Guest Commentary :
Stepping to the forefront as a world-class research facility
BY DR. JAMES W. SMITH
For many people throughout the world, Stoneville has become synonymous with agricultural research. From its beginning 100 years ago, the Delta Branch Experiment Station has truly made Stoneville famous. Today, advances in all phases of agricultural research are having a tremendous impact to the agricultural industry of our nation. Recognizing the impact Stoneville was having on cotton, Mississippi State University President Fred Mitchell proposed in 1951 making Stoneville a national center for cotton research to train researchers and cotton specialists. This Stoneville cotton institute would be a cooperative effort of all cotton growing states and would be the center for cotton research, in particular, breeding, insect control, and weed control. Reviewing the plans after 50 years, results were not exactly what were envisioned. But, Stoneville has become a research center far greater than was envisioned 50 years ago. The research complex at the Delta Branch Experiment Station is comprised of both state and federal laboratories. Over 125 scientists are housed in this research complex and provide cutting edge research on most of the agricultural areas that affect the Mississippi Delta. The cornerstone of Stoneville’s success has been the partnerships that have been nurtured and developed. The partnerships are numerous and include user groups, university, federal agencies, and private industry. The state and federal partnership had been paramount in the Stoneville success story. Scientists at Stoneville cooperate in a synergistic action through a team approach to increase their impact. Cooperative efforts between the University’s Experiment Station, the Agricultural Research Service, School of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University-Extension Service, and advisory groups, primarily Delta Council, have molded and shaped this highly effective research engine. Today Stoneville has lead roles in pond-raised catfish research, cotton breeding and genetics, soybean research including development of new varieties, and rice research with an active varietal development program. The nations top ginning laboratory is located at Stoneville. Research is now centering on highly technical areas such as the new genomics center and research on remote sensing. Headlining this high-tech research is the construction and soon to be opened National Biological Control Laboratory. This 50,000 sq. ft. facility will advance methods of controlling insect and weed with biological methods. This facility and the scientist that staff it will surely make Stoneville the premiere research location in biocontrol. Another highlight of the centennial year at Stoneville is the completion of the Charles W. Capps, Jr. Entrepreneurial Center. This conference and teaching center will allow scientists to meet in first class distance learning environments to transfer technology and communicate ideas with other scientists throughout the country. This entrepreneurial center will allow groups small and large to interact through distance learning capabilities with other groups throughout the state and nation and also hold conferences with the latest multimedia presentation equipment for effective technology transfer. As Stoneville moves into the 21st Century, it is prepared to step to the forefront as a world-class research facility. DBJ
(Dr. James W. Smith, is the Director of the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville.)
