Dr. Sharma's Laboratory 

Overview 

Sharma lab focuses on basic and applied research for improving tomato and other solanaceous crops.

We apply genomics tools and techniques to identify and characterize genetic elements underlying traits of interest in tomato and other solanaceous crops.

A major focus is developing tomato lines resistant to all races of bacterial spot.

What we do

Our ongoing research activities contribute to:

• Identification of new genetic resistances to major tomato diseases through comparative genomics and transcriptomics, data mining, and validation.
• Mapping and cloning of genes underlying the traits of interest in tomato and pepper. We specialize in whole genome/exome sequencing based QTL mapping, marker development, and genotyping.
• Novel breeding techniques for accelerating integration of desirable traits in advanced varieties, including gene editing, transformation, and selection.
• Developing open source bioinformatic tools and pipelines for streamlining association of traits with genomic polymorphisms.

Impact

The genes/markers identified in Sharma lab will be beneficial in breeding programs and crop industry in Florida and elsewhere.

The bacterial spot resistances, bs6 and bs8, are currently being investigated for commercial release.

• MS Students' Work

  Links coming soon! 

• PhD Students' Work

  Links coming soon!

• Dr. Sharma's Work
  • Research Publications