Scientists can now study the genome of the bristlecone pine, nature's longest-living individual organism, thanks to research led by David Neale of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
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.
Researchers in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences lay the foundation for future breeding of plums and related tree fruits by cataloguing the genes, and their many variations, that control the ripening process.
A new variety of wheat without some of the glutens that cause allergic reactions, such as celiac disease, has been developed by scientists in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.
UC Davis researchers are developing improved lima bean varieties suited for U.S. climates. By studying wild genetics and breeding for heat tolerance, yield, and nutrition, they aim to expand lima bean cultivation and consumer appeal nationwide.
UC Davis researchers found that walnut tree disease resistance and growth vigor are linked to cell wall formation. This insight could speed up the breeding of resilient rootstocks, protecting California’s $1.1B walnut industry from climate and disease threats.
Vincent D’Antonio, longtime UC Davis staff research associate in vegetable crops, passed away at 74. He supported celery and Brassica breeding for 30 years and is remembered for his dedication, kindness, and love of sports.
Pioneering plant geneticist Raymond C. Valentine, co-founder of Calgene and advocate for molecular farming, died March 9 at 86. His work transformed agriculture and led to the first genetically engineered food crops.
Imtiyaz Khanday, an assistant professor in the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences, is co-leading an international team that has propagated a commercial hybrid rice strain as a clone through seeds with 95 percent efficiency. The method that led to this breakthrough could lower the cost of hybrid rice seed, making high-yielding, disease-resistant rice strains available to low-income farmers worldwide.
For the sixth year in a row, Department of Plant Sciences faculty Eduardo Blumwald has been named a Highly Cited Researcher by an international database of scientific journals. Blumwald, a plant biologist, is among 10 UC Davis researchers to receive the distinction for 2022.
