Westminster to Host Biology Seminar on the Genetics of Corn

Dr. Jeffrey Taylor, assistant professor of biology at Slippery Rock University, will discuss his research on the genetics of corn Thursday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. in Phillips Lecture Hall located in Westminster's Hoyt Science Resources Center

"Identifying Gibberella Ear Rot Resistance Loci in Corn" will focus on Taylor's research on the genetics of corn and investigations to identify the genes responsible for providing resistance to a common fungus.

 "Gibberella ear rot is a fungal disease that greatly reduces crop yield in corn and also makes corn unpalatable as feed for animals because of the secretion of toxins," said Dr. Shahroukh Mistry, assistant professor of biology at Westminster College.  "The ability to identify and map molecular markers linked to genes for resistance to Gibberella will provide significant agricultural benefits and permit the development of crop breeds that naturally resistant to this fungus."

In addition to his work on fungal resistance, Taylor has conducted research on how ectomycorrhiza, special fungi that live symbiotically with plants root, help plants in the absorption of nutrients from the soil.

 The event is free and open to the public.  For more information, contact Mistry at (724) 946-7210 or e-mail mistrys@westminster.edu.

More Stories