Her 1966 dissertation for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana University concerned the taxonomy of Capsicum chinense.

When she was awarded the Linnean Medal it was noted that she "is well known throughout the world for her distinguished investigations on the genetics, cytology and systematics of the genus Capsicum".

She also carried out collecting expeditions to Peru, Brazil, Belize and Papua New Guinea.

[2] In 2005 she retired from the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Reading, to become an Honorary Research Associate.

[3] On 4 August 2006 the Linnean Society of London organised a one-day conference in honour of Pickersgill.