

In a new study published in The Plant Cell,researchers at the University of Missouri provide significant new
information about the metabolic changes that occur during the transition from seed to seedling.
The Interdisciplinary Plant Group (IPG) is a community of MU faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and professionals pursuing novel, creative, and transformative ideas in the field of plant biology. Established in 1981, the IPG seeks to encourage interdisciplinary cooperation between scientists engaged in plant molecular biology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, evolution, ecology, and computer science. Our aim in integrating these disciplines is to stimulate joint research projects that will enhance our understanding of how plants grow and develop in changing environments.
This mission is accomplished by providing a supportive and flexible environment that allows scientists to explore research that transcends traditional departmental boundaries, by facilitating the sharing of ideas and resources among faculty members and students, and by creating opportunities for collaboration through interdisciplinary meetings, seminars, and an annual symposium.
The IPG is currently comprised of 51 faculty-led research teams that represent three academic divisions—Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences—and two academic departments—Computer Science and Forestry. Several members are also affiliated with the USDA-Agricultural Research Services (USDA-ARS).
The overarching research theme of the Interdisciplinary Plant Group focuses on understanding how plants respond to changing environments. Within this theme, IPG research projects can be grouped by studies that focus on genetic diversity, on developmental mechanisms, and on biotic and abiotic interactions.
The diversity of approaches being pursued and plants being studied as well as the interactive nature of the group enhance the IPG’s opportunity to design unique solutions to current problems as well as pressing problems yet to be recognized. As a part of the Food for the 21st Century Programat the University of Missouri, one of the goals of the IPG is to generate the knowledge base needed to meet the increasing needs for
food, fiber, and health for the future.
The IPG is recognized as one of the top plant research and training programs in the nation. In May 2008, a Blue Ribbon Team of scientists concluded that, “using any metric of success, the IPG is an exceptional program of research excellence ... that has succeeded in promoting excellence in research and teaching at MU.”