Through Plant Biology, students apply biology and biotechnology to enhance the benefits of plants; to discover cures for plant diseases; and to select plants for pest resistance. The potential for human and environmental impact is great. For example, plant biologists have discovered ways to genetically enhance certain foods, like bananas and rice, with vaccines and essential vitamins that allow human health to be improved around the world. In the on-going battle against pathogens, plant biologists continue to explore genetically modified ways to give plants a fighting chance against threatening bacteria or insects—without using chemicals. And the ability to create flowering shrubs and trees of any size or color makes plant biology a natural partner with the landscape horticulture industry.

Affiliated Faculty

Dr. Harsh Bais
Associate Professor, Plant/Soil Interface

Dr. Nicole Donofrio
Associate Professor, Plant Pathology

Dr. Pamela Green
Crawford H. Greenewalt Chair in Plant Molecular Biology

Dr. Sherry Kitto
Professor, Horticulture

Dr. Jung-Youn Lee
Associate Professor, Plant Molecular Biology

Dr. Blake Meyers
Edward F. and Elizabeth Goodman Rosenberg Professor and Department Chair, Plant Molecular Biology

Dr. Janine Sherrier
Professor, Plant Biochemistry and Plant Microbe Interactions

Dr. Randy Wisser
Assistant Professor, Plant Genetics

Affiliated Graduate Programs

• IGERT