Low temperature stress is an important factor limiting the production and geographic distribution of many horticultural species. The primary objective of our research is to identify traits and genes that contribute toward freeze-tolerance. To accomplish this objective, we are utilizing two different approaches. One involves investigating an extremely freeze-tolerant species. Cornus sericea can survive at -196 C when cold acclimated, and we believe that investigations on one of the most freeze-tolerant organisms will help us identify genes that facilitate survival at low temperatures. We identified several proteins that accumulate during cold acclimation in C. sericea, and have subsequently isolated and sequenced the cDNAs that encode these proteins. We are now working to establish the role of these proteins in winter survival, and to determine how plants perceive seasonal environmental changes and induce gene expression and protein accumulation during cold acclimation. Our second approach involves investigating mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana that exhibit reduced freeze-tolerance. We believe that studying these mutants will enable us to identify physiological characteristics and genes that are required for plant survival at low temperatures.
I have primary responsibility for HORT 110, Survey of Horticulture. This 1-credit course is intended as a survey of the field of horticulture, with emphasis on career opportunities. This course uses a lecture format with a combination of presentations by instructor and guest speakers having expertise and experience in specialized areas of horticulture.