Our lab specializes in turfgrass and specialty crop genetics and breeding. We strive to identify genetic signals that confer tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress and develop practical tools that can be applied towards better performing cultivars for producers and managers.
Buffalograss Research
Buffalograss Research
Buffalograss is an important grass species adapted for use as turf. It is a warm-season species that is highly stoloniferous and forms a dense sod, but most importantly is naturally tolerant to many abiotic and biotic stresses. Turfgrass managers can take advantage of buffalograss’ innate stress tolerance, where a mature buffalograss stand requires minimal supplemental irrigation, fertility, and pesticides. Our primary breeding objectives are to improve visual and function turfgrass quality, while improving seed and sod production characteristics. The image shows some of our recent advanced buffalograss breeding lines.
Hops Research
Hops Research
Demand for locally sourced hops in Nebraska and throughout the Midwest is growing. Hops grow throughout the region but are considered a relatively new crop for the area since most of the US hop crop is situated in the Pacific Northwest. We are addressing a need for local adaptation and hops lines that meet stakeholder aroma and production requirements, by combining flavor characteristics from publicly available germplasm with adaptation traits from wild collected hops. The image is of Keenan collecting wild hops along the North Loup River near Ord, Nebraska.