Applied Genomics and Crop Improvement
Many of the world’s crops remain understudied at the genomic level. We work to build genomic resources for these crops and use them to understand the genetic basis of traits relevant to climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture.
Current projects:
- Pistachio genome and kernel development (with the Adaskaveg lab)
- Walnut somatic mutation and clonal propagation
- Cassava genetic diversity in Colombian landraces
- Climate adaptation in forest trees (Populus, White Bark Pine)
Notable papers:
- Zhang et al. (2025) — Cell layer-specific cell wall modification in pistachio hull splitting · Journal of Experimental Botany
- Zhao et al. (2025) — Unlocking genetic diversity in Colombian cassava landraces for accelerated breeding · bioRxiv
- Lee et al. (2025) — A well-annotated genome of celery (Apium graveolens) with resistance to Fusarium · The Plant Journal
- Klein et al. (2025) — Climate adaptation in Populus trichocarpa: key adaptive loci for stomata and leaf traits · New Phytologist
Grey Monroe
Assistant Professor (Associate effective July 1, 2026)
Plant genome biologist studying mutation, DNA repair, and somatic and germline genome dynamics in plants and crops.