Projects

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND DIVERSITY ASSESSMENT OF COCOA GERMPLASM IN THE AMERICAS Appropriated (D)   Accession Number: 414581

IDENTIFICATION AND CONSERVATION OF FINE FLAVORED VARIETIES OF THEOBROMA CACAO Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number: 422054

DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE CACAO PRODUCTION METHODS Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement (N)   Accession Number: 422597

DEVELOP SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION SYSTEM FOR TROPICAL TREE CROPS AND ASSESS GERMPLASM TO IMPROVE CACAO SUSTAINABILITY Specific Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number: 423026

CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF TARGETED TRAITS OF CACAO IN THE INTERNATIONAL COCOA GENEBANK, TRINIDAD Specific Cooperative Agreement (S)   Accession Number: 419599

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Genetic diversity in Capsicum baccatum is significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Albrecht, E., Zhang, D., Saftner, R.A., Stommel, J.R. 2012. Genetic diversity in Capsicum baccatum is significantly influenced by its ecogeographical distribution. BioMed Central (BMC) Genetics. 13:89.

Genetic diversity, population structure, conservation and utilization of Theobroma cacao L., genetic resources in the Dominican Republic - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Boza, E.J., Irish, B.M., Meerow, A.W., Rodriguez, O.A., Ventura-Lopez, M., Gomez, J.A., Moore, J.M., Zhang, D., Motamayor, J.C., Schnell Ii, R.J. 2012. Genetic diversity, population structure, conservation and utilization of Theobroma cacao L., genetic resources in the Dominican Republic. Tree Genetics and Genomes. Available:http://www.bionity.com/en/publications/424313/genetic-diversity-conservation-and-utilization-of-theobroma-cacao-l-genetic-resources-in-the-dominican-republic.html.

Genetic diversity and parentage in farmer varieties of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) from Honduras and Nicaragua as revealed by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Ji, K., Zhang, D., Motilal, L., Boccara, M., Lachenaud, P., Meinhardt, L.W. 2012. Genetic diversity and parentage in farmer varieties of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) from Honduras and Nicaragua as revealed by Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. DOI: 10.1007/s10722-012-9847-1.

Theobroma - (Book / Chapter)

Zhang, D., Figueira, A., Motilal, L., Lachenaud, P., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Theobroma. In: Kole, C., editor. Wild Crop Relatives: Genomic and Breeding Resources, Plantation and Ornamental Crops. New York, NY: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. p. 277-296.

Cultivar identification, pedigree verification, and diversity analysis among Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) Cultivars based on Simple Sequence Repeat markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Sitther, V., Zhang, D., Harris, D., Okie, W.R., Dhekney, S., Yadav, A. 2012. Cultivar identification, pedigree verification, and diversity analysis among Peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) Cultivars based on Simple Sequence Repeat markers. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science. 137:114-121.

Dissecting genetic structure in farmer selections of Theobroma cacao in the Peruvian Amazon: implications for on-farm conservation and rehabilitation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Gardini, E.A., Baligar, V.C., Bailey, B.A., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Dissecting genetic structure in farmer selections of Theobroma cacao in the Peruvian Amazon: implications for on-farm conservation and rehabilitation. Tropical Plant Biology. 4:106-116.

Ultra-barcoding in cacao (Theobroma spp.; malvaceae) using whole chloroplast genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Kane, N., Sveinsson, S., Dempewolf, H., Yang, J., Zhang, D., Engels, J., Cronk, Q. 2012. Ultra-barcoding in cacao (Theobroma spp.; malvaceae) using whole chloroplast genomes and nuclear ribosomal DNA. American Journal of Botany. 99:320-329.

Molecular genetic diversity of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) as revealed by microsatellite DNA markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Hasnaoui, N., Buonamici, A., Sebastiani, F., Mars, M., Zhang, D., Vendraminc, G. 2012. Molecular genetic diversity of Punica granatum L. (pomegranate) as revealed by microsatellite DNA markers. Gene. 493:105–112.

Assessing genetic diversity in java fine-flavor cocoa (theobroma cacao l.) Germplasm by simple sequence repeat (ssr) markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Susilo, A., Zhang, D., Motalal, L., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Assessing genetic diversity in java fine-flavor cocoa (theobroma cacao l.) Germplasm by simple sequence repeat (ssr) markers. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad). 55:84-92.

Genetic diversity and spatial structure in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) germplasm from Bolivia - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., July, W., Johnson, E., Somarriba, E., Philips-Mora, W., Astorga, C., Mischke, B.S., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Genetic diversity and spatial structure in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) germplasm from Bolivia. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. DOI: dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10722-011-9680-y.

Microsatellite fingerprinting in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad: Accession and plot homogeneity information for germplasm management - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Motilal, L., Zhang, D., Pathmanathan, U., Mischke, B.S., Pinney, S.M., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Microsatellite fingerprinting in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad: Accession and plot homogeneity information for germplasm management. Plant Genetic Resources. 9:430-438.

AFLP Phylogeny of 36 Erythroxylum species- genetic relationships among Erythroxylum species inferred by AFLP analysis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Emche, S.D., Zhang, D., Islam, M.B., Bailey, B.A., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. AFLP Phylogeny of 36 Erythroxylum species- genetic relationships among Erythroxylum species inferred by AFLP analysis. Tropical Plant Biology. 4(2):126-133.

Comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms and simple sequence repeats in genotype identification and diversity assessment of cacao germplasm - (Abstract Only)

Zhang, D., Livingstone, D., Irish, B.M., Kuhn, D.N., Schnell II, R.J., Meinhardt, L.W. 2011. Comparison of single nucleotide polymorphisms and simple sequence repeats in genotype identification and diversity assessment of cacao germplasm. Annual International Plant & Animal Genome Conference. 2011.

Molecular characterization of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] germplasm in the United States using microsatellite markers - (Abstract Only)

Viji, G., Harris, D.L., Zhang, D., Okie, W.R., Yadav, A.K. 2010. Molecular characterization of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] germplasm in the United States using microsatellite markers [abstract]. Recent Progress in Medicinal Plants. 45(8):S304.

Yield variation among clones of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) as a function of kinship, self-compatibility, and combining ability - (Abstract Only)

Bell, D.J., Rowland, L.J., Stommel, J.R., Zhang, D., Drummond, F.A. 2010. Yield variation among clones of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) as a function of kinship, self-compatibility, and combining ability. BARC Poster Day.

The relic Criollo cacao in Belize- genetic diversity and relationship with Trinitario and other cacao clones held in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Motilal, L., Zhang, D., Umaharan, P., Mischke, B.S., Mooleedhar, V., Meinhardt, L.W. 2010. The relic Criollo cacao in Belize- genetic diversity and relationship with Trinitario and other cacao clones held in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad. Plant Genetic Resources: Characterization and Utilization. Available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1479262109990232.

CACAO (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) GENETIC RESOURCES RESEARCH AT THE USDA-ARS TROPICAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION - (Proceedings)

Irish, B.M., Goenaga, R.J., Schnell Ii, R.J., Motamayor, J., Brown, J.S., Zhang, D. 2010. CACAO (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) GENETIC RESOURCES RESEARCH AT THE USDA-ARS TROPICAL AGRICULTURE RESEARCH STATION. Proceedings of the International Cocoa Producer's Conference. PP. 417-423.

Microsatellite Fingerprinting of the USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Germplasm Collection. - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Irish, B.M., Goenaga Portela, R.J., Zhang, D., Schnell Ii, R.J., Brown, J.S., Motamayor, J. 2010. Microsatellite Fingerprinting of the USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) Germplasm Collection. Crop Science. 50:656-667.

The spatial genetic structure of lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., in four fields in Maine - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Bell, D.J., Rowland, L.J., Zhang, D., Drummond, F.A. 2009. The spatial genetic structure of lowbush blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium Ait., in four fields in Maine. Botany. 87:932-946

Molecular characterization of an earliest cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) collection from Peruvian Amazon using microsatllite DNA markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Boccara, M., Motilal, L., Mischke, B.S., Johnson, E.S., Butler, D., Bailey, B.A., Meinhardt, L.W. 2009. Molecular characterization of an earliest cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) collection from Peruvian Amazon using microsatllite DNA markers. Tree Genetics and Genomes. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11295-009-0212-2.

Increasing accuracy and throughput in large-scale microsatellite fingerprinting of cacao field germplasm collections - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Motilal, L., Zhang, D., Umaharan, P., Mischke, B.S., Boccara, M., Pinney, S.M. 2008. Increasing accuracy and throughput in large-scale microsatellite fingerprinting of cacao field germplasm collections. Tropical Plant Biology. 2:23-37.

The occurrence and frequency of Witches’ Broom Disease associated with Wild Cacao from the Upper Amazon of Peru - (Abstract Only)

Arevalo, E.G., Marquez, D.K., Samuels, G.J., Zhang, D., Robles, R., Arevalo, J., Barreto, A., Alvardo, C., Baligar, V.C., Meinhardt, L.W. 2008. The occurrence and frequency of Witches’ Broom Disease associated with Wild Cacao from the Upper Amazon of Peru. XX Congress Peruano de Fitopatologia 2008. Meeting Abstract. #58.

Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches’ broom disease of cacao: What’s new from this old foe? - (Review Article)

Meinhardt, L.W., Rincones, J., Bailey, B.A., Aime, M.C., Griffith, C., Zhang, D., Pereira, G. 2008. Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches’ broom disease of cacao: What’s new from this old foe. Molecular Plant Pathology. 9(5):577-588.

Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of the Trinitario Cacao (Theobroma Cacao L.) from Trinidad and Tobago - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Johnson, E.S., Bekele, F., Brown, J.S., Song, J.H., Motamayor, J., Zhang, D., Schnell II, R.J., Meinhardt, L.W. 2009. Population Structure and Genetic Diversity of the Trinitario Cacao (Theobroma Cacao L.) from Trinidad and Tobago. Crop Science. 49:564-572.

Molecular characterization of an International cocoa collection using microsallte markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Mischke, B.S., Johnson, E.S., Mora, A., Phillips-Mora, W., Meinhardt, L.W. 2008. Molecular characterization of an International cocoa collection using microsallte markers. Tree Genetics & Genomics. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11295-008-0163-z.

Variability of butterfat content in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.): combination and correlation with other seed-derived traits at the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Khan, N., Motilal, L.A., Sukha, D.A., Bekele, F.L., Iwaro, A.D., Bidaisee, P., Umaharn, L.H., Grierson, L.H., Zhang, D. 2008. Variability of butterfat content in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.): combination and correlation with other seed-derived traits at the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad. Plant Genetic Resources. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1479262108994132.

Identification of Candidate Gene Markers in Common Bean for Resistance to the Soybean Rust Pathogen - (Trade Journal)

Bellato, C.M., Frederick, R.D., Bowers, J., Zhang, D., Pastor Corrales, M.A. 2007. Identification of Candidate Gene Markers in Common Bean for Resistance to the Soybean Rust Pathogen. Bean Improvement Cooperative Annual Report. 50:121-122.

Genetic diversity and population structure in wild stands of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.) in French Guiana - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Lachenaud, P., Zhang, D. 2008. Genetic diversity and population structure in wild stands of cacao trees (Theobroma cacao L.) in French Guiana. Forest Science. 65(3):310.

ON THE ANCESTRY OF THE ICS CLONES OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - (Abstract Only)

Johnson, E.S., Bekele, F.L., Zhang, D., Schnell Ii, R.J., Meinhardt, L.W. 2008. On the ancestry of the ics clones of trinidad and tobago. Plant and Animal Genome VX Conference Abstracts.Poster Presentation at the PAG XVI Conference, San Diego, CA. January 12-16, Abstr. P121, p. 149.

Microsatellite fingerprinting of the cacao (Theobroma cacao) germplasm collection at the USDA-ARS, Tropical Agriculture Reserarch Station. - (Abstract Only)

Irish, B.M., Goenaga, R.J., Schnell Ii, R.J., Motamayor, J.C., Brown, J.S., Zhang, D. 2007. Microsatellite fingerprinting of the cacao (Theobroma cacao) germplasm collection at the USDA-ARS, Tropical Agriculture Reserarch Station.. Caribbean Food Crops Society Proceedings 43:219.

Genomics of Theobroma cacao, “the Food of the Gods” - (Book / Chapter)

Guiltinan, M.J., Verica, J., Zhang, D., Figueira, A. 2008. Genomics of Theobroma cacao, “the Food of the Gods”. In: Moore, P.H. & Ming, R. editors Genomics of Tropical Crop Plants. 1st edition. New York, NY: Springer. p. 145-170.

Genetic diversity and population structure of cacao landraces in Northern and Central coastal Ecuador - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Amores, F., Cedeno, A., Hermann, M., Meinhardt, L.W. 2008. Genetic diversity and population structure of cacao landraces in Northern and Central coastal Ecuador. Conservation Genetics. 9(2) 327-337.

DNA FINGERPRINTING OF FUNGAL AND PLANT GENOMES USING CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS - (Abstract Only)

Mischke, B.S., Oneill, N.R., Zhang, D. 2005. DNA fingerprinting of fungal and plant genomes using capillary electrophoresis. American Phytopathological Society Potomac Division Meeting. 95:S170.

GENETIC DIVERSITY AND POPULATION STRUCTURE OF COCOA (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) IN THE HULLAGA AND UCAYALI VALLEYS OF PERU - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Arevalo, E.G., Mischke, B.S., Zuniga, L.C., Barreto, A.C. 2006. Genetic diversity and population structure of cocoa (theobroma cacao l.) in the hullaga and ucayali valleys of peru. Annals Of Botany. 98:647-655

“Refractario” cocoa – genetic identity and genetic structure assessed using microsallite markers - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Boccara, M., Motilal, L., Butler, D.R., Umaharan, P., Mischke, B.S., Meinhardt, L.W. 2006. “Refractario” cocoa – genetic identity and genetic structure assessed using microsallite markers. Conservation Genetics. 9(2):327-337.

FIELD GUIDE TO THE UF CLONES OF COSTA RICA - (Proceedings)

Johnson, E., Phillips, W., Bekele, F., Zhang, D., Schnell Ii, R.J. 2007. Field guide to the uf clones of costa rica. Proceedings of the International Cocoa Producer's Conference. San Jose, Costa Rica Oct 9-14. Vol. I: 641-646.

ACCURACY AND RELIABILITY OF HIGH-THROUGHPUT MICROSATELLITE GENOTYPING FOR CACAO CULTIVAR IDENTIFICATION - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Zhang, D., Mischke, B.S., Goenaga, R.J., Nicholas, C., Ford, C., Hemeida, A.A., Saunders, J.A. 2006. Accuracy and reliability of high-throughput microsatellite genotyping for cacao cultivar identification. Crop Science. 46:2084-2092.

A COMPUTER SIMULATION STUDY ON THE NUMBER OF LOCI TO AND TREES REQUIRED TO ESTIMATE GENETIC VARIABILITY IN CACAO (THEBROMOA CACAO L.) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Cervantes-Martinez, C., Brown, J.S., Motamayor, J.C., Zhang, D., Schnell II, R.J. 2006. A computer simulation study on the number of loci and trees required to estimate genetic variability in cacao (Thebromoa cacao L.). Tree Genetics & Genomics.

INTER- AND INTRA-SPECIFIC VARIATIONS AMONG FIVE ERYTHROXLUM TAXA ASSESSED BY AFLP - (Peer Reviewed Journal)

Johnson, E.L., Zhang, D. 2005. Inter- and intra-specific variations among five erythroxlum taxa assessed by aflp. Annals Of Botany, 95:601-608.