Vegetable Breeding, Genetics & Genomics: May 2021

May 24, 2021

Summer has begun!!

The 2021 watermelon field evaluation has been transplanted today, marking the official start of Summer!

In a short time, this field will be thriving with delicious fruit.

As you can see from all the happy faces, it was a great day to be outside working in the field. This is Samikshya's first year getting to enjoy this experience.

May 7, 2021

Seeking Graduate Student

A graduate student position (MS or PhD) is available in our lab to do research on whitefly-transmitted virsus resistance in cucurbits. Interested parties should contact Dr. McGregor.

About the Lab

Our research program focuses on developing molecular tools for watermelon and integrating these tools into our breeding program. Thus we strive to bridge the gap between basic genomic research and applied cultivar development.

Our current research projects endeavor to identify loci and genes associated with important fruit, seed, flower and disease resistance traits in watermelon.

Participants in our research group gain experience in field, greenhouse and laboratory research as well as genomic analysis and bioinformatics. The majority of research is carried out by graduate and undergraduate students, as well as high school students through the Young Scholars Internship Program.