Earth Precision Agriculture
August 10-14, Calgary, AB, Canada
Plant Genomics Conference Track
Unlock the genetic blueprints that drive yield, resilience, and nutritional quality, giving breeders the power to improve crops with unprecedented precision and speed
About the Plant Genomics Conference
Plant Genomics Conference 2026 is dedicated to Genomics research, which is fundamentally transforming our capacity to understand, improve, and steward the crops that sustain our world. The Plant Genomics Conference track provides a rigorous and welcoming platform for researchers to share cutting-edge contributions across the full spectrum of genomic research that drives innovation in modern agriculture. We convene experts working in genomics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, metabolomics, phenotyping, quantitative genetics, systems biology, bioinformatics, and field-based studies. The Plant Genomics Conference 2026 emphasizes how these complementary, multi-disciplinary approaches collectively generate richer, more actionable insights into plant function and performance.
Omics and Systems Biology
- Genomics and Transcriptomics: Novel approaches in genome sequencing, annotation, and functional analysis of plant genes, including studies on gene expression and regulation in response to environmental cues.
- Epigenetics and Metabolomics: Research on epigenetic mechanisms (e.g., DNA methylation, histone modification) and their role in plant adaptation, as well as comprehensive analysis of plant metabolic pathways and their interaction with the environment.
- Quantitative Genetics and Systems Biology: Studies utilizing quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genomic selection to understand complex traits, and the application of systems biology to model and predict plant function.
- Phylogenomics: Exploration of the evolutionary relationships within and across plant species, leveraging large-scale genomic data. Contributions may address topics such as phylogenomic inference to resolve complex plant lineages, the genomic basis of trait evolution in crops, or the use of phylogenetics to guide gene discovery and breeding strategies.
Computational Methods and Bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics and Data Integration: Development of new computational tools, algorithms, and databases for handling and integrating large-scale multi-omics and phenotyping data.
- Computational Method Development: Novel statistical and machine learning approaches for analyzing plant genomic data, predicting gene function, and modeling complex biological processes.
- Artificial Intelligence in Plant Science: Application of AI and deep learning for genomic prediction, trait identification, and optimizing precision agriculture strategies.
Phenotyping and Genome–Environment Interactions
- High-Throughput Phenotyping (HTP): Development and application of advanced sensing technologies (e.g., remote sensing, drones, robotics) for rapid, non-destructive measurement of plant traits in field conditions.
- Genome–Environment Interactions (GxE): Research focused on understanding how genetic variation influences plant performance across diverse environmental conditions, including studies on stress tolerance and resource use efficiency.
- Field-Based Studies: Rigorous field trials and experimental designs that link molecular data with real-world agricultural performance and environmental data.
Plant Improvement and Translational Applications
- Translational Genomics for Plant Improvement: Application of genomic insights to accelerate breeding programs, including the development of climate-resilient and high-yielding plant varieties.
- Precision Agriculture Integration: Studies on integrating genomic and phenomic data with site-specific management practices (e.g., variable rate fertilization, irrigation) to optimize plant production.
- Sustainable Agriculture Solutions: Research that leverages plant genomics to enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems, such as improving nutrient use efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Track Leadership

Prof. Jill Farrant
Research Chair
Molecular Physiology of Plant Desiccation Tolerance
University of Cape Town

Prof. David Edwards
Director
Centre for Applied Bioinformatics
School of Biological Sciences
University of Western Australia

Prof. Isobel Parkin
Principal Research Scientist
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
Department of Plant Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan

Prof. Istvan Rajcan
Professor
Department of Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph

Dr. Lingling Jin
Associate Director
CREATE Program in Computational Agriculture
Department of Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan

Prof. Charlie Messina
Director of Crop Transformation Center
University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)

Dr. Mohsen Yoosefzadeh Najafabadi
Assistant Professor
Department of Plant Agriculture
University of Guelph

Dr. Farhad Maleki
Director
Centre for Precision Agriculture
University of Calgary