The focus of the research in my laboratory
is aimed at identifying and characterizing
the genetic
factors underlying quantitative traits in plants.
Specific areas of interest are: 1) the genetics
of heterosis, 2) diversity-based genomics approaches
to identifying epigenetic factors influencing
gene expression, and 3) finding associations
between natural allelic variation and agronomically
significant phenotypic variation to facilitate
the deployment of natural genetic diversity
for germplasm improvement. Using maize
as a model,
we develop and use approaches with foundations
rooted in classical, molecular, and population
genetics, genomics, and statistics to dissect
the molecular and genetic properties of complex
traits in maize. An increased comprehension
of the intricate phenomena providing
the broad spectrum
of genetic and phenotypic diversity in maize
is critical for understanding complex processes
in plants, inferring the effects of selection,
and for integrating efficient targeted molecular
selection practices in breeding programs. Understanding
the molecular basis of complex traits will
provide genetic solutions to problems
currently inhibiting
our understanding and improvement of agronomic
crops.
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