Program Overview

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Crop Science specialization areas include

Plant Genetics and Crop Breeding

,

Crop Physiology

, and

Crop Ecology, Management and Production

. While students may elect to specialize in one area, excellent opportunities are available for the development of graduate research projects integrating two or more areas.

Plant breeding and genetics research programs include improvement of spring and winter wheat, barley, oilseed crops, pea, lentil, and other legumes, as well as work on alternative crops like quinoa. Plant breeding and genetics faculty apply state of the art equipment and methodologies for genetic, genomic, molecular genetic, and phenotypic analyses, which are conducted in field, greenhouse, and laboratory settings. From model systems to participatory variety selection with small-holder farmers, our faculty apply integrated and comprehensive approaches to solve real-world problems in crop production.