PSS Research Programs

Biotechnology

Plant improvement using traditional plant breeding approaches and advanced genetic and genomic approaches are helping our scientists to design the plants of tomorrow. Whether developing beautiful and drought-tolerant native flower varieties, breeding better vegetables, developing shade-tolerant and water-conserving turfgrass, or discovering how to improve cotton fiber quality through biotechnology, our scientists are at the cutting edge of their professions.

Faculty in the Department of Plant and Soil Science conduct research on many topics related to biotechnology.

■ Breeding improved varieties of vegetables

■ Turfgrass Research

■ Crop Improvement

■ Unraveling secrets of the cotton genome

Environmental Stewardship

Our natural environment is increasingly impacted by adverse effects of human activities and potential effects of global climate change. Protecting our local and global environments demands detailed knowledge of our soil and water resources, and the actual and potential impacts of human activities on these resources.

Faculty in the Department of Plant and Soil Science conduct research on topics related to:

■ Soil characterization

■ Fate of contaminants in the environment

■ Water resources

■ Remote sensing

■ Crop Water use

■ Precision agriculture

Sustainable Production Systems

Sustainable plant production systems are essential for our future. To help us prepare for long-term sustainability on the southern High Plains of Texas, we must determine how to most efficiently use our dwindling water resources. We must develop technology and management practices to enhance plant production and safeguard water, soil, and air quality.

Faculty in the Department of Plant and Soil Science conduct research on many topics to develop sustainable production systems for field crops, vegetables, wine grapes, oilseed and biomass crops, and turfgrass and ornamental crops. Ongoing research addresses:

■ Wine grapes

■ Developing improved varieties of ornamental plants

■ Irrigation systems and management

■ Water resources and their management

■ Alternative crops

■ Integrated livestock/crop systems

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■ Waste re-use

■ Improving cotton fiber quality

■ Better processing and use of cotton fibers

■ Methods of weed management

■ Methods of disease management