Experimental field of UC-Alameda barley cultivar
Plant Sciences

Plant-centered research for a resilient future

Federal Funding Matters

Federal research funding turns lab work into real help. Continued funding means faster treatments, cleaner air and water, safer families and stronger businesses. When funding freezes, progress slows and costs rise. Learn more about the many UC Davis research programs dependent on federal funding at the From Labs to Lives website.
From Labs to Lives
Michelle from International Agricultural Development

Undergraduate Programs

Plant Sciences offers three diverse majors that prepare students for a broad range of exciting post-graduate jobs or graduate school.

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Plant Sciences graduate student working in the field.

Graduate Programs

Plant Sciences manages two graduate programs and is involved with eight campus graduate groups leading to Ph.D. and master's degrees.

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plant sciences research in a fume hood

Research and Facilities

Our faculty works to advance, evaluate and communicate knowledge of plant sciences from lab to field, rangeland, forests, waterways and beyond.

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Outreach Programs

We partner with growers, ranchers, consumers and communities to understand regional and global needs and provide research-based solutions.

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Latest News

Bushy green plants in neat, boxy-looking test plots, coming in at an angle.

Garbanzos, black-eyed peas and more beans: Productive and resilient

  • by Trina Kleist
 

Researchers across California are developing new varieties of dry beans and testing them in a hunt for larger seed size, higher yield, tolerance to drought and heat, and resistance to disease and pests.

Scientists discussed their progress during the recent University of California Dry Bean Field Day, held at test fields on campus.

Close-up of a leafy green plant with a slender stem ending in a flower. A red round insect with black spots on it rests on the flower stem.

Lima beans: Sweet, bitter and fighting worms

  • by Trina Kleist
Scientists statewide are testing varieties of large-seeded and baby limas, both bush and vine types, for qualities that are great for consumers and for growers facing a range of conditions. Research updates were presented at the 2025 UC Dry Bean Field Day.
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