Research Overview

With world population predicted to reach nine billion people by 2050, understanding the principles underlying agriculture is increasingly crucial. BTI’s research aims to speed the development of sustainable agriculture and healthier food through research into basic biological questions, such as: What mechanisms do plants use to grow, defend themselves from disease and insects, use water, and react to stress?

BTI’s research has the potential not only to help increase the food supply to those in need, but also to enhance the nutritional value of foods in the developed and developing worlds, reduce need for fertilizers and pesticides, and even produce cheaper vaccines.

For more details, please see individual lab websites (listed at left), or complete lists of publications. Less technical explanations of BTI’s research can be found in the annual reports and news archives. Technologies developed at BTI—including high-yield cell lines—may be licensed for commercial or academic use. Many of BTI’s facilities and other resources are available to members of the Cornell community and others.