Fundamental research includes elucidation of the physiological control of aquatic plant growth and development. Dr. Kane's instructional responsibilities include Micropropagation of Horticultural Crops and team teaching of Plant Propagation . Florida is a large producer of aquarium, water garden and native wetland plants. However,efficient and environmentally sound alternative propagation procedures which decrease damage associated with field collection are needed to meet demand for these plants. My research thrust is focused on development of commercially viable and environmentally sound propagation technologies for production of ornamental aquarium, flowering water garden and native wetland plants used for habitat restoration.
Major emphasis is placed on development of micropropagation protocols.
Studies are completed to optimize production efficiency both in the laboratory and nursery. In our research with native wetland plants, the effects of plant genotype on the field survival and growth of micropropagated wetland plants is also studied. A secondary practical research interest is the development of in vitro culture techniques for cultivar improvement using embryo rescue and in vitro mutation breeding procedures. Emphasis is placed on research with flowering water garden plants including water lilies. Fundamental research interests include examination of the environmental and physiological control of growth and development in aquatic plants using in vitro culture techniques.