Felipe Barrios Masias

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...

Bulletins
4-H Shooting Sports T-Shirt Design Contest
Show off your creativity by entering the Nevada 4-H Shooting Sports T-Shirt Design Contest! Submit your design for the new 4-H Shooting Sports t-shirt!
Williams, Kristina 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Upcoming agricultural events for 2024/2025
An up to date list of upcoming agriculture events.
Chapin, K., Emm, S. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Bulletin
2023 Nevada Small Agriculture Conference Tentative Agenda
The Nevada Small Agriculture Conference is being coordinated by Nevada Farm Bureau members with the assistance of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension and Western Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (WSARE). It will be held on August 25-26, 2023 at the Santa Fe Station in Las Vegas, NV.
Chapin, K. 2023, University of Nevada, Reno Extension
Fact Sheets
Agricultural Producer Stress: A Nevada Statewide Study
This survey utilized the Perceived Stress Scale a widely used instrument for measuring perception of stress. It is a measure of the degree to which situations in one's life are considered by the participant to be stressful.
B. Freeman, L. Chichester, A. Osborne, M. Minter, B. Gorsakul 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-22-01
Animal Care: Tips for youth communicating with the public
Animal care is what it says, providing care for an animal. Responsible livestock producers provide the best care and treatment for their animals, ensure they are receiving high quality feed, fresh clean cool water and appropriate shelter, quick treatment if ill, and low-stress handling when necessary.
L. Chichester 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS 17-00
Animal Care
Animal well being, animal care, animal welfare, animal husbandry, animal rights. What's the difference.
L. Chichester & K. Dam 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-09
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park fields with snow covered mountains in background
Community Assets for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
M. Rebori, J. Lednicky, B. Borden, L. Chichester 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-22-07
Genoa Bar - Nevada's Oldest Thirst Parlor, Genoa, NV
Economic Characteristics for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
B. Borden, J. Lednicky, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
JT Basque Restaurant, Gardnerville, NV
Industry Top Performers for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
B. Borden, J. Lednicky, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Topaz Lake with fall colors on the shoreline
Land Use and Fiscal Characteristics for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
B. Borden, J. Lednicky, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park fields with snow covered mountains in background
Social Characteristics for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
B. Borden, J. Lednicky, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park
Demographic Characteristics for Douglas County, Nevada
The project focuses on providing Nevada’s counties, state and federal agencies, and their partners with quantitative and qualitative baseline data and analyses to better understand the counties’ demographic, social, economic, fiscal, and environmental characteristics, trends, and impacts.
B. Borden,J. Lednicky, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
livstock at rim fire
Best Management Practices for Livestock and Equine during Wildfire Smoke Events
The intent of this article is to provide recommendations for best management practices for livestock and equine owners during wildfire smoke events. Some of these recommendations may not be applicable to owners of large quantities of livestock and/or equine.
Chichester, L, Kay, M., Roice-Gomes, J., Allen, M., Taylor, L. Emm, S. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
Best management practices for livestock and equine during wildfire smoke events
Wildfire can be an important tool in maintaining diverse and healthy ecosystems. However, wildfires can also increase greenhouse gas emissions, devastate ecosystems, and decimate animal populations and their habitats, along with homes and other structures, creating hazardous health impacts on humans and animals.
L. Chichester, M. Kay, J. Roice-Gomes, M. Allen, L. Taylor, S. Emm 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-10
Nevada 4-H Annual Survey Summary Report - 2020
Annual survey of Nevada youth regarding their 4-H experiences
Maio, H., Chvilicek, S., Luckey, B., Evans, W., Stark, C., Chichester, L., Baker-Tingey, J. 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-94
Nevada 4-H Annual Survey Summary Report 2018
youth survey on their 4-H experiences
J. Baker-Tingey, B. Luckey, W. Evans, C. Stark, S. Chvilicek, L. Chichester, A. Hernandez 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno FS-20-31
Navigating Online Program Delivery With Zoom Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
This publication will explore how four faculty moved their programming online to meet both programmatic and clientele needs.
L. Chichester, S. Emm, H. Kratsch, C. Restaino 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-20-29
Animal Care: Tips for communicating with the public
Youth livestock exhibitors should be aware that the public will develop opinions about production agriculture based on what they see, hear and perceive at livestock shows, fairs and exhibitions.
Chichester, L. & Dam, K. 2018, Extension | University of Nevada, Reno, FS-18-09
Informational Publications
Nevada 4-H Shooting Sports Policies and Procedures
This is the updated policies and procedures manual for 4-H Shooting Sports for 2025.
Wright, H 2025, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Journals
Nevada's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program: 13 Years of Evolution
Nevada has a dynamic and evolving group of beginning farmers and ranchers that have been assisted by the University of Nevada, Reno Extension service with support from the United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. This article
Emm, S., Bishop, C. & Chichester, L. 2024, Journal of NACAA, VOLUME 17, ISSUE 2, ISSN 2158-9429
Death by a Thousand Cuts": Agriculture Producer Resiliency in the Western United States Freeman, B., Grocke-Dewey, M. U., Chichester, L., Breeding, K., Stallones, L., & Minter, M. 2023, Journal of Agromedicine, 29(1), 66–79
Lay or Popular Publications
research
Women in science: a Q&A with CABNR pet food mercury researchers
Professor Gustin and fellow researchers Chichester, Dunham-Cheatham, Luippold and Vargas-Estrada talk about their work and answer related questions
Gustin, M.S., Chichester, L., Dunham-Cheatham, S., Luippold, A., and Vargas Estrada M. 2019, Nevada Today
Special Publications
Douglas County Needs Assessment
The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of Douglas County citizens. The results then could serve as educational and programmatic foci in the years to come. This Douglas County Needs Assessment was conducted in conjunction with Carson City/Storey County.
L. M. Chichester, L. K. Taylor, W. P. Evans, K. N. Russell 2022, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-15
Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park fields with snow covered mountains in background
Nevada Economic Assessment Project Socioeconomic Baseline Report for Douglas County
This report will be used by local, state, and federal agencies as a tool for future planning, aiming to assist the communities of Nevada. It will help readers understand their community’s social, demographic, economic, and environmental trends.
B. Borden, J. Lednicky, M. Rebori, L. Chichester 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Douglas County Needs Assessment
The purpose of this study was to determine the needs of Douglas County citizens. The results then could serve as educational and programmatic foci in the years to come.
Chichester, L., Taylor, L., Evans, B., & Russell, K. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-15
Climate Science Readiness and Training Needs of Nevada Extension Professionals
Special publication that evaluates the needs and institutional desires for incorporating climate change information into existing Extension programming. Includes assessment of attitudes, perceived knowledge levels, current efforts to address climate change and the need for training.
Kratsch, H., Cobourn, J., Chichester, L. and Ormerod, K. 2020, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-20-08
social media training
Facebook for Extension Professionals
Universities, colleges and Cooperative Extensions around the country use social media to reach constituents with instructional, research and outreach messages. When Extension professionals participate on social networks, members of the public have access to news and information from valued, trusted and credible sources. And, when Extension professionals engage with them, online networks provide interactive, genuine and far-reaching communities that keep Extension professionals current and connected to issues or concerns of the general public and present opportunities for collaboration and scientific inspiration. While these opportunities are found in various social networks, this publication focuses on Facebook. It includes information on platform selection and use, maintaining a professional and personal balance, social license, accessibility, responding to criticism with professionalism, and more.
Andrews, A. and Chichester, L. 2018, Extension