Apomixis is a reproductive strategy that enables plants to form seeds asexually, producing offspring genetically identical to the mother plant. This phenomenon has enormous agricultural potential by stabilizing traits and preserving hybrid vigour. Currently, the production of hybrid seeds is accomplished through carefully controlled and labor-intensive crosses.
Ph.D. student Katie Toomey and Postdoctoral researcher Fiorella Spies were recognized with first-place awards at the 2026 Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB) annual meeting. Toomey earned first place in the Ph.D. Oral Paper Competition, highlighting the quality and impact of her graduate research in plant and animal biotechnology and genomics.
Spies received first place in the Postdoctoral Oral Paper Competition, recognizing excellence in scientific research and presentation at the postdoctoral level. Their achievements reflect the strength of research and mentorship within UGA’s Institute of Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics and underscore the university’s continued leadership in advancing plant science and agricultural innovation.
We're proud of our awesome graduate students and want to recognize their excellence!
The Institute for Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics has a vibrant graduate program that offers both a Master's degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Plant Breeding, Genetics and Genomics.
Congratulations to Khyathi Madduro, Emily Betenivalu, and Sindoora Nalajala, recipients of the 2026 John Ingle Innovation in Plant Breeding Award. Their research highlights the innovative approaches being used to address important challenges in crop improvement, disease resistance, and agricultural sustainability.
Madduro was recognized for her innovative research integrating UAV-based high-throughput phenotyping and genomic analysis to advance zinc-efficient cultivar development in pecan. Her work combines cutting-edge technology and plant genetics to support the development of more resilient and nutrient-efficient pecan cultivars.
Betenivalu received recognition for her research using RGB imaging to quantify Phytophthora capsici progression in peppers. Her project provides valuable tools for evaluating stem rot disease and supports efforts to improve disease resistance in pepper breeding programs.
Nalajala was honored for her research identifying the genetic control of resistance to Phytophthora root rot in blueberry. Her work contributes to the development of healthier, more resilient blueberry varieties and advances disease-resistance breeding efforts.
Distinguished Research Professor Peggy Ozias-Akins has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society for In Vitro Biology (SIVB), one of the organization’s highest honors. Established in 1989, the award recognizes outstanding late-career scientists who have made significant contributions to in vitro biology or developed novel technologies that have advanced the field. The award may only be received once.
Ozias-Akins is internationally recognized for her pioneering research in plant reproductive biology, molecular genetics and crop improvement, including advances in apomixis and peanut genomics. A longtime SIVB member and 2012 SIVB Fellow, she has spent her career developing innovative tools and knowledge that have advanced plant science, agricultural sustainability and the training of future generations of researchers.
Professor Brian Schwartz has been honored as the Inventor of the Year at UGA’s 2026 Research Awards.
Schwartz is recognized for exceptional success in developing commercially impactful turfgrass cultivars that have transformed industry practice. As lead turfgrass breeder at UGA’s Tifton campus, Schwartz plays a central role in one of the world’s premier public warm-season turfgrass breeding programs