Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics, & Genomics at University of Georgia

06/05/2026

https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/news/growing-colored-cotton/?utm_source=CAES+Field+Report&utm_campaign=59ac44442b-Newswire_Non_Media_Weekly&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4cb3048305-59ac44442b-35722701

An $11 million project between the University of Georgia and Clemson University aims to develop cotton with built-in color, improved resilience and lower water and chemical use.

05/22/2026

https://www.morningagclips.com/the-chemistry-of-taste-researchers-seek-the-chemical-clues-that-make-a-tasty-peanut/

ATHENS, Ga. -- Georgia grows more peanuts than any other state in the country. But for the breeders developing the next generation of varieties, some...

04/28/2026

Join us for an engaging IPBGG Journal Club discussion led by Trent McCracken on Flow Cytometry for Estimating Plant Genome Size, where we’ll explore key insights from the article “Flow Cytometry for Estimating Plant Genome Size: Revisiting Assumptions, Sources of Variation, Reference Standards, and Best Practices” and dive into how these approaches shape accurate genome size estimation in plant research.

04/22/2026

Join us for a student seminar by Dallas Kreisa titled “Spreading hazelnuts across America: the health and history of the magical nut,” exploring the journey, significance, and impact of hazelnuts across the country, blending history with insights into their nutritional and agricultural importance. Don’t miss this engaging talk as part of the Spring 2026 Student Seminar Series.

04/20/2026

Kudos to Qian Feng and Skye Remko for securing first place in their respective PhD and MS categories at the CAES Broadus Brown Competition. This marks the first time since 2015 that IPBGG students have claimed both top spots! It is an impressive and well-earned achievement. Congratulations!

04/19/2026

March has been an eventful month at IPBGG, with achievements across both students and faculty.

On the student side, Ashmita Upadhyay (Clevenger Lab) has been named a FFAR Fellow for 2026–2029, and Saptarshi Mondal earned 2nd place in the Griffin Campus Poster Competition.

Faculty recognitions this month include Dr. Brian Schwartz being named UGA Inventor of the Year, Dr. Robin Buell as SEC Professor of the Year, and Dr. Wayne Parrott receiving a University Professorship.

We also celebrate Dr. Peggy Ozias-Akins for receiving a Lifetime Career Researcher Award from AgInnovation South.

Additionally, Dr. Michael Dirr was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame, recognizing a legacy that continues to shape plant breeding at UGA.

Swipe through to see more highlights from the month. Congratulations to all!

04/19/2026

Congratulations to Saptarshi Mondal on winning the January-March 2026 Banner Contest! This tall fescue trial field captures plant breeding research in action, with orderly replicated plots reflecting experimental precision, large-scale evaluation, and genetic diversity under real field conditions. The strong row structure, depth, and healthy growth create a striking visual that highlights the connection between breeding, field phenotyping, and the improvement of agriculturally important grasses.

04/17/2026

https://www.morningagclips.com/anita-giabardo-rooted-in-tradition-driven-by-innovation/

ATHENS, Ga. -- For Anita Giabardo, agriculture isn’t just a field of study, it is a lifelong narrative that began in the vineyards of Northeastern...

04/16/2026

Tanner Hamerling presents “Rediscovering Torrey’s Mountain Mint” as part of the Spring 2026 Student Seminar Series, sharing insights into this unique species and its relevance in plant research. Join in to learn, engage, and be part of the conversation.

04/08/2026

Focusing on combating rice blast through pyramiding resistance, this student seminar by Aasish Pokharel highlights approaches to enhance disease resistance and strengthen food security. Join us to be part of the conversation on building more resilient rice production systems.