Plant Breeding and Genetics

Our group conduct research on functional genomics with a strong emphasis on specialty and cereal crops. We study different aspects of plant biology in the context of a developmental program and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. Our plant models grapevine, a major fruit crop in U.S....

• Plant breeding and genetics curriculum development and distance learning
• Quantitative genetics
• Experimental design and statistics
• Breeding specialty crops for niche markets in Oregon (currently oats, flax, corn and meadowfoam)

We develop improved vegetable varieties with the main focus being to support gardeners, growers and processors in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). This region of the United States has a unique growing environment, and varieties developed elsewhere may not necessarily be optimally adapted to the...

Fundamental and applied research of cereal grain components,

Wheat- and barley-based foods,

Fermentation as a vehicle for improving cereal-foods' nutritional profiles.

Advocacy for whole-grain consumption: whole-grains, fiber, human gut microbiome, and human...

The Aroma Hop Breeding Program is tasked with developing new hop cultivars, adapted for Oregon growing conditions, with a focus on essential oil quality. This program interacts closely with Dr. Tom Shellhammer's program in the Food Science & Technology Department to characterize the...