Genetic Improvement

genetics banner

Genetic improvement, or biotechnology, is becoming more of a viable tool used to develop better crop varieties that we grow to produce the food, fuel and fiber needs of our citizens.

In 2010, 91% of the corn acres and 94% of the soybean acres in Nebraska were planted with biotechnology derived varieties (USDA Report). These would include insect resistant, herbicide resistant and stacked GMO varieties. For more information on how these varieties are developed see Making a Genetically Engineered Crop.

Whether you are ....

  • a producer or crop consultant who needs to understand how to carefully manage these resistance traits for the long haul, or....
  • a seed salesperson with many biotech-derived varieties in your sales portfolio, or...
  • a science teacher looking for information on the applications of biotechnology, or...
  • someone interested in how biotechnology has/is being applied to meet todays needs in food, feed and fiber production...

..you will find the navigation links on this site helpful in increasing your knowledge and awareness of many aspects of biotechnology.

More Biotech Info

Contact Us

Leah Sandall
Associate Professor of Practice
UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture
PLSH 279L
Lincoln NE 68583-0915
402-472-9295
lsandall5@unl.edu

Related Articles

Lab worker behind computer

Analysis, Summarization and Interpretation of Plant Breeding Data Workshop Aug. 6-8

July 11, 2024
The focus of this workshop will be on the practical aspects of managing data and performing mixed model analyses, and participants are encouraged to bring their own datasets to explore options.

Read more

Wheat on lab table with filled syringe

Introduction to Hybrid Breeding Workshop Begins July 31

July 11, 2024
This workshop is designed for non-hybrid breeders to become acquainted with basic terminology and the process for developing a genetically improved hybrid cultivar for commercialization. 

Read more

Man and woman stand in wheat field
The university developed this new wheat variety through a group effort headed by Stephen Wegulo, professor of plant pathology and plant pathologist for Nebraska Extension, and Katherine Frels, Nebraska’s small grains breeder and an assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture. (Photo by Craig Chandler, University Communication and Marketing)

Nebraska-developed Wheat Variety to Address New Fungal Threat

June 12, 2024
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is releasing a new wheat variety, NE Prism CLP, that stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, including fusarium head blight.

Read more

Man holds plant in greenhouse
Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, a postdoctoral associate in the Schnable Lab, developed and tested an innovative gene-analysis method, focusing on RNA, that greatly boosts the ability to identify corn genes. (Photo by Lina Lopez, Schnable Lab)

Nebraska Team Develops Technique to Speed Up Corn Gene Identification

June 6, 2024
UNL researchers' findings from the study could lead to faster creation of more resilient corn varieties and broader producer access to improved crops.

Read more

Roston Talks Crop Resiliency Research with RFD-TV

April 23, 2024
Rebecca Roston, UNL professor of biochemistry, talks about her research on the development of crop varieties with improved resistance to cold temperatures.

Read more

News Archive