College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Dr. Valerio Hoyos-Villegas is an assistant professor of plant breeding and genetics in the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University (MSU). As the university's dry bean breeder, Dr. Hoyos-Villegas leads a program dedicated to developing high-performing, resilient dry bean cultivars tailored to meet the needs of Michigan’s bean producers.

His work spans a wide range of dry bean market classes, blending traditional breeding techniques with cutting-edge genomics and phenomics tools. His research primarily focuses on the genetic mechanisms underlying quantitative trait variation in self-pollinating species—an area that holds significant promise for improving yield stability, disease resistance, and overall crop resilience.

Dr. Hoyos-Villegas has made substantial contributions to the scientific community. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed journal articles, featured in or co-authored more than 10 seed industry publications, and delivered over 20 invited talks, including keynote presentations. His leadership in the field is further reflected in his service as past president of the North American Plant Phenotyping Network (NAPPN), which honored him with its 2024 Early Career Award for Research and Service.

In addition to his leadership in phenotyping networks, Dr. Hoyos-Villegas is actively involved with the National Association of Plant Breeders and serves as a technical and associate editor for leading journals, including The Plant Phenome Journal, Crop Science, and The Journal of Plant Registrations.

Dr. Hoyos-Villegas earned his PhD in Plant Breeding, Genetics, and Biotechnology from MSU, following an MS in Crop Physiology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Today, he continues to build a robust research and breeding program that supports Michigan agriculture and contributes to global advances in plant science.

Through his commitment to research, education, and service, Dr. Hoyos-Villegas is shaping the future of plant breeding and ensuring the sustainability of an essential food crop.

Please see:

• Dry Bean Breeding and Genetics Lab
• See Google Scholar publications listing

Selected bibliography:

• PSM Welcomes Valerio Hoyos-Villegas to lead dry bean breeding program at MSU
• https://www.topcropmanager.com/ramping-up-dry-bean-improvement/
• https://www.seedworld.com/canada/2024/05/15/manitoba-producers-spearhead-novel-funding-approach-to-save-dry-bean-breeding-program/
• https://www.mofga.org/resources/organic-farming/chickpea-production-in-the-northeast/
• https://albertapulse.com/research/changing-the-game-of-dry-bean-breeding/
• https://www.seedworld.com/canada/2024/08/20/the-world-is-short-on-plant-breeders-according-to-new-research-that-puts-food-security-at-risk/