Photo of Felipe Barrios Masias, Extension

Felipe Barrios Masias

Associate Professor

Summary

My interest focuses on plant-environment interactions and how traits affect resource use efficiency at the ecophysiology and community levels. Different morphological, physiological and phenological traits are responsible for the improved crop performance observed in the last few decades, but little information is known about them. Understanding how traits interact and the tradeoffs related to crop performance under different environmental conditions can help breeders and crop managers to implement strategies for crop adaptation to future climate change scenarios. In addition, the study of traits can contribute to improve crop productivity under low input systems, e.g., some organic systems and traditional farming in developing countries. Integrating plant traits with practices that rely on above- and below-ground diversity, niche differentiation and species complementarity and competition, among others, can contribute to increase yields by the efficient use of resources and minimizing the impact to the environment.

My research program focuses on finding solutions to constraints in horticultural production of arid and semi-arid regions in the world. I take an integrative approach to sustainable production and prioritize needs of farmers and other stakeholders to find ways that our production systems are efficient in the use of resources and become more profitable. I am interested in plant functional traits and identifying genotype/cultivar trait associations that favor crop performance under particular environments and management practices (i.e., GxExM interaction). My goal is to conduct participatory research with an emphasis on applicable outcomes that improve the chances for success of horticultural production in arid regions such as Nevada.

Education

B.S., Agricultural Science, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru, 1997
Ph.D., Horticulture and Agronomy, University of California, Davis, 2012

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Blog Posts
Why we volunteer: Stories from 4-H leaders in Clark County
The success of Extension's 4-H Youth Development Program in Clark County is driven by the dedication and enthusiasm of its volunteers. Hear the experiences of several volunteers who are generously sharing their time, knowledge and energy to mentor young people, fostering skills, confidence and a sense of community.
Tesar, R. 2025, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno
Protocols
Extension Volunteer Onboarding Procedure
The volunteer intake process ensures that all prospective volunteers are welcomed, informed, and properly prepared for their roles.
Brinkerhoff, K. 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Reports & Updates
2023-2024 Clark County 4-H Volunteer Impact Report
This report highlights the achievements of the Clark County 4-H volunteer program in the 2023-2024 year and looks at opportunities to further enhance our volunteer efforts.
Tesar, R. 2025, University of Nevada, Reno Reports