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 our IPBGG members on their outstanding honors and achievements in July!
- Achyut Duwadi (Conner Lab) received a Traditional Scholarship Award from the American Society of Enology and Viticulture to support his muscadine research.
- Ashmita Upadhyay (Clevenger Lab) earned 1st Place in the Joe Sugg Ph.D. Oral Competition at the recent APRES Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico.
- Daniel Matusinec (Bertioli Lab) received 2nd Place in the Joe Sugg Ph.D. Oral Competition at the recent APRES Annual Meeting in Puerto Rico.
- David Bertioli was elected a Fellow of APRES, one of the organization's highest honors.
- Soraya Leal-Bertioli and David Bertioli received the Bailey Award for the best paper presented at the APRES Annual Meeting.
- Josh Clevenger was also elected a Fellow of APRES. Josh is a faculty member at HudsonAlpha and serves as an adjunct faculty member in IPBGG.
We are proud to celebrate these accomplishments and the continued excellence of our students, faculty, and researchers. Their achievements reflect the strength and impact of the IPBGG community.
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 (advised by Dr. Patrick Conner) 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 (advised by Dr. Amol Nankar) 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 (advised by Dr. Ye (Juliet) Chu) 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.