CAIA Testbed: Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center

The Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center’s CAIA testbed comprises research and extension programs primarily focused on biotic and abiotic challenges to tree fruits and wine grapes. Our scientists work and collaborate in areas such as crop level management, pest management, genetic improvement of varieties, and exploration of the genetic basis of crop development, fruit quality, and environmental plant physiology. Resources include a 120-acre research farm and associated farm equipment, GC, HPLC, RT-PCR and dPCR-equipped labs. We are located 3 hours from campus in the bucolic, northern Shenandoah Valley.