| Affiliations: | STEM Research Leadership |
| Project Leader: | Bin Wu, Ph.D. bin.wu@tamu.edu Biology |
| Faculty Mentor: | Hongmin Qin, Ph.D. |
|
Meeting Times:
|
TBA |
|
Team Size:
|
6
|
| Open Spots: | 0 |
|
Special Opportunities:
|
1) Acquire both foundational and specialized knowledge in plant physiology and woody plant tissue culture. 2) Develop expertise in utilizing varied combinations of PGRs to initiate callus formation from stem or leaf sections, promote adventitious bud differentiation from callus, and root the regenerated plantlets. 3) Master practical techniques in plant tissue culture as well as other advanced biological methodologies. 4) Be presented with avenues to showcase their research contributions at esteemed scientific gatherings, including the TAMU Student Research Week and the Biology Undergraduate Research Symposium. 5) Have potential opportunities to undertake internships with prominent nurseries across Texas.
|
|
Team Needs:
|
Fundamental knowledge of plant physiology and basic skills in plant tissue culture will be preferred but not required. Candidates selected for this team will get well-trained. We are seeking new students that can bring diversity, enthusiasm, and dedication into the team. |
|
Description:
|
Research Opportunity: Advancing Crapemyrtle Breeding through Plant Tissue Culture Crapemyrtle stands as the most purchased deciduous flowering tree in the U.S. In 2019 alone, approximately 3.03 million plants were sold, translating to an impressive market value of $69.57 million. Its broad distribution and extended blooming period make the crapemyrtle an indispensable pollen source for both native and non-native bees in the U.S., particularly during periods when other pollen resources are limited. Numerous crapemyrtle cultivars exist, each offering unique aesthetic and production values. There’s a burgeoning demand within the Green Industry for crapemyrtles that exhibit enhanced cold tolerance, insect resistance, diverse blooming periods, and distinct flower colors. In response to this demand, our research initiative aims to employ plant tissue culture techniques to expedite the breeding of crapemyrtles with targeted horticultural traits. Our ultimate objective is to lay the groundwork for a crapemyrtle regeneration system that caters to these specific traits, thus ushering in an era of molecular breeding for the plant. Our approach is delineated into four strategic objectives: 1) Procure sterile crapemyrtle samples suitable for tissue culture. 2) Fine-tune plant growth regulators (PGRs) to enhance callus organogenesis. 3) Refine PGRs for efficient micropropagation. 4) Perfect PGRs for the rooting and acclimatization stages. Furthermore, we are privileged to maintain a dynamic collaboration with leading nurseries in Texas, innovating projects that address challenges in the mass production of ornamental plants. We invite dedicated researchers and enthusiasts to join our team in this groundbreaking endeavor. |