The Plant Biotechnology Laboratory (PBL) advances both basic and applied plant science through the development and application of innovative plant transformation and genome editing technologies. Our research focuses on improving crop performance, accelerating trait development, and providing solutions to challenges in agriculture, sustainability, and biotechnology.

We actively encourage and support collaborative research with partners from academia, industry, government agencies, and private foundations. In addition to research collaborations, the PBL offers selected fee-for-service capabilities, including the production, analysis, and characterization of transgenic and gene-edited plant lines. Please contact us to discuss collaborative opportunities or service inquiries.

Founded in 2004, the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory is directed by Professor Albert Kausch. Research in the Kausch Lab centers on the development and implementation of advanced molecular and biotechnological tools for plant improvement and discovery. Current projects include the use of morphogenic regulator-mediated transformation systems, tissue culture-free transformation approaches, and novel strategies for precise gene regulation and trait engineering.

The Kausch Lab integrates fundamental research, applied technology development, education, and workforce training to address critical challenges in crop productivity, bioenergy production, and agricultural innovation. Through the PBL, the laboratory collaborates with a diverse network of national and international scientists, educators, and industry partners on a wide range of agricultural and biotechnology initiatives.

Research Areas

• Plant transformation technology development
• Genome editing and precision breeding
• Morphogenic regulator-mediated transformation systems
• Tissue culture-free transformation approaches
• Gene regulation and trait engineering
• Crop improvement and agricultural biotechnology
• Bioenergy crop development
• Biotechnology education and workforce training
• Collaborative research and technology transfer

Plant Transformation and Genome Editing Technology Development

The Kausch Lab in the PBL has established reliable transformation pipelines for the generation of stable integrative transgenics and genome edited lines. Specializing in development of novel transformation protocols in recalcitrant species and cultivars, the Kausch Lab works with collaborators on focused research projects. These construct-to-seed pipelines afford development of innovative transformation and editing technologies while supporting the basic and applied research needs of our collaborators.

Seeking Collaborators

The PBL works directly with collaborators on all phases of plant transgenic and genome edited projects.

• Grant Proposal Preparation
• Construct design
• Agrobacterium and Biolistic strategies
• Early analysis and feedback
• Overexpression and Promoter analysis
• Genome editing
  • Cas 9
  • Prime editing
  • Base editing
• T0 Event analysis