Education/Training
Ph.D., Crop Breeding (Wheat), University of Kentucky, May 2007.
M.S., Crop Breeding (Tobacco), University of Kentucky, December 2002.
B.S., Agriculture, Western Kentucky University, May 2000.
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Areas of Specialization/Research
The goal of the Coastal Plants Breeding Program is to establish a systematic, traditional plant breeding program for native coastal plants that are used in coastal restoration projects in Louisiana. My program is the only plant breeding program in the nation that is utilizing traditional plant breeding techniques to develop and release clones and varieties of coastal plants for use in restoration projects. My research focuses on developing, evaluating and releasing genetically diverse Spartina alterniflora, Uniola paniculata, and Schoenoplectus californicus clones and varieties to facilitate coastal wetlands restoration and management. I am also identifying traits that are essential for plant survival in coastal environments and developing a breeding strategy to efficiently select for these traits. Finally, I am investigating methods to commercially produce coastal plants, which include seed production in artificial nurseries, germination of seeds, large-scale commercial plant production methodologies and cultural practices.
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Publications/Presentations/Patents
Kaur, R., C. Knott, and M.C. Aime. 2009. First report of rust disease caused by Puccinia sparganiodes on Spartina alterniflora in Louisiana. Plant Disease 94(5): 636.
Baisakh, N., P.K. Subudhi, K. Arumuganathan, A.P. Parco, S.A. Harrison, C.A. Knott, M.D. Materne. 2009. Development and interspecific transferability of genic microsatellite markers in Spartina spp. with different genome size. Aquatic Botany 91:262-266.
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