Research – Ira Herniter

Blueberry Genetics

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is one of the most important fruit crops and is native to North America. Wild blueberry was an important resource for Native Americans pre-Contact, but it was only domesticated in the early twentieth century by Frederick Coville and Elizabeth White. Since then, blueberry has grown to be of great economic importance. However, genetic resources for blueberry have lagged behind other crops. By studying interspecific populations, I am working to identify genes that can be used in breeding programs.

Leaf Shape

Leaf shape is a highly complex trait, heavily impacted by multiple genetic as well as environmental factors. However, by application of advanced mathematical modeling, we can identify traits not readily apparent to the naked eye. Along with developed genetic resources, we can identify the genes underlying leaf shape.

Maize Agricultural History

In collaboration with the Native Seeds/SEARCH seed bank ion Tucson, AZ, I am working to genotype their collection of maize landraces. The American southwest was the earliest place maize agriculture spread in the continental United States. Previous analysis of human DNA indicates a male-mediated population expansion, in which males migrated into the area and took local wives, around 2100 BC, concurrent with the earliest archaeological evidence for maize agriculture in the region. The seed bank maintains a collection of over 500 landraces, none of which have yet been genotyped. Analysis of the maize genetics in parallel with human genetics, archaeological findings, and linguistics will help to properly tell the story of maize agriculture in the American southwest.

Modeling Forest Fires

As global climate change advances, wildfires have become increasingly deadly and destructive. This has been compounded by policies of total fire suppression which have led to a major fire deficit. Here, the goal is to develop a model that can be used to inform policy makers on the optimal way to spend limited resources to help prevent the most destructive fires, protecting lives and property.

Cowpea Genetics

Vigna unguiculata, commonly referred to as “black-eyed pea” or “Southern pea” in the United States, is a legume with global impact originating in sub-Saharan Africa. Genetic analysis leads to the improvement of seed stock and is a boon to the fortunes of the millions of small-holder farmers, especially in West Africa, who rely on cowpea for food and income.