Wild rice species are a rich reservoir of genetic variation that can be utilized for target trait improvement in existing rice cultivars. Despite the availability of this germplasm, their actual use in varietal improvement is severely limited by pre- and post-reproductive barriers that prevent alien chromosome introgressions. A deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms controlling the dynamics of genetic transfer from wild to cultivated rice is key to fully accessing the enormous amount of genetic variation present in the wild rice germplasm.

Using the Oryza evolutionary system as a model, we are elucidating the dynamics of preferential chromosome transmission from wild rice species to the genetic background of cultivated rice using chromosome segment substitution lines of O. nivara and MAAL-derived introgression lines of the allotetraploid wild rice species O. latifolia. In this project, we are capitalizing on the robust comparative and evolutionary genomics system in the genus Oryza to contribute to the advancement of understanding the mechanisms that promote or prevent gene transfer across species boundaries. This project has important implications in how we can effectively utilize wild species as donors of alien genes and novel alleles in crop breeding.

Landraces are traditional varieties that have not been bred for specific traits but have been grown by farmers for generations for their productivity in local agro-environments. We are using gene bank mining tools (i.e., Focused Identification of Germplasm Strategy and Environmental Association Analysis) to screen and evaluate the genetic merit of a landrace panel as donors in breeding to improve the resilience of the crop in marginal environments. Similarly, we are characterizing natural and artificial genetic variations regulating key agronomic traits in upland cotton such as gossypol content, naked seed phenotype and cold germination ability as regulated by fatty acid composition. Our work in cotton is geared towards maximizing the potential uses of cotton as a major source of fiber and seed oil, as well as ensuring sustainable production of the crop under steadily deteriorating agro-environments.

Solanum lycopersicoides is a wild nightshade species that is distantly related to the cultivated tomato. We are exploiting the outcomes of classical chromosome engineering including chromosome segment substitution lines and diploid introgression lines derived from monosomic alien addition lines to exploit natural variations from S. lycopersicoides that have been captured in the background of the cultivated tomato species. Using OMICS approaches, we are characterizing novel variants with potential applications in the development of next generation cultivars suitable to the requirements of the 21st century consumers.

Texas wintergrass is a viable grazing option for livestock during the harsh winter months because of its ability to remain green when other grasses go dormant. However, the effective utilization of the species as a forage is hindered by the limited body of knowledge regarding the overall biology of the plant.

Our research aims to fill the knowledge gaps in the biology of Texas wintergrass seed, specifically in terms of its germination requirements and dormancy control, as well as on the genetics and genomics of the plant which are both necessary for the accelerated target trait improvement in the grass species.