The accumulation patterns of the natural products are also examined. Current breeding studies are focused on the inheritance of specific secondary products from both the mevalonic acid pathway and the shikimic acid pathway. We are exploring the genetic regulation involved in the latter stages of the shikimic acid pathway from cinnamic acid to methyl cinnamate, p-coumarate, eugenol. These biochemical studies utilize the specific chemotypes from our breeding studies of Ocimum . A new project seeks to determine the potential for cultivating this wild tropical liana from the rain forest of Cameroon, Africa.
All field research is takes place in Cameroon.
We provide research and extension support to the Indiana mint industry. There is close to 30,000 acres of mint produced in state. Our field and greenhouse studies have examining water management, and nutrient management and have sought to improve our understanding of the relationship between plant growth, plant stress and essential oil accumulation. Related studies address the relationship between plant genetics and the environment on the expression of secondary metabolites. Other faculty work on weed, insect and disease management.