A collective account of the Schnable Lab@UNL. Phenotyping, genetics, and genomics in maize, sorghum and their relatives. #cornhuskercorn Logo by @SciOfCarvalho
It's out! Whole genome resequencing and structural variation of 400 sorghum varieties from around the globe. Nicely done Lucas, @seerzan & @HongyuJin5. And thank you @ThePlantJournal.
ALT James Schnable stands in a sorghum field. He is wearing a black shirt, red gaiter, wide-brimmed hat and glasses. (Craig Chandler/University Communication and Marketing)
"Schnable’s research on plant genetics and breeding for crops including corn and sorghum incorporates technologies and capabilities from engineering, artificial intelligence and statistics. His work provides producers with insights into crop health and improved varieties needing less fertilizer and providing greater stress tolerance.
"He has established three companies in bioinformatics, climate-resilient agriculture and precision agronomy, raising more than $7 million in funding from angel and venture investors.
"His research grant awards have topped $30 million ... "
news.unl.edu/article/nationa…
Congratulations to Husker plant geneticist James Schnable (@unlagrohort) on receiving one of the highest honors from the National Academy of Sciences: the 2026 NAS Prize in Food and Agriculture Sciences!
ALT James Schnable looks to the camera while examining sorghum
Happy New Year 2026 from the @KenchanmaneLab🎊
Wishing everyone peace, prosperity, and plenty of exciting discoveries ahead🌽🖥️🌱
Huge thanks to our incredible team for making 2025 an unforgettable year! #Plant#Science#Discoveries#HappyNewYear2026
Today, I was awarded the Outstanding Employee Award by the UNL IANR.
I appreciated my hard work in the @SchnableLab has been acknowledged in this way!
I look forward to continued work with the @SchnableLab team I enjoy being a part of so much.
Hey, we know her! @Harshita17_ spotted this photo of @JensinaDavis participating in last year's Plant & Animal Genome mentoring program. Still a chance to sign up for this year's program (and catch up with us in San Diego in January).
Prof. @vla_torres of @unlagrohort and @UNL_PSI presents to the Plant Science Club on opportunities for undergraduate research combining genome editing, corn genetics, and artificial intelligence.
My field manager @Chidu_ullagaddi volunteered to show local farmers our sorghum diversity plots near Lincoln this weekend. Explains that we sometimes grow “bad” lines (diseased, too short/tall, tiny heads) to understand the genetics that can lead to future better varieties.
Checking in on one of our nitrogen experiments -- part of the @NECornBoard supported Nebraska Nitrogen Initiative -- from the air. Big thank you to the great research team up at @nebenreec who host and manage this site.
🌽Congratulations, Shahan Baker, for wrapping up his #NSF_REU project with a poster presentation last week. This summer, he worked under the mentorship of @YuvrajChopra100@KenchanmaneLab looking at 🌽 roots under water-deficit stress!
Some of our sorghum lines recovered well from early-season cold stress and are now performing much better. A few are being selected as potential parents for future trials at @SDState@SDStateCAFES, and @UNLincoln, in collaboration with @SchnableLab
Experts in the heart of Husker Nation are once again helping the world unravel the genetic secrets of corn — a crop that plays a pivotal role in global agriculture.
news.unl.edu/article/nebrask…
ALT Vladimir Torres-Rodriguez, research assistant professor in agronomy and horticulture, stands with his arms crossed in front of corn plants. (Liz McCue/University Communication and Marketing)
Waqar @WaqarAli325 and Chidu @Chidu_ullagaddi working late to set up phones, sensors and experimental plans. Our goal is 4000 photosynthetic measurements in <8 hours.