Jo Heuschele

My lab uses physics, plant physiology, biochemistry and genetics to study plant movement, forage quality and nutrition. Our primary research consists of quantifying plant cell wall components, stem structure, and plant movement in response to changes in climate that influence forage quality. I am a part of many interdisciplinary teams consisting of civil, agricultural, and material property engineers. My team designs field base sensors that monitor environmental conditions, and plant movement, as well as, modifications to chromatography equipment to conduct cutting edge applied plant research. With a better understanding of why crop stems fail, we will be able to increase plant yield potential and forage quality without risking loss to lodging.