Our department has not one, but two new majors. Last year, we announced the new Agroecology major. Now, our department is launching the new Plant Science and Technology major. This new major will combine the latest in technology with the basic principles of the biology of plants. Students will learn how to apply technological solutions, such as drones, gene editing, and artificial intelligence, to society's agricultural challenges such as food distribution, resource management, and crop responses to climate change. Read more.
In 1939, UW-Madison created a red corn called W335A. In the 2000s, Professors Natalia de Leon and Shawn Kaeppler resurrected this red corn from UW-Madison's seed vaults and brought back W335A for a local bourbon company. Learn more.
Chris Lewis, an environment and resources student co-advised by Claudia Irene Calderón and Matthew Turner, is collaborating with researchers and communities in Chiquimula, Guatemala. Learn more.
Associate Scientist Eric Booth and Professor Adena Rissman presented their research on working with Wisconsin farmers to improve water quality by reducing phosphorus loss from agriculture. Learn more.
Steven Hall, an assistant professor and extension specialist, recently co-authored a paper published in Nature Sustainability. This paper sheds new light on the impact of diversified cropping systems. Read more.
April showers bring May flowers – and the opportunity to explore campus gardens, greenhouses, and related facilities. Visit D.C. Smith Greenhouse, Allen Centennial Garden, Steenbock Library, and the Wisconsin Energy Institute. Learn more.
Allen Centennial Garden hosts build-your-own bouquet each Saturday for $10 for as many flowers as you can grip. On select Saturdays, the Garden also hosts drop-in and sign-up workshops featuring dying clothes, creating watercolors with plants, flower pounding, cooking with plant-based sauces, and more. Learn more.
Robert A. Forsberg passed away on March 21, 2025 at the age of 94. Forsberg earned his degree in agronomy from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. During a 30 year career at the University of Wisconsin Department of Agronomy, he taught plant genetics and statistics, developed new varieties of small grain crops, and served as department chair. He mentored graduate students from all over the world and was still in touch with his former students.
Plant & Agroecosystem Sciences
UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON
Plant Sciences Building/Moore Hall, 1575 Linden Drive | Madison, WI 53706
