculated-misted environments.