Dr. Seonghee Lee
Associate Professor of Horticulture
Dr. Seonghee Lee’s research program focuses on the field of strawberry molecular genetics and genomics to apply modern molecular genetic/genomic tools for UF strawberry breeding program and support new cultivar development.
Using the advanced molecular information, his team can successfully develop superior strawberry cultivars to provide benefits continuously for Florida strawberry industry. Thus, in support of this goal, his research currently focuses on several main areas.
Check out Dr. Lee's Lab for more information on his current research efforts!
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Research
Dr. Seonghee Lee’s research program focuses on the field of strawberry molecular genetics and genomics to apply modern molecular genetic/genomic tools for UF strawberry breeding program and support new cultivar development.
Using the advanced molecular information, his team can successfully develop superior strawberry cultivars to provide benefits continuously for Florida strawberry industry. Thus, in support of this goal, his research currently focuses on several main areas.
- Management of high-throughput marker-assisted selection program
- NGS data analysis and traits discovery and candidate allele identification for disease resistance, flavor and fruit quality
- Sequencing UF cultivars/advanced selections for octoploid genome assembly and subgenome specific linkage map construction.
- Development of genomics/bioinformatics-assisted breeding tools for UF strawberry breeding accessions to facilitate gene cloning and marker development.
- Development of the platform of gene-editing technology in octoploid strawberry and application to enhance UF strawberry cultivar development program.
Dr. Seonghee Lee collaborates with researchers locally, nationally and internationally recognized in strawberry and other small fruit breeding programs. His group closely works together with the UF strawberry breeder, Dr. Vance Whitaker, and his breeding team for developing superior cultivars (http://gcrec.ifas.ufl.edu/fruit-crops/strawberry-cultivars/).
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Extension
Enhancement of UF/IFAS strawberry cultivars using advanced molecular breeding technologies for the Florida strawberry industry.
Strawberries are a $400 million-a-year industry and one the most important crops in Florida agriculture. The strawberry breeding has been conducted in University of Florida over 40 years. So far, more than 12 commercial cultivars have been successfully developed by the strawberry breeding program at Gulf Coast Research and Education Center. Approximately 80% of the acres are planted in UF/IFAS varieties. It is critical to develop new varieties for various traits for providing benefits to growers and consumers, and expanding UF strawberry breeding program. The use of molecular breeding technologies can speed up the process of cultivar development.
His main extension role is to report the UF strawberry molecular genetics and genomics program at local, regional, and national meetings for growers and industries. He also work to maintain and expand the vital link with the UF strawberry breeding program (Dr. Vance Whitaker) for new cultivar development. The research information is provided regularly to county extension agents, growers and other clientele though field days, meetings and workshops.
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Lab Team
Lab Phone Number: 813-419-6616 Staff Member Contact Information Hyeondae Han, PostDoc hyeondae.han@ufl.edu Yoonjeong Jang, PostDoc yoonjeong.jang@ufl.edu Mark Porter, Grad Student markporter@ufl.edu Jinhee Kim, PostDoc jine323@ufl.edu Kaitlyn Vondracek, Grad Student Cheol-Min Yoo, Research Coord. II cyoo@ufl.edu Kanika Saxena, OPS kanikasaxena@ufl.edu
Contact
Rm. 172
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
14625 County Road 672
Wimauma, FL 33598
813-419-6611
seonghee105@ufl.edu
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Education
Education:
- Ph.D. Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, 2006
- M. S. Plant Pathology, Chungbuk National University, South Korea, 1999
- B. S. Agricultural Biology, Chungbuk National University, South Korea, 1997
- Publications
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Professional Service and Awards