Seed Biotechnology Center 

"Seeds are nature's best design for packaging genetic information in a storage container that is durable and easily used. Researchers are now beginning to unravel the genetic information carried in these seeds, and with this new knowledge come opportunities for novel approaches to select and enhance desirable genetic traits. The Seed Biotechnology Center will serve as a focus for the efforts at UC Davis to use the knowledge gained from genomics to improve seed quality and value." Neal Van Alfen, Dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at UC Davis

Center Director & Staff
Center Dr. Kent J. Bradford is the Director of the Seed Biotechnology Center and Susan Webster is the Program Representative in charge of Center operations. Dr. Allen Van Deynze, the Biotechnology Specialist, is responsible for the SBC research program. UC Davis has more than 120 faculty that are engaged in research and teaching in the plant sciences.

Faculty Participation
Faculty having expertise in seed biology and technology, genetics, developmental biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant pathology, weed science, agricultural engineering, agricultural economics, entomology, nematology and nutrition have indicated their desire to contribute to Center programs. Plant Reproductive Biology, Genomics and Bioinformatics have been identified as areas of emphasis at UC Davis, ensuring a strong academic and research foundation for seed biotechnology.

Facilities
The campus is making significant investments in facilities to support plant sciences. A $40 million Plant and Environmental Sciences Building was recently completed. A $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation has been matched with $2 million from the campus for construction of a Core Greenhouse Complex. The greenhouses opened in Spring 2003. The new Bowley Plant Sciences Teaching Center, a privately funded $1.3 million facility dedicated to teaching in plant and crop sciences, is adjacent to the Greenhouse Complex and SBC. The Division of Plant Sciences committed $150,000 to equip teaching laboratories in the Bowley Center.

Programs and Resources
Biotechnology Program
California Crop Improvement Association
Center for Advanced Plant Genetics
Center for Engineering Plants for Resistance Against Pathogens
Cooperative Extension
C.M. Rick Tomato Genetic Resources Center
Foundation Seed Services
Genetic Resources Conservation Program
Internship and Career Center
Joe A. Heidrick, Sr. Western Center for Agricultural Equipment
Life Science Informatics
Center Office of Technology Transfer
Plant Pest Quarantine Facility
Protein Structure Laboratory
Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Plant Transformation Facility
USDA Western Center for Human Nutrition