The Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics is
dedicated to the genetic improvement of crop plants for the benefit of society through the development of novel breeding methodologies, the discovery and deployment of economically important genes as genetic stocks, germplasm, and varieties, and the training of a new generation of plant breeders.
As plant breeders for Cornell University, our vision is to be world leaders in innovative plant breeding research, teaching, and extension. Our mission is accomplished through diverse research, teaching, and extension activities ranging from the molecular study of crop plant genomes to development of superior crop varieties. Our scientists collaborate with others to integrate the knowledge, information, and expertise from a range of disciplines to produce new knowledge and unique germplasm.
Students in the Field of Plant Breeding represent diverse interests and come from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, and educational backgrounds. We invite you to browse our website and contact us for further information.
-Mark Sorrells, Chair
SEMINARS:
Watch this space for Spring 2013 seminar announcements, coming soon!
Congratulations to Professor Edward Buckler! He is now an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for his work in identifying specific genes for crop improvement.
Featured in the Cornell Chronicle: 25 million dollar grant for Cassava Breeding
November 2012
Synapsis and the Ag Quad Farmer's Market featured in the Cornell Daily Sun!
Graduate student Ariel Chan is an NSF video finalist! Watch her video and vote for her here!
Registering on the NSF video site to vote takes only a second. Show your support for Ariel and the mission to end world hunger!
June 2012
Dr. Ravi Singh, Adjunct Professor in PB&G, has been selected to receive the 2012 Crop Science Research Award from the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA). He will be recognized during the 2012 Annual Meetings at the CSSA Breakfast, Awards, and Plenary (Klepper Lectureship) in Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 7:30 to 9:30 am.
Michael Mazourek, featured on WSYR9 news on "engineering" the hottest peppers! click here
May 2012
ASPB-Pioneer Hi-Bred Graduate Student Fellowship-The 2012 Winner is Jessica Rutoski. (see article)
January 2012
"Campus Area farms offer lots of living lab space", a recent ChronicleOnline featured story. (see article)
Crop Improvement in a Changing Environment -- March 8, 2013
This event was sponsored by DuPont Pioneer
business and the Cornell Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics. Thank you to all supporters and speakers for another successful year.
Synapsis is the academic and social organization of the faculty, graduate students, and alumni of the Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University. See our directory of current students or activities pages for more information.
On Wednesday, May 9th 2012, two of our PBG students were recognized for their superior performance in teaching. The two recipients were Lindsay Wyatt and Joshua Cobb.
Lawrence Smart
Associate Professor
The research in my lab is focused on breeding, genetics, genomics, and physiology of shrub willow bioenergy crops. Shrub willow (Salix spp.) produce high yields of woody biomass when grown as a dedicated short-rotation crop on marginal or underutilized land. Willow stems are harvested every three... Read Lawrence Smart's full profile