The Applied Cereal Genomics project complements existing genetics and breeding activities. Our research efforts focus on understanding the genetic basis of traits of agronomic relevance and the application of genomics tools for the improvement of wheat and other cereals. One broad area of interest includes the use of quantitative trait mapping to genetically dissect agronomically important traits and to identify DNA-based markers that may be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS) of these traits. Other areas of interest include the genetic analysis of major genes involved in the domestication of wheat; the development of plant radiation hybrid mapping panels to facilitate the development of chromosome-based physical maps of cereals (particularly wheat); and the study gene flow between wheat (Triticum aestivum) and its weedy relative jointed goatgrass (Aegilops cylindrica).
