Plant Biotechnology

In this emphasis, you will study how differences at the molecular level can be used to improve plant growth and development.

Much of your work will be hands-on in greenhouses and laboratories. Gain an understanding of how plant genes are replicated, expressed, and controlled.  Learn how plants grow and respond to environmental stress, diseases, and insects. Study gene expression and practice manipulating plant genes to alter responses at the molecular level to pathogens, insects, and the environment. Develop and use DNA molecular markers to determine disease resistance and identify superior crop plants.

You’ll learn from professors who conduct integrated crop research that combines the latest molecular techniques with classic methods of crop improvement. Their research projects include: developing new cultivars of wheat, mustard, canola, potatoes, and beans; genetically transforming agronomic and horticultural crops; studying the molecular aspects of insect and disease resistance of plants; improving crops for use as biofuels; and evaluating the biological risks of transgenic crops.

This emphasis is a good fit if you can see yourself:

• Conducting research in greenhouses, laboratories, and fields to advance crops important to Idaho and the United States.
• Working to improve field crops such as wheat, corn, barley, rapeseed and beans or horticultural crops such as citrus fruits, roses and orchids.
• Pursuing a career in plant molecular biology, plant molecular genetics, plant breeding or plant genetics.

Prepare for Success

Your First Year

What You Can Do

With this degree, you may become one of the following:

• Plant propagation specialist: Produce new plants with grafting, budding, cutting, and tissue culture.
• Plant breeding support scientist: Participate in the development of new crop cultivars and the incorporation and testing of new genes that are resistant to disease, insects and herbicides.
• Research technician: Make discoveries in a laboratory or greenhouse that contribute to innovations in plant genetics and plant development.
• Laboratory technician: Work in public and private plant disease diagnostic laboratories using molecular techniques to solve problems in the field.
• Field representative: Work for a company that sells machinery, fertilizers, and pest management supplies to golf courses, greenhouses, and nurseries. Recommend products and explain their use.

Opportunities

Almost all of our graduates receive job offers upon graduation with starting salaries of up to $45,000. They work in business, for government and for nonprofit organizations.

You may also want to continue your education. Earn an advanced degree in plant science, agronomy, horticulture, plant molecular biology, plant genetics, plant breeding or plant pathology.

Current Research

Assist in a faculty research project or do your own independent study.

Participate in one of many departmental research projects.

• Breeding: Help develop new cultivars of wheat, canola, mustard or potatoes.
• Biopesticides: Explore how crushed mustard seeds are a natural deterrent for weeds, insects, and nematodes.
• Bioethanol: Participate in research to develop wheat straw into a high octane biodegradable fuel. Paid positions are available.

Activities

Plant and Soil Science Club (PSSC): Grow plants for sales, travel to Portland to visit the Japanese Gardens and the World Forestry Center.

Soil Stewards: Work at the on-campus organic farm.

Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Club (MMBBC): Interact with students who share your interest in biotechnology.

Agricultural Student Affairs Council (AgSAC): Become a student leader.

Hands-On Experience

Intern. Most students complete an internship between their junior and senior years. Get practical experiences like these:

• Microplant Nurseries, Inc.: Regenerate plants from cells and tissues.
• Twyford Plant Laboratories: Identify disease-resistant plants using molecular techniques.
• USDA-ARS: Identify and isolate genes for modification of crop plants such as wheat, barley, sugar beets and potatoes.

Study abroad.  Deepen your understanding of your major — and the world — to see the potential impact of plant biotechnology in countries like these: 

• Taiwan: Study orchid production. 
• Mexico: Explore mango and coffee production. 
• India: Compare modern cropping systems with century-old farming practices.

Volunteer. Give back. Grow organic produce at a university plant science farm, and donate the produce to a local food bank.  Help maintain the Nature Conservancy’s historic ranch on the Snake River.

Facilities

The department’s facilities include two plant science farms and two state-of-the-art greenhouses.