The Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California Davis
recognizes University Research Partner
Dr. Peggy G. Lemaux

Dr. Peggy G. Lemaux is a Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, and is the Chair of the University of California Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources Biotechnology Workgroup.

Dr. Lemaux’s research focuses on the development and use of genetic engineering strategies for monocotyledonous species, including wheat, maize, barley, sorghum, rice, and certain grass species. The objectives of her laboratory are to use transformed cereals and grasses to explore basic biological questions and to use this information to improve crops. Projects in which she has been involved include:

• Development of gene expression technologies for overproducing non-seed storage proteins in cereal grain with Ventria Biosciences, using UC Discovery funding

• Overexpression of the redox protein, thioredoxin, in barley for improved malting, in wheat to reduce allergencity and in sorghum to increase digestibility, the latter with Gates Foundation funding

• Development of transformation methods for inbred maize varieties with Pioneer Hi-Bred International 

• Participation in CSREES-sponsored Coordinated Agriculture Projects (CAPs) for the application of genomic technologies for the improvement of rice and barley with the University of Arkansas and University of Minnesota, respectively.

In addition, as a Cooperative Extension Specialist, Dr. Lemaux has statewide responsibility for outreach and educational programming related to agriculture and foods. Outreach efforts are designed to increase public understanding of agricultural practices, food production and the impact of new technologies on food and agriculture. For more about these efforts, visit http://ucbiotech.org. 

For further discussions with Dr. Lemaux, please contact her directly at lemauxpg@nature.berkeley.edu.