Bldg. 006, Room 100, BARC-West 10300 Baltimore Ave. Beltsville, MD 20705, USA Tel. (301) 504-5723

Description of Research Activities

Conducts research on the development of molecular genetic markers, genome mapping, and the use of genetic maps to develop genetically improved soybean and wheat varieties.  Develops simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) DNA markers which serve as landmarks along the chromosomes and assist in determining the positions of genes that control important plant characteristics such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, seed quality and plant productivity.  Develops a transcript map of soybean i.e., a map of the relative positions of the genes that reside along the soybean chromosomes.  Develops genetic markers specifically targeted to regions of the soybean genome that contain genes controlling traits such as the oil quality and resistance to the soybean cyst nematode.  Examines the application of genetic association analysis approaches for the discovery of genes controlling traits of importance in soybean.