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Research Focus
Pawpaw: The native American tree fruit, pawpaw (Asimina triloba), is being investigated for its potential as a new commercial crop. Pawpaw research efforts are currently directed at variety trials, orchard production methods, and propagation techniques. A pawpaw information web site and an annual pawpaw field day have been developed to help in the dissemination of information about pawpaw to the public. The USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for Asimina species is located at KSU; therefore, germplasm assessment and collection are also important additional components in the KSU research program. A molecular genetics laboratory has been established to allow the development of molecular marker systems for the creation of linkage maps and to examine pawpaw genetic diversity. In the spring of 1999, research was initiated on currants and gooseberries to investigate their potential as high-value crops for Kentucky.
Current Projects
- Pawpaw: Ongoing field and greenhouse research projects include: variety trials, orchard production methods, seedling propagation techniques, and germplasm collection and assessment. Laboratory research projects include: the identification of molecular markers for assessing pawpaw genetic diversity and the creation of linkage maps in controlled pawpaw crosses. Cooperative research projects are being conducted with Dr. Robert Geneve concerning in vitro clonal propagation of pawpaw and with Dr. Douglas Archbold on pawpaw postharvest physiology, both are researchers at the University of Kentucky.
Staff
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Dr. Kirk W. Pomper, Principal Investigator
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Dr. Sanjun Gu, Co-Investigator
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Dr. Li Lu, Co-Investigator
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Mr. Jeremy Lowe, Co-Investigator
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Ms. Sheri Crabtree, Co-Investigator
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Ms. Angie Whitehouse, Technician
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Ms. Lauren Collins, Undergraduate Student
Student Involvement
Undergraduate students who are interested in learning molecular biology techniques, usually those interested in biomedical careers, or are interested in projects involving plant growth and development, have received training in Horticulture Program’s laboratory. This "hands on" research experience may be taken for credit as BIO 410: Special Problems in Biology (Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. A course in which advanced Biology students who demonstrate ability and interest in the field pursue an independent experimental or library research project. May be repeated once for credit).Students can also find research projects involving molecular genetics and information about KSU biotechnology at http://biotech.kysu.edu/ .
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Preparing DNA in the laboratory |
Pawpaw fruit cluster |
Pawpaw flower and developing fruit cluster |
Pawpaw orchards at the KYSU research farm |
Ripe pawpaw fruit, cut open |
Click Here Recent Paw Paw Research Publications