This research will help us understand how galls are made and possibly develop ways of controlling gall-making pests among which is the scourge of grapevines, Phylloxera. Supported by NSF . In tomato one form of this gene is induced by wounding. Cloning this gene allows us to study its up-regulation by gypsy moth damage to oak leaves, and will help us understand tree responses to pests and eventually to modify trees for enhanced resistance. Using molecular biology to tell Oaks apart is a project with Jack Schultz in collaboration with Bruce McPheron and grad student Michael Thomas.
Many individuals are probably hybrid mixtures of two or more species.
Markers for other oaks are being developed. Since hybrids may be more successful than parental species under certain circumstances, this work will allow us to understand what types of oak genotypes are particularly successful under different conditions, and develop breeding and management systems to improve oak quality, pest resistance, growth, and production. Supported by NSF . Building a better chocolate plant is a project with Jack Schultz in collaboration with Mark Guiltinan in Horticulture. The chocolate industry is interested in using biotechnology to improve various traits of cacao trees, from which chocolate beans are harvested.