MSU Pototo Breeding and Genetics - Team

MSU potato breeding and genetics lab

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Potato Breeding and Genetics Team

Dr. David Douches
Kelly Zarka
Joseph Coombs
Dr. Daniel Zarka
Jay Estelle
Devan Berry
Nicole Thaner

	David Douches Ph.D. email: douchesD@msu.edu The principle investigator of the MSU Potato Breeding and Genetics Program since 1988.
	Kelly Zarka Molecular Research Technician, Genetic and Protein Analysis Specialist since 1995. Current Research Interests: My current research is funded by and focuses on the humanitarian release and commercialization of potato cultivars genetically engineered with a bacterial Bacillius Thuringiensis (Bt-gene), Cry1Ia1, for the resistance to the potato tuber moth, a primary problem in developing countries. Through the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSPII) and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), I am collecting regulatory data and providing molecular analysis necessary for commercial approval in Africa. For more details on this project go to the BT Project Page. Other projects include research on drought resistance in potato. I have genetically engineered potato plants with the transcriptional regulator CBF1, known for providing both drought resistance and cold tolerance. We are currently evaluating these transformants. Future projects involve engineering multiple genes into a single potato variety.
	Joseph Coombs Potato Variety and Entomology Research Technician and Computer/Statistics Specialist since 1996. Current Research Interests: Aid in potato variety research and development, involving many aspects of a plant breeding program: field, laboratory, and greenhouse activities. Specific responsibilities include experimental design and analysis of host plant resistance mechanisms (natural and engineered) of potato for control of Colorado potato beetle (plant transformation, molecular characterization, and biological activity confirmation). Other duties include statistical analysis, local computer network administrator, Colorado potato beetle rearing management, and much, much more.
	Daniel Zarka Ph.D. Postdoctoral Research Associate since summer 2006. Research interests: My current research is focused on the cloning of a Phytophthora infestans (Late blight) resistance gene originally mapped in this laboratory. In addition, I am testing different breeding varieties for markers linked to desirable traits such as resistance to the PVY virus, resistance to Golden Nematode and others.
	Jay Estelle Field Research Technician
	Devan Berry Field Research Technician
	Nicole Thaner Graduate Student since February 2007 Research interests: My research is focused on transforming one of our potato varieties with CBF (C-repeat Binding Factor) genes from Arabidopsis, Solanum commersonii and Solanum tuberosum. The CBF gene was first shown to increase cold tolerance by increasing cells' ability to maintain hydration. The CBF gene has since been shown to increase drought tolerance by the same mechanism and I am hoping to increase drought tolerance in our potato variety.

Last revised: November 2007
© 2007 Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and Potato Breeding and Genetics Laboratory