Steven Mulkey

Former Graduate

  • Degree Program: M. S., Crop Science
  • Previous Degrees: B.S. Plant Science, Cornell University
  • Advisor: Dr. Milla-Lewis
  • Completion Date: December 2012

Research

My project involves the examination of genetic diversity within the St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) germplasm, and to identify QTL conferring resistance to gray leaf spot disease (GLS) (Magnaporthe grisea). To this end my project has three goals: (1) Use of AFLP markers to identify pools of diversity amongst public and private germplasm collections; (2) Develop St. Augustinegrass-specific SSRs using a second generation sequencing platform; and (3) Analysis of a pseudo-F2 population segregating for GLS resistance in order to identify markers linked to the trait.