A summer abroad program gives students a global perspective on how food systems, agricultural sustainability and communities are connected. Organized by Xiaofei Zhang, UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Venkatesan Sundaresan won a $4.9-million grant from the Gates Foundation to develop money-saving seeds for Indian farmers. He's a distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Scientist Shuxiao "Susan" Zhang, in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, studied pistachio hulls at the anatomical and cellular levels, and found genetic links explaining hull split -- a costly problem for California growers.
Researchers in the Andrew Latimer lab at the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences are creating a model to predict when pine cone seeds will ripen, aiding efforts to reforest areas scorched by wildfire.
The California Native Plant Foods Celebration and Symposium is organized by a team lead by Dan Potter, chair of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. Panelists and demonstrations.
UC Davis Plant Sciences students earned first-place oral and poster awards at the CANVAS annual meeting. Research focused on oak restoration and water-efficient wheat that still delivers strong yields and quality bread.
Rachel Spaeth and other scientists at UC Davis used modern genetic tools to reconstruct the family tree of plums bred by the legendary Luther Burbank. Their model is useful for plant breeders and people who manage seed banks.
Venkatesan Sundaresan and Imtiyaz Khanday, in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, were honored for world-changing work to create hybrid crops that clone themselves. This means farmers can use the plants' seed and still get high yields.
Alessandro Ossola, of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, is working with a diverse team to develop a new kind of medicine that fosters health rather than chases disease.
Arnold Bloom is featured in a series about aptly named Aggies. That’s because his name is an aptronym -- suited to his profession or personality. He is also a distinguished professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
Jagdish Ladha’s new book outlines how improving nitrogen use efficiency can boost crop productivity, cut fertilizer costs and reduce environmental harm, combining global research insights with practical strategies for more sustainable farming.
Researchers at the UC Dry Bean Field Day shared progress on developing bean varieties with higher yields, larger seeds, and better drought, heat, and disease tolerance, using tools such as drones and robotics to accelerate breeding and field testing.
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.
Scientist Zane Moore, of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, discusses his passion for coast redwoods in the documentary film, "Giants Rising," by Lisa Landers/Tangent Productions. Streaming and broadcasting on PBS nationwide.
Most schools in California have lost tree cover, while temperatures are rising -- exposing nearly 6 million students to glaring sun and depriving them of contact with nature. Researchers from the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences ask: How can we use trees to help? This research was funded, in part, by the United States Forest Service.
