Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology

Fundamental research on chromosome numbers, ploidy levels, genome sizes, reproductive biology, phylogeny, hybrid verification, molecular markers, and DNA fingerprinting provides critical information for developing more efficient and effective plant breeding programs and insights into evolutionary relationships. Facilities at the Mountain Crop Improvment Lab include UV and laser flow cytometry, PCR capabilities, and fluorescent microscopy. Additional support for these activities has come from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center and the American Rhododendron Society.

For more information see:

• Maren, N.A., D.H. Touchell, T.G. Ranney, H. Ashrafi, M.B. Whitfield, and M. Chinn. 2020. Biomass yields, cytogenetics, fertility, and compositional analyses of novel bioenergy grass hybrids (Tripidium spp.). Global Change Biology Bioenergy. https://doi.org/10.1111/GCBB.12676.
• Ranney, T.G., T.H. Thomasson, K. Neill, N.P. Lynch, and M. Weathington. 2018. Ploidy, Relative Genome Size, and Inheritance of Spotted Foliage in Aucuba Species (Garryaceae). HortScience 53(9):1271–1274.
• Ranney, T.G.,C.F. Ryan, L.E. Deans, N.P. Lynch. 2018. Cytogenetics and Genome Size Evolution in Illicium. HortScience 53(5):620-623.
• Gillooly, D.A. and T.G. Ranney. 2015. Genome sizes and ploidy levels in the genus Kalmia. HortScience 50(10):1426-1428.
• Parris, J.K., T.G. Ranney, H.T. Knap, and W.V. Baird. 2010. Ploidy levels, relative genome sizes, and base pair composition in magnolia. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 135(6):533-547. (JASHS cover).
• Rounsaville, T.J. and T.G. Ranney. 2010. Ploidy levels and genome sizes of Berberis L. and Mahonia Nutt. species, hybrids, and cultivars. Hortscience 45(7):1029-1033.
• Jones, J.R. and T.G. Ranney. 2009. Fertility of neoppolyploid Rhododendron and occurrence of unreduced gametes in triploid cultivars. J. Amer. Rhododendron Soc. 63(3): 131-135.
• Palmer, I.E., T.G. Ranney, N.P. Lynch, and R.E. Bir. 2009. Crossability, cytogenetics, and reproductive pathways in Rudbeckia subgenus Rudbeckia. Hortscience 44(1):44-48.
• Jones, J.R., T.G. Ranney, and T.A. Eaker. 2008. A novel method for inducing polyploidy in Rhododendron seedlings. J. Amer. Rhododendron Soc. 62(3):130-135.
• Zhou, W., T. Gibbons, L. Goetsch, B. Hall, T.G. Ranney, and R. Miller. 2008. Rhododendron colemanii: A new species of deciduous azalea (Rhododendron section Pentanthera; Ericaceae) from the Coastal Plain of Alabama and Georgia. J. Amer. Rhododendron Soc. 62(2):72-78.
• Jones, J.R., T.G. Ranney, N.P. Lynch, and S.L. Krebs. 2007. Ploidy levels and relative genome sizes of diverse species, hybrids, and cultivars of rhododendron. J. Amer. Rhododendron Soc. 61(4):220-227.
• Ranney, T.G., N.P. Lynch, P.R. Fantz, and P. Cappiello. 2007. Clarifying taxonomy and nomenclature of Fothergilla (Hamamelidaceae) cultivars and hybrids. HortScience 42(3):470-473. (HortScience cover).
• Contreras, R.N., T.G. Ranney, S.R. Milla-Lewis, and G.C. Yencho. 2007. Investigating parentage and hybridity of three azaleodendrons using AFLP analysis. HortScience 42(3):740-743.
• Contreras, R.N., T.G. Ranney, and S.P. Tallury. 2007. Reproductive behavior of diploid and allotetraploid Rhododendron L. ‘Fragrant Affinity’. HortScience 42(1):31-34.