This program is a collaboration between faculty members from the MSU Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Biology, and Plant Pathology. We offer state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, access to research greenhouses, farms, and specialized equipment on the MSU Campus. Our faculty also compete successfully for internal and external funding for research projects.

New students have a high degree of flexibility in selecting a major professor, committee members and a thesis project among this talented group. MSU is particularly known for research, teaching and extension activities in the plant sciences; thus, strong support and resources are available to students in PBGB.

The PBGB Program has made significant contributions to U.S. agriculture as well. Many cultivars, and inbred lines of agronomic, horticultural and forest commodities have been developed by faculty, staff, students and post-doctoral researchers in various programs.

These advances have been made through the collection and utilization of genetic diversity, conventional breeding approaches, and cellular and molecular techniques. The PBG Program provides students with an approach that integrates contemporary biotechnologies with traditional breeding for crop plant improvement.

Research Facilities

• Michigan State University was founded in 1855 as the first agricultural college in the United States and was the protype of the land-grant universities. MSU is regarded as an outstanding educational institution. The student population of about 40,000, which includes post-graduates, experiences a stimulating and challenging academic environment on a scenic and park-like campus with easy access to the recreational and cultural activities of the mid-Michigan area.

• The MSU commitment to research and graduate programs allows students access to major research facilities. All members of the PBGB faculty have well equipped laboratories with state-of-the-art facilities. Additional specialized facilitates include the Electron Microscope Center, Laser Scanning Microscope Laboratory, Macromolecular Structure Facility, and Mass Spectrometry Laboratory.