School of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Our Mission

In the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, we train the next generation of professionals in the fields of plant breeding and genetics, agronomic and horticultural crop production, plant protection, soil and water systems management, agricultural technologies, environmental restoration, and agro-environmental stewardship. We conduct research to improve agricultural productivity, reduce negative impacts on the environment, and improve soil and water health. Through our Extension programs, we provide science-based information to our stakeholders to help them feed the world while protecting the environment.

Learn About Our Academic Programs

According to the USDA, between 2020 and 2025, an average of 36,100 new U.S. graduates with expertise in food, agriculture, renewable natural resources, or the environment are expected to fill 61% of the expected 59,400 average annual openings.

NEWS

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Virginia Tech researchers to investigate transcriptional regulation of cannabinoid synthesis in industrial hemp , article Date: Mar 31
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Virginia Tech researchers fight fire blight’s plight on apple production , article Date: Mar 24
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Expanded perspectives give greater voice to invasive species working group , article Date: Mar 23
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Virginia Tech researchers to develop a snacking pepper suitable for indoor agriculture , article Date: Mar 21

Announcements and Upcoming Events

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Virginia Tech researchers to develop snacking pepper suitable for indoor ag , redirect
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New and returning courses for Fall 2023 , redirect
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Winter 2022 , home
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Danville hosts first ever Controlled Environment Agriculture Summit on the East Coast , redirect

Our Vision

Learning

What you will learn

The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences strives to create a positive and creative learning environment for our students. We have dedicated faculty and staff who provide individual advising and instruction to equip our students for regional and global professions. You can count on world-class academic programs, relevant for today and tomorrow, opportunities for involvement and experience, and personal attention in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

Learn more about our academics

Research

Discover new solutions

Researchers in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences integrate computation, biology, and technology to solve complex problems affecting crop production and environmental quality. Faculty and students breed new crops with greater nutritional value, develop models for early warning of crop disease outbreaks, discover genes that increase crop resilience, productivity and disease resistance, and restore tropical and temperate ecosystems.

Learn more about our research

Extension

Enhancing yields, improving quality and helping Virginians.

Our Extension and outreach programs are designed to deliver pragmatic, science-based information regarding sustainable crop production and responsible land and water use management.

Learn more about Extension program