My laboratory takes a holistic approach to plant breeding, using both classical and molecular breeding tools to develop improved ornamental cultivars adapted to the growing conditions of the U.S. Gulf Coast region. My research interests include hybridization, application of tissue culture and recombinant DNA technologies, and the development and utilization of molecular markers toward the genetic improvement of herbaceous and bedding plants. Current projects include identification of genetic components of plant/pathogen interaction that can be used to improve resistance to daylily rust, utilization of embryo rescue, somatic hybridization, ploidy manipulation to overcome hybridization barriers, and the development of a tissue culture and transformation system for several plant species. Some of the genera that I am currently working with are Hemerocallis (daylily), Hibiscus, Alstroemera, Hedychium and Kaempferia (ornamental gingers), Hosta, Begonia, and Saintpaulia (African violets).