World Online Ranking of Best Plant Science and Agronomy Scientists - 2026 Report
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On May 13, 2026, Research.com released its fifth annual ranking of the leading scientists in plant science and agronomy. This report highlights researchers whose work continues to shape the field through scientific discovery, agricultural innovation, and practical contributions to crop and environmental research.
The 2026 edition was created to support the global scientific community by providing a reliable overview of influential experts in plant science and agronomy. This report can help researchers, universities, research institutions, and industry organizations identify specialists whose work has made a measurable impact on the discipline.
Our team reviewed over 6,500 scientists included in major academic databases such as Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph. Researchers were evaluated using several indicators, including citation data, publication impact, and academic distinctions. To be included in the ranking, scientists needed a D-index of at least 30, with most of their research output focused on plant science and agronomy.
New research developments in plant science and agronomy
Recent discoveries in plant science and agronomy continue to improve crop resilience, food security, and sustainable farming practices.
A 2025 study from the University of California, Davis uncovered a natural gene in wheat that helps control how tall the plant grows. Instead of using gene editing tools, researchers found a built-in genetic switch, called TaPI4KA-4B, that influences stem growth by guiding how plant cells expand and strengthen. When this gene is active, wheat plants grow shorter and sturdier, which helps them stay upright during strong winds and heavy rain.
By using this natural trait, plant breeders can develop wheat varieties that are more stable in the field while still maintaining grain quality and productivity.
Another recent breakthrough is from the European Space Agency, through its HYDRA-EO project, which introduced a new way to detect crop stress and disease early using satellite data combined with artificial intelligence. Instead of waiting for visible signs of damage in the field, this system can identify early warning signals in plants by analyzing small changes in how crops reflect light and heat. It helps reduce crop losses, improves food security, and supports more efficient farming decisions across large agricultural regions.
The key findings for the 5th edition of the best plant science and agronomy scientists ranking
- Scientists from the United States dominate the ranking with 256 researchers, keeping the country in the top position globally.
- Australia follows with 92 scientists, while China ranks third with 84 scientists. The United Kingdom (82) and Germany (69) complete the top five.
- The most represented institutions are the Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Western Australia and the University of California, Davis, each with 20 scientists in the top 1,000 ranking.
- The top-ranking scientist in plant science and agronomy is Professor Kazuo Shinozaki from RIKEN in Japan, with a Discipline H-index of 215.
- Across the ranking, the average Discipline H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 176.3, compared with 81.94 for all 1,000 scientists
The full ranking for the 2026 list of best plant science and agronomy scientists can be found here:
WORLD’S BEST PLANT SCIENCE AND AGRONOMY SCIENTISTS RANKING
Countries with the highest number of leading plant science and agronomy scientists
The United States remains the top country in the 2026 ranking with 256 scientists, four fewer than last year. It still accounts for more than one-quarter of all scientists in the top 1,000 list.
Australia ranks second with 92 scientists, followed by China with 84 and the United Kingdom with 82. China showed the biggest increase compared to last year, rising from 62 scientists, while the United Kingdom recorded a decline of 11 scientists.
Other countries in the top 10 include Germany with 69 scientists, Spain with 36, and Canada with 35. Netherlands and France each have 31 scientists, while Japan entered the top 10 with 30 scientists.
Please note that the country associated with a scientist is based on the affiliated research institution according to MAG, not on their actual nationality.
Institutions with the highest number of leading scientists
Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Western Australia, and University of California, Davis lead the 2026 ranking with 20 scientists each. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Western Australia improved their totals from last year, while the University of California, Davis decreased from 23 scientists.
Wageningen University & Research ranks next with 19 scientists. Cornell University and Agricultural Research Service each have 16 scientists. The Agricultural Research Service led the previous ranking with 26 scientists.
Other institutions in the top 10 include INRAE : Institut national de recherche pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement with 13 scientists, while Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and Spanish National Research Council each have 12 scientists.
Several institutions also recorded 11 scientists, including University of Florida, Rothamsted Research, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Zhejiang University.
How online universities are expanding the future of plant science and agronomy research
Many online universities in the United States are now integrating structured agronomy training into fully online programs that support both learning and applied research. A 2025 report from Purdue University shows that its program has enrolled more than 2,600 learners across all 50 U.S. states and 48 countries, reflecting strong demand for flexible agricultural science education.
Their Agronomy e-Learning program also goes beyond lectures by incorporating research-based coursework in crop science and soil systems, where students work with real agricultural data and learn how to apply agronomy methods in practical settings. This allows learners to build research skills even without being physically present in a laboratory or field site.
Online universities also make it easier for students and researchers to connect with instructors and experts across different regions, supporting collaboration in areas such as crop production, soil health, and sustainable farming systems.
H-index ranking—leaders, averages, and distribution
For North America, the region is led by Professor Rattan Lal, who also ranks second globally. He is affiliated with The Ohio State University in the United States and has a Discipline H-index of 199.
Europe is led by Professor Detlef Weigel. He is based at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in Germany and records a Discipline H-index of 174.
In Oceania, Professor Rajeev K. Varshney ranks first in the region. He is affiliated with Murdoch University in Australia and has a Discipline H-index of 144.
The Asian region is led by Professor Kazuo Shinozaki, who also holds the top position in the overall ranking. He works at RIKEN in Japan and has a Discipline H-index of 215.
Africa is led by Professor Michael J. Wingfield. He is affiliated with the University of Pretoria in South Africa and has a Discipline H-index of 128.
For the Middle East, Professor Muhammad Ashraf leads the region. He is based at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Pakistan and has a Discipline H-index of 143.
The average Discipline H-index for the top 1% of scientists is 176.3, compared with 81.94 for all 1,000 scientists in the ranking.
The average number of publications for the top 1% is 727.0, while the overall average is 285.81.
The average number of citations for the top 1% is 129,148.3, compared with 28,140.96 for the full top 1,000 group.
You can learn more about the methodology used to create this report here.
About Research.com
All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.
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