Plant Agriculture (PhD)
The PhD in Plant Agriculture program of study offers specialization in four broad fields of the Plant Sciences: 1) plant breeding and genetics; 2) plant biochemistry and physiology; 3) crop production systems; and 4) bioproducts.
Plant Breeding and Genetics has long been a key focus of our faculty and students. Through breeding and biotechnology, Guelph researchers help society by developing new field-crop, fruit, ornamental and vegetable cultivars that are grown in Canada and worldwide. Also, Plant Agriculture faculty and students seek both to understand the fundamental mechanisms that enable plant improvements and to discover novel methodologies and technologies that will be the foundation for future advances.
Plant Biochemistry and Physiology is a broad discipline. Faculty and students in this area study the response of plants to environmental change and plant development at the ecosystem, whole plant, and molecular levels. Students investigate ecologically friendly management strategies, study underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms that regulate plant development, investigate how plant performance can be optimized in the field or closed environments, and contribute to cultivar development
Crop Production Systems research seeks to develop or test agricultural management strategies for yield improvement and economically and environmentally sound production practices in field and horticultural crops such as ornamentals and turf. Students assist producers and industry in the control of weeds, insects and plant diseases, and investigate new management protocols for production of high quality crops.
Bioproducts is a multi-disciplinary field that deals with background sciences ranging from chemical engineering to plant science. Students deal with products and materials made from cellulose, oil, protein, starch and other compounds derived from various plant parts such as seeds, stalks/stovers, hulls and cobs of crop plants. Students will develop their expertise in analytical methods, factors affecting quality of lant-derived raw materials, engineering (including bioengineering of bioproducts) biomaterials, and biocomposites.
This program is offered through the Department of Plant Agriculture. More details on this program are available through the department's Graduate Studies website.
What's it like to be a Plant Agriculture PhD student?
Sometimes the best way to learn about a program is through meeting a current student. Read about Travis's experience as a PhD student here.
Meet the Profs
Say hello to the professors of the Department of Plant Agriculture in these 60 second snapshot videos. More faculty videos can be found here.
Find Out More
Here's a compiled list of helpful links about graduate school at the University of Guelph:
- PhD - Plant Agriculture Program Brochure
- Research Themes in Plant Agriculture
- Faculty Profiles & Research Interests
- Admission Requirements
- Applying to Guelph
- Scholarships & Funding
- FAQs about Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
Graduate Program Assistant:
519-824-4120 ext 56077