Interdisciplinary Plant Group - University of Missouri
Welcome to the Interdisciplinary Plant Group at MU
The Interdisciplinary Plant Group is a community of MU faculty, students, and professionals from a range of scientific disciplines who are pursuing novel, creative, and transformative ideas in the field of plant biology. Established in 1981, the IPG provides a supportive, open, and flexible research environment that transcends traditional departmental boundaries, facilitates the sharing of ideas and resources, and creates opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations. The IPG is comprised of 50 faculty-led research teams representing the divisions of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, and Plant Sciences and the departments of Forestry and Computer Science.
Seminars
News
Drought experts present at InterDrought III
Oct 20, 2009
Drs. Robert Sharp, Henry Nguyen, and Mel Oliver presented invited talks at InterDrought III, the Third International Conference on Integrated Approaches to Improve Crop Production under Drought-Prone Conditions, held in Shanghai, China, from October 11-16, 2009. 
IPG member appointed to head federal committee
Oct 20, 2009
Gary Stacey was appointed chair of the Department of Energy's Biological and Environmental Research Advisory Committee (BERAC)
MU Researchers Create Drought Conditions to Unearth Solutions
Aug 5, 2009
New drought simulators will allow plant scientists at MU to conduct a broad range of drought-related translational research.
“Green” Plastics Could Help Reduce Carbon Footprint

More than 20 million tons of plastic are placed in U.S. landfills each year. Results from a new study conducted by IPG researcher Brian Mooney and Douglas Randall suggest that some of the largely petroleum-based plastic may soon be replaced by a nonpolluting, renewable plastic made from plants.
MU Researchers Make Discovery in Molecular Mechanics of Phototropism
Mannie Liscum and doctoral student Ullas Pedmale have made a discovery in the molecular mechanics of phototropism, which could one day lead to crop improvement.
A Little Something to Chew On
Although a hungry little caterpillar may make for a cute children’s book, there’s nothing cute about it to farmers. Crop loss due to insect damage costs farmers big money. A Polish graduate student, with funding from the IPG, is examining the molecular signaling pathway that alerts a plant that wounding is occurring. Her results may help scientists develop new and improved plants that are more effective at protecting themselves against such herbivores.
Constructing Artificial Chromosomes for Corn
James Birchler and his lab are developing artificial chromosomes for corn that one day could be used to produce other products including some of medical value.
About IPG
People
Research
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Facilities
Interdisciplinary Plant Group, University of Missouri, 371 Bond Life Sciences Center, Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 884-4144 * Fax: (573) 884-7676 * E-mail: plantgroup@missouri.edu

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