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:
NEWS:
January 2012
"Campus Area farms offer lots of living lab space", a recent ChronicleOnline featured story. (see article)
October 2011
Ronnie Coffman receives the 2011 Mentoring Award from the Women in Agronomy, Crops, Soil and Environmental Sciences during their annual meeting in San Antonio.
"In the award, he was cited for the tremendous energy that he has devoted to enhancing the careers of many women scientists in agriculture and plant breeding; for making a remarkable difference at pivotal points in many women's careers around the world due to his advocacy, humility, and encouragement; and for recognizing the importance of gender equity when working toward a food-secure world."
To read more, please see press release.
September 2011
"Plant Inventor" engineers black-and-white cucumbers, pear-flavored melons." Michael Mazourek is featured in the Spetmeber 19th issue of Chronicle Online. To read the full story please click here.
August 2011
"Evolution of Plant Breeding at Cornell University", a recent publication by Dr. Royce Murphy and Lee Kass can be read, along with other articles at eCommons.
June 2011
Plant breeders to use genomic selection to improve crops in developing countries. (see article)
May 2011
Susan McCouch Spotlight-Wild Ancestors of Cultivated Rice (view video)
October 2010
AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN APPLIED BREEDINGMartha Mutschler is the recipient of the 2010 CALS Award for Outstanding Accomplishment in Applied Research. The award will be presented on Monday, November 8, 2010 during a 4:00-6:00pm reception in G10 Biotech.
September 2010
CORNELL'S PLANT BREEDING PROGRAM RANKED TOP IN THE NATION
See article (PDF)
WHEAT RUST BUSTERS
Jessica Rutkowski (Plant Breeding Graduate Student) and Ravi Singh are participating in a course titled "Standardization of stem rust field notes and germplasm identification, with discussions on yellow and brown rust." Njoro, Kenya.
Luis Maas (Plant Breeding Graduate) to join Pioneer Hi-Bred's Global Marker Technologies Department in Iowa
Jesse Poland (Plant Breeding Graduate) joins the USDA-ARS as a Research Geneticist in Manhattan, Kansas
May 2010
Sarah Collier (Plant Breeding Graduate Student) was one of three recipients of the CALS Barbara McClintock Graduate Student Award
April 2010
Dr. Elizabeth Earle receives the CALS Edgerton Career Teaching Award. This award was established in 1980 and is made yearly to honor a meritorious and senior faculty member of the College who has, throughout a long and continuous career in the College, provided outstanding teaching and advising for students.
March 2010
Jessica Rutkoski wins the international Women in Triticum Award (PDF)
October 2009
Munger/Murphy Award: Recipients, Sarah Collier and Jesse Poland (PDF)
By all metrics, the symposium was a resounding success! Please CLICK HERE to complete a brief survey about your experience to improve future symposia. The event was generously sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred a DuPont
business and the Cornell Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics.
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.
PB&G Faculty Opening:
Tenure Track faculty position: Molecular Breeding and Genetics for Nutritional Quality. (Research 60%; Teaching 40%) For a detailed position description, including the application process, please click here.
Peter Gregory
Prof Adj
My primary focus is on addressing strategic issues at the interface of conventional agricultural research and modern biotechnology. Most of the work is international and ranges from country and regional strategy development and capacity building (including the creation of competitive grants systems)... Read Peter Gregory's full profile