Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center  

6321 Holland Road

Suffolk, VA 23437

Office Phone: (757) 657-6450 x 407

Lab Phone: (757) 657-6450 ext. 421
Fax: 757-657-9333

Research:

Provide an interface between basic laboratory and applied field research in the area of crop physiology and plant response to environmental stresses: water, heat, cold, nutrient, irradiation, salinity. Areas of research include research on photosynthesis, quantum efficiency, respiration, and growth and development of peanut and other crops, and development of new eco-physiological methods for improved variety selection, i.e., remotely sensed infra-red temperature. Dr. Balota is currently seeking faculty fellow collaborators and qualified graduate students to participate in research activities.

Extension:

Dr. Balota's primary responsibility is to provide leadership in the peanut variety quality evaluation. Emphasis is placed on development of small plot tests of commercial varieties and advanced breeding lines throughout Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Dr. Balota maintains a close working relationship with Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and provides extension publications, troubleshooting, and conversing with agents, professional peanut personnel, and sod/seed farmers.