John, Stommel
Research Leader
john.stommel@ars.usda.gov
(301) 504-6571
10300 Baltimore Ave.
Rm. 240, Bldg. 010-A, BARC-West
Beltsville, MD 20705

Mission:
The mission of the Genetic Improvement for Fruits and Vegetables Laboratory is to develop germplasm for high value small-fruits and vegetables with improved disease resistance, tolerance to abiotic stresses, superior quality, and high nutritional value.

The major objectives of the laboratory are to:

• Enhance germplasm of specialty focus crops for the specific traits of interest, integrating conventional and molecular technologies to increase breeding efficiency
  
  
• Contribute to understanding the genetic basis of fundamental processes underlying host-pathogen interactions and apply that knowledge to crop improvement
  
  
• Develop and optimize novel disease management strategies

Our specialty focus crops include strawberry, blueberry, cranberry, blackberry, raspberry, potato, tomato, pepper, and eggplant.