Scientists have developed a new genetic tool that makes it easier and faster to breed grains that grow more efficiently and are better adapted to different environments. They're using a ground-breaking discovery: micro-RNA.
A scraggly grapevine collected in 1906 and stored at the UC Davis Center for Plant Diversity Herbarium has yielded clues to when Pierce's disease arrived in California and how the bacterium that causes it has evolved since then. Scientists hope to use that information to prevent and, eventually, treat the deadly blight, which has spread to wine-growing regions around the world.
Richard Michelmore led the UC Davis Genome Center for 20 years, expanding its influence and spearheading a groundbreaking COVID-19 saliva test. His leadership advanced genomics research, faculty recruitment, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
UC Davis plant scientist Grey Monroe won a $1M NSF CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to study how plants protect key genes from harmful mutations. His work could boost gene editing and crop resilience and involve underrepresented high school students.
Sequencing the whitebark pine genome offers a powerful tool to restore this threatened, high-elevation species, improving disease resistance screening and climate adaptation in weeks instead of years—all at lower cost.
UC Davis scientists received $2.1M in USDA grants to breed green beans, chile peppers, and alfalfa better suited for heat and drought. The goal: improve quality, boost yield, cut costs, and adapt crops to climate change.
UC Davis scientists have discovered the PLATZ1 gene in wheat. This gene controls plant height and boosts yield, especially in water-scarce conditions. It also helps produce longer coleoptiles for deeper planting, improving moisture access.
UC Davis’ Taylor Lab received new DOE funding to grow poplar trees for sustainable jet fuel, helping reduce aviation emissions. Researchers study drought resilience, tree regrowth, and genes to support climate goals and farmer profits.
UC Davis researchers discovered that duplicating certain genes in wheat can stimulate deeper root growth, helping plants access water in drought conditions. This breakthrough could lead to higher yields and better drought resistance in wheat.
UC Davis researchers, led by Gail Taylor, are studying lettuce genetics to improve shelf life and bacterial resistance. Their findings could help breed longer-lasting, more nutritious lettuce for the $3.7-billion industry.
