Chapter 5

Fundamental Biology of Plants and Plant Pests:

Goal:  Enhance focus and depth in graduate education and research in fundamental plant biology and be recognized nationally and internationally as a competitive institution for national and international grants, and attractive to graduate students across the United States and the world.  This will include graduate education and research in molecular biology and genomics of crop plants and their pests, mechanisms of biological resistance to pests, mechanisms of invasion of weed species, and understand the molecular and cellular foundations for crop improvement and crop pest management.

Strategic Initiatives: 

·         Build greenhouse and laboratory facilities to EPA, USDA-APHIS, and NIH standards to permit research with transgenic and exotic pest organisms.

·         Build faculty capacity in secondary metabolism and the genomics and population genetics of complex traits.

·         Build capacity in bioinformatics, especially related to the evolution and distribution of novel, complex traits.

·         Fully engage in the cross-college plant molecular biology consortium to seek jointly major grants, training grants, and graduate student recruiting.

Critical Resource Growth: 

·         Secure funds to bring greenhouse and growth chamber facilities up to regulatory standards for transgenic research.

·         Secure one endowed chair faculty position.

·         Enhance contract and grant income.

·         Add $100,000 annually for first year graduate students support in the molecular plant science consortium.