Steven Dale Tanksley is a distinguished scientist renowned for his transformative contributions to plant genomics and breeding. He currently serves as Chief Technology Officer of Nature Source Improved Plants and holds the position of Professor Emeritus at Cornell University. Tanksley earned his B.S. in agronomy and Ph.D. in genetics establishing himself as a pioneer in the field of molecular plant breeding. His academic career began at Cornell University in 1985 as an associate professor of plant breeding where he later became full professor in 1994 and served as the Liberty Hyde Bailey professor of plant breeding and biometry. Following his impactful tenure at Cornell Tanksley co-founded Nature Source Genetics in 2006 which later evolved into Nature Source Improved Plants through a strategic merger in 2016.
Tanksley led the development of the first molecular maps of tomato and rice revolutionizing the field of plant genomics and breeding methodologies. In 1993 he headed a Cornell research group that achieved the first successful DNA map-based cloning of a disease-resistance gene in tomato plants a landmark accomplishment in crop science. His innovative work focused on identifying valuable alleles from wild crop relatives to improve cultivated varieties particularly through Marker-assisted selection and the development of the advanced backcross Quantitative Trait Loci method. Tanksley pioneered the application of computational algorithms and artificial intelligence to optimize plant breeding creating sophisticated decision-making tools that significantly accelerate the development of improved crop varieties. His methodologies have been successfully implemented in breeding programs for diverse crops including papaya in Mexico where they address challenges of erratic monsoon seasons and viral diseases like ringspot.
As a leader in the field Tanksley has profoundly influenced modern plant breeding practices with his genetic mapping techniques now universally adopted by plant geneticists worldwide. His company Nature Source Improved Plants applies advanced genomics methodologies to provide clients globally with superior plant materials that deliver enhanced performance optimized quality and high uniformity. Tanksley's vision for integrating engineering approaches like operations research into plant breeding has fundamentally reshaped how breeding decisions are made moving the field toward more data-driven and efficient methodologies. His work addresses critical challenges in sustainable agriculture aiming to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and fertilizers through genetic solutions that enhance crop resilience and productivity. Continuing to advance the frontier of computational plant breeding Tanksley remains dedicated to developing high-performing plant materials that can withstand environmental challenges while meeting the growing global demand for food security.
