An integrated approach is utilized in the research projects, which combines:

1. molecular biological (PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, gene sequencing, vector construction, gene transformation, genome editing, gene over expression, complementary test etc),

2. genetic (gene mapping, fine-mapping, high throughput genotyping, QTL and GWAS analyses etc),

3. genomic (target or reduced genomic DNA sequencing, single cell RNA-seq, spatial RNA-seq, sequence variation calling, sequence annotation, etc),

4. epigenomic (whole genome wide bisulfate sequencing, differentially methylated region identification),

5. translational genomic (database mining, candidate gene characterization),

6. cellular (cellular localization of genes, cell structural changes), and

7. morphological (plant growth, treatment, and trait phenotyping in field, growth chamber, or greenhouse) methods.

​Current crops of focus for the research are peanut and sugarcane, the two major row crops growing in Florida. Current projects include:

1. Characterize the cellular and molecular features of early rhizobial infection in peanut roots, which utilize a primitive crack entry infection path.

2. Explore the genome imprinting mechanisms regulating a transcription factor in controlling peanut nodulation

3. Enhance peanut diversity through DNA mutagenesis, epi-mutagenesis, and genome editing.

4. Identify the differentially expressed genes in resistant and susceptible sugarcane sister clones infected by orange rust disease.

5. Identify the genomic regions and candidate genes controlling sugarcane plant height

6. Investigate biological and genetic characters of sugarcane ratooning ability.

​