Vegetable Breeding, Genetics & Genomics: July 2019

Jul 19, 2019

Derrick Ousley - REEU fellow

This summer our lab hosted Derrick Ousley as part of the Crop Genetic and Genomics REEU program. Jorge Reyes mentored Derrick in his research project. Today Derrick presented his poster entitled "Developing Recombinase Polymerase Amplification (RPA) Assays for Gummy Stem Blight Pathogen Detection in Watermelon" at the REU/REEU Summer Research Poster Forum. It was a pleasure having Derrick with us this summer and we wish him all the best as he continues his undergraduate education.

Jorge Reyes (mentor) and Derrick Ousley

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.