SIPS Plant Breeding & Genetics Section

Plant breeding is a critical tool in the fight for food security and responsible environmental stewardship in the 21st century. For more than one hundred years, Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University has been widely recognized for developing novel breeding methodologies and discovering economically important genes and varieties.

Ranked the top plant breeding department in the nation, our scientists and students conduct translational research that bridges the gap between fundamental research and its implementation in applied breeding programs. Learn more about the history of our section and the vision of our school.

Diversity of crops

Vegetables

Vegetable breeders in the the Plant Breeding & Genetics section breed new and commercially appealing vegetables, research the genetics of important traits and develop new lines appropriate for regional growing conditions.

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Diversity of crops

Fruit

Whether apples, grapes or berries, our researchers use the latest tools in genetics and selection to develop nutritious, appealing fruit varieties, adapted to local growing conditions and meeting the needs of the fresh and processing markets.

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Diversity of crops

Grains

Our researchers use advanced genetics tools for complex trait analysis and development of new varieties of small grains and maize with enhanced nutritional content and other traits of interest for product developers.

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Diversity of crops

Hemp & forage

Industrial hemp, forage crops, and plants used for biofuels represent important areas of research. They are the basis of emerging industries and in the case of forages, support New York state's dairy production.

Diversity of crops

Ornamentals

Ornamental plant breeding introduces disease resistance, enhances winter hardiness and addresses consumer demand for new and interesting products. Much of Cornell's ornamental breeding is conducted at the Long Island Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead New York.

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man in hat examines potatoes in the field
woman displaying apple varieties
man standing in a field of grain observed by a women wearing a red hat
two men working together at a lab bench
single pink flower blossom

Cross-cutting themes & tools

two drones in a corn field

Plant Breeding & Genetics faculty are developing and using the latest tools in digital agriculture for rapid and precise analysis of plant traits.

Woman giving a lecture

Our faculty are leaders in international agriculture, addressing problems in global food security through advanced breeding of rice, cassava and other staple crops.

people standing in a grain field

Whether developing new barley varieties, identifying lines of hemp, or breeding vegetables for regional conditions and markets, our faculty play an important role in supporting New York economic development.

Graduate and undergraduate training

Plant Breeding & Genetics offers degrees and training opportunities at all stages of the educational pipeline

group of researchers in a lab setting

Graduate field of plant breeding

Students interested in obtaining an MS or PhD degree in the graduate field of plant breeding can select among two concentrations.

  • Plant breeding

  • Plant genetics

Undergraduate — plant sciences major

Undergraduates majoring in the plant sciences can choose to concentrate in plant breeding and genetics, preparing them for careers in plant improvement and policy whether in private industry or public government/university sectors.

Undergraduate — plant breeding minor

Cornell is one of few places in the United States where students can receive in-depth training in plant breeding. Undergraduate students in diverse majors can add a minor in plant breeding, and gain in depth knowledge of this discipline.

Undergraduate research — Plant Genome Internship

The National Science Foundation-sponsored Plant Genome Internship introduces high school and undergraduate students to state-of-the-art techniques in plant biology and trains students in scientific ethics, laboratory safety, and data presentation.

Undergraduate research — other

The Office of Undergraduate Research provides information about exploring the wealth of research opportunities at Cornell.

The Honors Program in Biological Sciences is designed to offer advanced training in laboratory and field research through the performance of an original research project under the direct guidance of a member of the Cornell faculty.

Master of Professional Studies

Our MPS programs are one-year, course-based degrees, ideal for individuals interested in in-depth study of the issues and advancements in plant and soil sciences. Choose from specializations in Controlled Environment Agriculture, viticulture, public garden leadership, hemp science, plant protection, geospatial applications and more.

News from the SIPS Plant Breeding & Genetics Section

Learn more about recent developments in our research, outreach, and education

ryan maher in the field wearing cornell weed science tee shirt

News

New organic leadership for Cornell AES
Ryan Maher, a research, extension, and soil health specialist for the Cornell Small Farms Program since 2013, has assumed a new leadership position as Organic Coordinator for the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AES)...
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Horticulture Section
Ivy on Bradfield Hall

News

Twelve Cornell and Weill Cornell Medicine faculty members – six of whom are also Cornell alumni – have been elected fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the world’s largest general scientific society.

  • Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Breeding and Genetics Section
Globe with colored wheat spikes

News

  • Department of Global Development
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Breeding and Genetics Section
Martha Mutschler-Chu checks tomato plants in a greenhouse

News

A Cornell researcher has completed a decades-long program to develop new varieties of tomato that naturally resist pests and limit transfer of viral disease by insects.

  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Plant Breeding and Genetics Section
Attendees sit in a ballroom and listen to a presenter at the Empire State Barley and Malt Summit

News

Farmers, brewers, distillers and researchers gathered for the sixth annual Empire State Barley and Malt Summit, to celebrate successes and plan for the future of New York’s growing craft brewery and distillery industries.

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station
  • School of Integrative Plant Science