Crop Improvements & Phenomics

Crop Improvements & Phenomics

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Our Theme:

Crop improvement programs focus on developing new crop varieties for reasons such as:

• Producing crops with better yields to address global food security
• producing high quality end-use products for better health and consumer preference
• sustainable crop protection (low chemical inputs, water consumption).

Phenomics refers to the utilization of sensing, automation and data mining tools used for phenotyping, a key process leading to selection of desirable traits. Similarly, genomics refers to techniques that assist in the exploration of crop genomes towards  understanding the plant function. We are exploring practical and data-driven approaches towards assisting crop improvement programs.

Ongoing Research Projects/Initiatives:

• Next generation variety development and education for grains, apples, alternative crops, and cool season legumes
• USDA-NIFA REEU: FACT: Research experience for undergraduates on phenomics big data management

Facilities:

WSU Plant Phenomics
WSU Tree Fruit Breeding
WSU Small Fruit Breeding Program
Small Grain Breeding Program
WSU Potato Program

Sponsors:

• US Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• National Science Foundation 
• Commodity Commissions (Washington Grain Commission, Tree Fruit Research Commission, USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, Washington State Potato Commission, etc.)

Core Faculty: