We are interested in the development and evolution of inflorescence architecture in legumes, especially Pisum sativum (garden pea). Practically, inflorescence architecture has a significant effect on yield. In an evolutionary context it is fascinating that highly conserved genes create diverse floral architecture among species and families of plants.Specifically we are characterizing genes that affect the complexity of reproductive branching in the garden pea that also affect flowering in other species.
We use a candidate gene approach to identify mutants in pea that are homologs of cloned genes in Arabidopsis, explore genetic interactions, and develop a model of the genetic regulation of flowering in pea. The long-term goals of our research program are two-fold. First, genetic manipulation of inflorescence architecture can increase yield. The second aim is to understand the evolution of floral and inflorescence developmental pathways in the legumes using our pea model as a springboard. Comparisons with Arabidopsis are helpful, but the families are too distant to fully address evolutionary questions.
Our research group is composed of an ever changing team of undergraduate research colleagues, Heidi Mullen (reseach technician), and Sonja Maki (senior research scientist). For more information on our current lab group or to find out what former lab members are doing, click on the lab group link above.
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Our research is funded by the National Science Foundation