马克斯·普朗克植物育种研究所（简称MPIPZ),希望确定是否以及如何利用对模型植物物种中定义的分子机制的详细理解来合理地操纵作物植物中的选定性状。研究所最初成立于1928年，是威廉皇帝协会的一部分，当时位于勃兰登堡，1995年搬迁到科隆。最初进行水果和浆果的育种计划，以及关于Antirrhinum majus和羽扇豆驯化的基础研究，1978年后发展植物转化技术和植物分子遗传学，之后又拓展到分子生物学领域。
研究所设有植物发育生物学系、植物微生物相互作用系、比较发展和遗传学系、染色体生物学系等研究领域，让来自不同背景的才华横溢的年轻科学家有机会证明自己是独立研究小组的领导者，补充并扩大各部门的重点。未来的研究将会扩展到基因测序方面，涉及自然变异和生物多样性问题。
MPIPZ未来以发现为导向的植物生物学将利用综合方法来阐明植物中基本生物过程的网络。跨越遗传学，生物化学，细胞生物学和生物信息学的多学科方法深入了解与植物育种相关的性状的分子力学。研究所的工作将为实现以前难以或不可能实现的育种目标做出稳定的贡献，并为可持续农业提供科学依据。
The Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding (MPIPZ) hopes to determine whether and how to rationally manipulate selected traits in crop plants using a detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms defined in model plant species. The Institute was originally founded in 1928 as part of the Kaiser Wilhelm Association, then located in Brandenburg, and relocated to Cologne in 1995. Initially a breeding program for fruits and berries, as well as basic research on the domestication of Antirrhinum majus and lupines, after 1978 the development of plant transformation techniques and plant molecular genetics, and later expanded into the field of molecular biology.
The Institute has research areas such as the Department of Plant Developmental Biology, the Department of Plant Microbial Interactions, the Department of Comparative Development and Genetics, and the Department of Chromosomal Biology, giving talented young scientists from different backgrounds the opportunity to prove themselves as leaders of independent research groups, complementing and expanding the focus of various departments. Future research will be extended to genetic sequencing, addressing both natural variation and biodiversity issues.
MPIPZ's future discovery-oriented plant biology will utilize an integrated approach to elucidate networks of fundamental biological processes in plants. Gain insight into the molecular mechanics of traits associated with plant breeding across a multidisciplinary approach spanning a multidisciplinary approach of genetics, biochemistry, cell biology and bioinformatics. The institute's work will make a steady contribution to the achievement of previously difficult or impossible breeding goals and provide a scientific basis for sustainable agriculture.