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Boyce Thompson Institute
@btiscience.bsky.social
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Discovery inspired by plants. Click the link to explore more about BTI and for our “House Rules” for Social Media Comments. linktr.ee/BTIScience
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Today we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science by recognizing the scientists at BTI whose curiosity, creativity, and leadership are shaping the future of plant science and agriculture. Their work drives discovery, innovation, and real-world impact.
Green graphic from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The BTI logo appears at the top, followed by the headline “International Day of Women and Girls in Science.” Text below reads: “Today we honor all the women of BTI’s past, present and future, whose work furthers science at BTI and beyond.” At the bottom, four illustrated women of diverse skin tones and backgrounds stand side by side in profile, facing right.
February 11, 2026 at 8:35 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Cucumber genetics got a 172,000-piece upgrade. That's how many large DNA rearrangements BTI scientists catalogued by combining 39 cucumber genomes into one mega-map—the most comprehensive genetic map of cucumber ever created.
Now breeders have a powerful tool to work with.
https://cstu.io/c5350b
Breeding a better cucumber: new genetic map reveals 171,892 structural variants - Boyce Thompson Institute
Agriculture. Environment. Human Health.
cstu.io
February 10, 2026 at 7:43 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
We were glad to welcome the Wegmans Food Markets sustainability team and Organic Farm & Orchard leaders to BTI for a visit, sharing ideas on sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems. A great day with partners who care deeply about a healthier, more sustainable future.
January 28, 2026 at 3:19 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Our 10-week Research Experiences for Undergraduates program offers hands-on research, mentorship, and professional development in a collaborative research community. Applications for the 2026 program close Feb 2.

Apply: reu.btiscience.org

youtube.com/shorts/bdKj7...

#PlantScience #REU
BTI's 2025 REU Program
YouTube video by BTIScience
youtube.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:08 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
80% of Earth's plant species partner with soil fungi for nutrients—including staple crops that feed billions.

BTI's Harrison Lab developed tools to identify the proteins controlling this exchange.

Next step: crops needing less synthetic fertilizer.

btiscience.org/explore-bti/...
BTI scientists illuminate ancient plant-fungus partnership at molecular level - Boyce Thompson Institute
btiscience.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:59 PM
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Our 2026 Research Experiences for Undergraduates application is open! This experience provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to engage in research and professional development with a community of researchers. Visit reu.btiscience.org. Applications close 2/2.

youtu.be/RkDryO8O05Y
BTI's 2025 Summer Research Program
YouTube video by BTIScience
youtu.be
January 16, 2026 at 2:35 PM
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Join PlantGENE and industry + research experts for a live Zoom workshop on Automation for Plant Bioengineering

Feb 5 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET
Includes a 30-min interactive discussion

Register: cam-ac-uk.zoom.us/meeting/regi...
Flyer for an online workshop titled “Automation for Plant Bioengineering: Opportunities, Considerations, & Emerging Solutions.” The design has a dark green background with a photo of an orange robotic arm working among green plants in a greenhouse. Event date is February 5, from 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET (7:30–9:30 AM PT), described as a two-hour workshop followed by discussion. Speakers listed are Chris Bagley (Inari Agriculture), Veena Veena (Donald Danforth Plant Science Center), Micah Stevens (Sierra Gold Nurseries), Suzane Pols (Viscon Group), Kelly Chapman (Viscon Group), and Michael Henzler (Ball Horticultural Co.). The event is hosted on Zoom, with registration at www.plantgene.sivb.org , and includes the Plant Gene logo.
January 7, 2026 at 5:27 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
2025 was a year of bold discoveries at BTI. Check out our Top 5 stories of the year and join us in celebrating the research that is shaping agriculture, health, and science. We can’t wait to see what discoveries 2026 will bring. https://cstu.io/9766ce
- YouTube
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cstu.io
December 31, 2025 at 5:04 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season. We're grateful for your support of our mission to advance plant science for a more sustainable, resilient, and healthy world. Thank you for being part of our community and helping build a future where plant science nourishes both people and planet.
December 24, 2025 at 5:02 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
2025 REU alum Hazel Frans shares tips for crafting a strong application, from highlighting your strengths to building confidence in your personal statement: https://cstu.io/1df4ea. Interested in plant science and research? Our 2026 REU application is open until Feb 2! https://cstu.io/9e8602.
A graphic with a green border and a quote in black text. The quote reads: "As a student who wants to pursue research as a career, an REU was a great opportunity to ensure my confidence in that career path. REUs are designed to act as a stepping stone." Below the quote, the name Hazel Frans is displayed in green text. A small circular photo of a person wearing a pink top appears at the bottom left corner. A graphic with a green border containing a quote in black text. The quote reads: "My first offer came from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) & Cornell University Plant Genome REU, which I happily accepted. The opportunity to intern at a world-renowned Ivy League University would show graduate schools that my research skills are worth investing in. How could I say no to that!" Below the quote, the name Hazel Frans is displayed in green text. There is a small circular photo of a person wearing a pink top at the bottom left corner.
December 22, 2025 at 3:03 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Proud of our REU alumni! Several members of our 2025 cohort attended ABRCMS in Seattle—and huge congrats to Ankai Jin for earning an Outstanding Poster Award for work in the Kelly Robbins Lab! Applications for our 2026 REU Program are OPEN! https://reu.btiscience.org/
December 17, 2025 at 5:06 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
BTI was delighted to host the 2025-2026 cohort of Cornell University Humphrey Fellows for a hands-on tour of our facilities last week. Fellows re-potted tomatoes, experienced the Phenosight, and discussed portable DNA sequencing technology.
Several individuals working at a long metal table with potted plants, likely tomato seedlings. The table has colorful rolls of plant tags and boxes of green twist ties. One person is wrapping a plant in a clear plastic bag. Close-up of a person holding a small potted plant with green leaves, while others work with similar plants on a metal table. Pink plant tags and trays are visible on the table. Three individuals gathered around a large blue bin, potting plants. Several potted seedlings and gardening tools are on the bin’s surface. The background includes industrial equipment and cardboard boxes. A person standing in front of a projection screen giving a presentation. The screen displays a slide titled “Phenosight Data” with a blue 3D model and a chart. Several chairs are arranged in rows in the foreground.
December 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
A new feature in @knowablemag.bsky.app explores the remarkable strategies animals use to meet their nutritional needs. The story highlights insights from BTI’s Georg Jander, who discusses how plants may actively shape their amino acid profiles as a defense against seed-eaters. https://cstu.io/3333cb
How plant-eaters snag their essential amino acids
Early in evolution, we animals lost the ability to manufacture nine of the 20 building blocks needed to make proteins. Herbivores evolved an impressive array of tricks to ensure their dietary needs are met.
cstu.io
December 8, 2025 at 3:00 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Four crops dominate global food. Hundreds of nutritious alternatives sit underutilized. BTI researchers just showed how #CRISPR can change that—engineering compact goldenberry plants that are 35% shorter and ready for commercial farming. btiscience.org/explore-bti/...

#PlantScience
Engineering the next superfood: BTI unlocks goldenberry’s commercial potential - Boyce Thompson Institute
btiscience.org
December 5, 2025 at 5:58 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Fay-Wei Li was interviewed by Ologies Podcast, a top 5 science show in Apple podcasts! Tune in to hear about fern evolution, ferns not to have in your house, the most expensive ferns, tastiest ferns, mathematical mysteries, and a genome that makes no sense. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
Pteridology (FERNS) with Fay-Wei Li
Podcast Episode · Ologies with Alie Ward · 12/03/2025 · 1h 4m
podcasts.apple.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:49 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
We're thrilled to share that 8 BTI faculty members were named among the top 2% of most cited scientists worldwide. Congrats to our recognized researchers: Zhangjun Fei, Jim Giovannoni, Maria Harrison, Georg Jander, Lukas Mueller, Eric Richards, David Stern, and Joyce Van Eck.
A graphic from the Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) with a green, glowing bokeh background. At the top is the BTI logo and the text “Top 2% Cited Scientists Worldwide.” Below are seven circular portraits of BTI scientists arranged in three rows. Each portrait is outlined in green or yellow. The individuals are smiling and shown against dark backgrounds, except for one photographed outdoors.
December 3, 2025 at 7:58 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
On this Giving Tuesday, we thank you for sharing our journey of scientific discovery. Your belief in the power of science strengthens our work to advance sustainable agriculture, protect the environment, and improve human health. Together, we are creating lasting change for people and the planet.
View through a circular frame into a greenhouse with rows of tall sunflowers in black pots. Overhead, orange grow lights illuminate the plants. The words 'Thank You' appear at the top left, and a white plant-themed logo is in the bottom right corner.
December 2, 2025 at 3:03 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Today we’re grateful for everyone who believes in the power of plant science to build a healthier, more resilient world. Your support fuels discoveries that protect our food systems and help communities thrive. Enjoy a bonus recipe from our Plant-Powered Thanksgiving series: recipes.btiscience.org
A cozy autumn-themed scene featuring a wooden table decorated with pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, and cranberries. On the table are two spiral-bound cookbooks, one titled Plant-Powered Thanksgiving and another opened to recipes for “Maple Candied Sweet Potatoes” and “Ground Cherry Tart.” A white coffee cup filled with a warm beverage sits nearby. At the top left, the word “THANKFUL” is written in large orange script inside an oval shape.
November 27, 2025 at 2:18 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Warm up with our Fireside Fall Latte. BTI scientists study plant defense compounds like caffeine to understand how plants interact with their environment and shape our lives. We hope you’ve enjoyed the series! Find more at recipes.btiscience.org
A close-up view of a latte topped with frothy steamed milk and sprinkled with cinnamon. Below the image, text reads: FIRESIDE FALL LATTE Ingredients: 1 ounce apple syrup 1/2 ounce cinnamon syrup 2 teaspoons honey 1 fluid ounce espresso steamed milk whipped cream ground cinnamon, for garnish cinnamon stick, for garnish Text on a beige background with instructions for making the latte: In an 8-ounce cup, combine syrups, honey, and espresso. Fill cup with steamed milk and top with whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with cinnamon stick. Serve immediately. A close-up of roasted coffee beans with text below: COFFEE BTI scientists study how plant defense compounds like caffeine shape both ecosystems and human experience. Understanding these natural chemical strategies reveals how plants interact with their environment and highlights the transformative power of plant science education and discovery to connect society with the systems that sustain us.
November 26, 2025 at 4:19 PM
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Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad is next in our Plant-Powered Thanksgiving series. BTI and partners are using wild tomato diversity and new breeding tools to boost drought and disease resilience. Try the recipe, then visit recipes.btiscience.org for the full cookbook.
A colorful close-up of a fresh heirloom tomato and herb salad featuring red, yellow, and orange cherry tomatoes, chopped red onions, and green herbs. Below the image, the text reads: Title: “Heirloom Tomato & Herb Salad” Ingredients: ½ cup chopped red onion (about ½ small red onion) 1 pint (12 ounces or 2 cups) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 pound additional tomatoes (about 1 large, 2 medium or 3 small), cut into bite-sized wedges ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil and/or small basil leaves (or substitute parsley, dill and/or chives) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons thick balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste A beige background with text listing step-by-step instructions for making the heirloom tomato and herb salad: Fill a small bowl with ice water and add chopped red onion (soaking tames flavor and adds crispness). Set aside while prepping remaining ingredients. Spread tomato wedges over a large serving platter. Drain onions and layer one-third on top. Add half of cherry tomatoes, then another one-third of onions. Finish with remaining cherry tomatoes, remaining onions, and sprinkle basil. Drizzle olive oil, then balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle salt and black pepper. Serve promptly. A vibrant assortment of red, orange, and yellow tomatoes fills the top half of the image. Below, text reads: Title: “Tomatoes” Description: “By tapping into the genetic diversity of wild tomato species and developing precise next-generation breeding tools, BTI and its partners (including Meiogenix and FFAR) are working to boost drought and disease resilience in tomato crops. These innovations help strengthen sustainable agriculture, preserve biodiversity, and support reliable, nutritious food supplies for communities worldwide.”
November 25, 2025 at 3:04 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Cozy Creamed Corn is the next dish in our Plant-Powered Thanksgiving series. BTI scientists are improving corn with genome editing to boost resilience, yield, and nutrition. Try the recipe, then visit recipes.btiscience.org to get the full cookbook.
"Recipe card for Cozy Creamed Corn on a beige background with an image of creamy corn garnished with herbs at the top. The text reads: COZY CREAMED CORN INGREDIENTS: 32 oz frozen whole kernel corn 8 oz cream cheese cubed ½ cup unsalted butter* cubed ½ cup heavy cream 1 tbs sugar 2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder ¼ teaspoon pepper or more to taste ¼ teaspoon salt or more to taste Parsley or Thyme for garnish A small decorative logo is in the bottom left corner, and a brown arrow pointing right is in the bottom right corner. "Step-by-step cooking instructions for a recipe on a beige textured background. The text reads: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan. Cover over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Stir Cook another 5–10 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme. A small decorative logo is in the bottom left corner, and a brown arrow pointing right is in the bottom right corner." Educational card about corn with a close-up image of fresh corn on the cob in the background. The heading reads: CORN. The text explains: Corn, or maize, is a major crop worldwide, and its derivatives are utilized in practically every facet of our lives. For millennia, humans have intentionally bred crops to fit the ever-evolving needs of society. Now, with advancements in science and technology, BTI is helping to bioengineer crops like corn by tweaking their genomes, the plants’ biological blueprints, to create drought-resistant, higher-yield, and extra-nutritious versions. A small decorative logo is in the bottom left corner.
November 24, 2025 at 5:06 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
The next dish in our Plant-Powered Thanksgiving series: Maple Candied Sweet Potatoes. BTI scientists decoded the sweet potato’s complex genome, paving the way for more resilient, nutritious, and climate-ready crops. Visit recipes.btiscience.org to learn more and download the full cookbook.
Image of candied sweet potatoes with text that says "'MAPLE CANDIED SWEET POTATOES INGREDIENTS" 5–6 medium sweet potatoes (3–4 lbs) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter 1 Tablespoon (15ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup 1 cup (200g) packed light or dark brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract optional: 2 teaspoons orange zest Optional for garnish: chopped fresh or dried rosemary, flaky sea salt 1) Peel then slice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices. Place in a greased 9×13-inch or other 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle salt on top and toss to coat. I just use nonstick spray to grease. 2) Preheat oven to 375°F (191°C). 3) Make the sauce: Cut stick of butter in half. (Helps it melt easier.) Combine all the butter, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger into a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until the butter has melted. Stop stirring and bring to a gentle boil. Boil for 2 minutes without stirring. Remove sauce from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. (And orange zest, if using.) 4) Pour sauce over potatoes and toss to coat. 5) Bake for 1 hour, stopping and stirring the sweet potatoes every 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, I cover the dish with aluminum foil so the potatoes bake evenly. 6) Remove from the oven, sprinkle with rosemary and sea salt (if using), then cool uncovered for 10 minutes before serving. The sauce is thin right out of the oven but thickens as it cools. 7) Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Sauce will be thick after refrigeration, but thins out as you warm the leftovers up. Simply warm in the microwave. Sliced sweet potato on a wooden surface. Below, text reads: SWEET POTATO By finally unraveling the sweetpotato's extraordinarily complex genome, BTI scientists are giving plant breeders powerful tools to develop more resilient, nutritious, and climate-ready crops. This breakthrough in plant genomics helps protect food supplies, deepens global biodiversity knowledge, and shows how transformative plant science can support sustainable agriculture.
November 21, 2025 at 3:12 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
Discover the first recipe in our Plant-Powered Thanksgiving series: a Ground Cherry Tart inspired by BTI research. See how our scientists are turning this overlooked fruit into a resilient, sustainable crop — then try the recipe and tag us to share your creation!
A decorative recipe card with a bright yellow tart surrounded by colorful fruits at the top. Text reads: Ground Cherry Tart Ingredients: 80 g powdered sugar 9 tbsp unsalted butter (softened) 1 egg 185 g all-purpose flour 47 g corn starch 1 pinch salt 1 batch ground cherry curd Text on a beige background with brown font listing steps 1–6 for making a tart crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat softened butter with powdered sugar. Add egg and mix until combined. Add flour, corn starch, and salt; mix until just combined. Move dough onto parchment paper, cover with another sheet, and roll to 1/8-inch thickness. Freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove parchment, place dough in an 8-inch tart pan with removable bottom (or pie plate), press into pan, then refreeze for 10 minutes. Text on a beige background with brown font listing steps 7–11 for making a tart: 7. Cover tart crust with parchment paper, fold or crumple if needed, then add baking weights, dry beans, or rice. 8. Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes. 9. Remove weights and parchment; let cool. 10. Add 1 batch of lemon curd (hot is fine) into crust and bake for 10 more minutes at 350°F. 11. Cool on counter, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Decorate with fruit, powdered sugar, etc. Close-up of two ground cherries with papery husks partially peeled back, revealing bright orange fruit inside. Below the image, text reads: Ground Cherry BTI researchers are using cutting-edge plant science to transform ground cherry, an underutilized specialty fruit, into a more resilient, productive, and sustainable crop. Improving ground cherry not only benefits those who grow and consume this nutritious fruit but also enhances our understanding of plant biology, which is crucial for future agricultural developments.
November 20, 2025 at 4:46 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
The “Hello, Human!” exhibit at Cornell’s Mann Library highlights ways CROPPS researchers are uncovering plant communication and using technology to help us respond. It showcases projects by CROPPS scientists at Cornell and partner institutions, including BTI.
news.cornell.edu/stories/2025...
Exhibit opening showcases CROPPS research on plant communication | Cornell Chronicle
The opening of “Hello, Human! The Emerging Science of Plant Communication and Smart Agriculture” at Cornell’s Mann Library brought together researchers, students, and campus partners to showcase how p...
news.cornell.edu
November 19, 2025 at 6:44 PM
btiscience.bsky.social
BTI's NSF REU Program is training the next generation of plant scientists. Check out this video the researchers made to show what it’s all about! Applications for 2026 are open: reu.btiscience.org

Thanks to @ScienceIRL for the awesome video! www.instagram.com/science_irl/
November 10, 2025 at 7:06 PM