Note: The Department offers two options for the MS degree. A student may choose plan A, which involves coursework and original thesis work, or plan B, which is a non-thesis degree. Graduate research assistantships are available from several sources. For information, contact the department.

MS in Plant Pathology

For an MS in Plant Pathology, most research projects are problem oriented and pertain to major plant pathological problems in the state. Current projects involve soil-borne diseases of cereals, genetic basis for disease resistance in field crops, cereal leaf spots, virus diseases of cereals and potatoes, bacterial diseases and the biochemistry and molecular genetics of plant disease. 

Department projects employ modern molecular biological and biotechnological techniques as well as traditional techniques.

MS in Plant Sciences

The Department conducts research in cereal quality; cropping systems/specialty crops; molecular and conventional approaches to plant improvement. Faculty have expertise in molecular genetics, plant breeding and genetics, cereal quality, cytogenetics, biochemistry, plant physiology and agronomy.

PhD in Plant Sciences: Plant Pathology Option

Current research projects involve soil-borne diseases of cereals, genetic basis for disease resistance in field crops, cereal leaf spots, virus diseases of cereals and potatoes, bacterial diseases and the biochemistry and molecular genetics of plant disease. Additional current research projects pertain to the biocontrol of plant diseases and the biocontrol of weeds using plant pathogens and/or their toxins.

PhD in Plant Sciences: Plant Genetics Option

The Department offers advanced study leading to a Ph.D. degree in Plant Genetics with supporting minors. Thesis research problems are related to the diverse research projects of the faculty.

The Department conducts research programs in: cereal quality; cropping systems/specialty crops; molecular and conventional approaches to plant improvement. Faculty have expertise in molecular genetics, plant breeding and genetics, cereal quality, cytogenetics, biochemistry, plant physiology and agronomy.