Welcome to MU Gene Zoos and Crop Gardens

   The MU Gene Zoos and Crop Gardens are exciting places where you can view the diversity of some of the plants that are important to humans living in Missouri and the world. We have selected five groups of plants that serve human needs for food, feed, energy, and industrial products or are toxic to humans and animals. Demonstrations on display include selection and breeding history, including modern techniques such as biotechnology; adaptation to Missouri's climate and the effects of environmental signals on plant development; specific uses of plants or plant parts; and the amazing effects of single genes on plant structure and function.
     To learn about our five zoos and gardens, please click on the "About MU Gene Zoos & Gardens" tab and select the topic of interest. While you can learn much about these plants on-line, they are also amazing to see growing in our zoos and gardens. You may visit the zoos and gardens on your own without a reservation. For directions and contact information, please click on the "Visit the Zoos and Gardens" tab. You may want to print handouts located on the "Handouts for Your Visit". Although signs identifying plants have been posted, these handouts provide additional information.
     Thank you for your interest and return often.