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A grant from the National Science Foundation is bringing Spartan teachers, researchers, and students together to solve a global grassland mystery. 

Professors Emily Josephs, David Lowry, Sue Rhee, and Berkley Walker were recognized at a college ceremony for outstanding faculty in November.

MSU researcher Karine Prado is exploring how a heat-tolerant plant's microscopic tactics might help crops in a warming world.

The Graduate School features graduate and post-doc educators every month to share their unique stories and perspectives on what it means to be a dedicated educator. This month features Sophie Buysse, a doctoral student in the department of Plant Biology.

Chris Topp has been using high-powered imaging techniques to explore the unseen corners of plant science for decades. In 2026, he'll bring his vision for plant science to MSU.

Researchers are looking at how plants and algae can protect themselves from attacks from within

New research reveals photorespiration is essential for producing a crucial nutrient for preventing birth defects.

Join us in welcoming the new cohort of PLB graduate students.

Molecular biologist Chenxin Li is the latest addition to the department of Plant Biology's faculty.

How the development of Arabidopsis thaliana as a model organism led to innovation in the plant sciences, agriculture and human health

Undergraduate students are brought to MSU to research and study plants and photosynthetic microbes

A newly discovered pathway in a plant process could help farmers grow more successful crops, particularly in places where harsh, high light stresses plants.

Scientists may be underestimating how plants will respond to rising global temperatures when they study hot summers but not warming winters, Michigan State University ecologists found. 

Grotewold's research explores how plants can be the solution to many of the world's biggest problems.

Christoph Benning, Michigan State University researcher, inventor and one of the world's foremost experts in plant lipid metabolism, has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences.

Renovations include a new headhouse and greenhouses. The final stage is expected to be complete by November 2026.

Researchers from the Brudvig Restoration Ecology lab are attempting to solve a longstanding question in community ecology.

The Great Lakes region is poised to become an epicenter for plant science collaboration as Michigan State University prepares to host the inaugural Great Lakes Plant Science Conference. 

Professor Shinhan Shiu, a professor of Plant Biology and Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, was recognized with the William J. Beal Award for Outstanding Faculty at the 2025 All-University Awards in April.

When it comes down to choosing whether to do research or take on an internship, students in the department of Plant Biologycan find out what suits them best, thanks to a carefully planned series of courses which bookend these students’ time at MSU. 

Plant scientists from labs and research groups across MSU will present 'The World of Plants,' a showcase featuring 17 unique booths dedicated to different aspects of plant science, at the 2025 SciFest STEAM Expo Days.

PLB graduate student Madison Plunkert speaks out on the cuts to critical funding for scientific researrchin the Lansing State Journal.

University Distinguished Professor, PLB faculty emeritus, and valued colleague John Ohlrogge passed away on February 12.

In a new, collaborative project, two PLB graduate students have teamed up to investigate how plants’ natural defense mechanisms can be leveraged to help improve crop resilience.

A team of researchers from Michigan State University discovered a native tree unlocking the secret to protecting apples from cold weather damage. Van Nocker says the research team will grow seedlings and plant them around campus with the help of the MSU Herbarium. 

Three members of Michigan State University’s department of Plant Biology were recognized for their outstanding achievements and service at the College’s annual awards ceremony.    

Mystery of the Monkeyflower, a graphic novel, is used in conjunction with a plant experiment to teach students about evolution and genetics.The novel helps students understand complex concepts about two varieties of monkeyflowers.

Michigan State University has announced the appointment of Alan Prather as director of the Beal Botanical Garden and Campus Arboretum. Prather has served as interim director since October 2021.