U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government
                    Here's how you know **Official websites use .gov**
                            
                            A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
 **Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
                            
                            A **lock** (                            
                              A locked padlock                                                      
                            
                            ) or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.


Menu Agricultural Research Service
						
                    U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
 Forage and Range Research: Logan, UT
 close



    Research

                    Research Projects
                                    Publications
                                    Collaborations
                                    News
                People

                    Staff Listing
                                    CareersSearch small
                    Search
            
            ARS Home
                                About ARS
                                Contact Us




ARS Home Pacific West Area Logan, Utah Forage and Range Research People





- Find a person
- Find a location
- ARS Organizational Chart
- People
- Contact Information
- Research Projects
- Publications

Joseph G Robins    Research Geneticist (Plants) Joseph Robins, PhDForage & Range Research LabUtah State UniversityLogan, UT 84322-6300(435) 797-2905Joseph.Robins@ars.usda.gov**Preface**
Grass varieties developed for sustainable range, pasture, and turf management in the Western U.S. are needed. To achieve this goal, varieties must have high levels of abiotic stress resistance. Research objectives focus on the development of varieties with high drought and salinity tolerance with high agronomic performance.
**Project Description**
The application of population and molecular genetics tools are used to develop improved cultivars of forage and turf grass species for the semi-arid regions of the Western U.S. Additionally, improved understanding of genetic underlying complex traits are determined allowing more efficient and effective solutions. Specific project objectives include the following:
Improved agronomic performance and abiotic stress tolerance in orchard grass through the development of a feasible and efficient hybrid breeding program.
Development and release of Kentucky bluegrass germplasm wit increased drought and salinity tolerance. These germplasms will provide high quality turfgrass options for reduced-input turf situations, including home lawns, parks, golf course roughs, etc.
Development and release of native wheatgrass cultivars, with increased seedling vigor, establishment, seed production, and persistence. These cultivars will provide less expensive, yet effective, seed sources for rangeland re-vegetation and rehabilitation projects in the Western U.S.
Increased understanding of genetics underlying key agronomic and ecological traits through their targeted dissection using population and molecular genetic expertise.Forage and Range Research Laboratory


Return to top


Connect with ARS Sign up


ARS Home
                            USDA.gov
                            Plain Writing
                            Policies & Links
                            Civil Rights Statements
                            FOIA
                            Accessibility Statement
                            Privacy Policy
                            Non-Discrimination Statement
                            Quality of Information
                            USA.gov
                            WhiteHouse.gov