Overview
The Brzozowski Lab studies the genetics of plant traits that mediate interactions between plants and other species. We are interested in plant traits, especially metabolites, that affect plant adaptation, plant-pest interactions and contribute to human nutrition, and instances when these traits intersect. We integrate a variety of techniques - including genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics - with field work to understand the genetic basis of these traits. We apply these findings in plant breeding for sustainable and climate-resilient regional agricultural systems.
Current projects:
Leveraging plant immune responses to improve resistance to pests. By investigating natural variation in plant immune responses, we develop new approaches in breeding for resistance to pests and diseases. We currently work in oat (Avena sativa), and this work can be applied across plant species.
Winter rye quality and genomics. Our lab collaborates with ongoing rye (Secale cereale) breeding programs at UK. We contribute genetic and genomic resources to facilitate plant breeding progress. We also conduct research on variation in plant metabolite traits that enhance quality and flavor to improve value in regional markets.
Winter oat breeding. Our lab is establishing a food and forage winter oat (Avena sativa) breeding program for regional production systems. We seek to improve winter hardiness as well as quality traits. We are building capacity for genomic selection and on-farm trialing.
Organic and speciality grains. We seek to support agricultural resiliency by developing perennial grain varieties and testing multiple grain species under organic management.
The Brzozowski Lab studies the genetics of plant traits that mediate interactions between plants and other species. We are interested in plant traits, especially metabolites, that affect plant adaptation, plant-pest interactions and contribute to human nutrition, and instances when these traits intersect. We integrate a variety of techniques - including genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics - with field work to understand the genetic basis of these traits. We apply these findings in plant breeding for sustainable and climate-resilient regional agricultural systems.
Current projects:
Leveraging plant immune responses to improve resistance to pests. By investigating natural variation in plant immune responses, we develop new approaches in breeding for resistance to pests and diseases. We currently work in oat (Avena sativa), and this work can be applied across plant species.
Winter rye quality and genomics. Our lab collaborates with ongoing rye (Secale cereale) breeding programs at UK. We contribute genetic and genomic resources to facilitate plant breeding progress. We also conduct research on variation in plant metabolite traits that enhance quality and flavor to improve value in regional markets.
Winter oat breeding. Our lab is establishing a food and forage winter oat (Avena sativa) breeding program for regional production systems. We seek to improve winter hardiness as well as quality traits. We are building capacity for genomic selection and on-farm trialing.
Organic and speciality grains. We seek to support agricultural resiliency by developing perennial grain varieties and testing multiple grain species under organic management.