Genome mapping in trees We study the organization of genes and chromosomes in trees through genetic linkage mapping and molecular cytogenetics.  In collaboration with tree breeders, we are using such genetic maps to identify quantitative trait loci that govern growth, pest resistance, and wood quality in important forest tree species such as Douglas-fir, white spruce, chestnut, and northern red oak.

Molecular analysis of genetic diversity in forests
Genetic diversity among natural populations forms the foundation for biodiversity.  We use DNA markers in the nuclear, mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes to study genetic variability within and among populations of forest trees and associated wildlife.  We wish to better understand and conserve the various genetic mechanisms that species have evolved to adapt to their natural surroundings.

Christmas tree biotechnology
We are developing techniques for more efficiently propagating Christmas tree species such as Fraser fir, Douglas-fir, and Scotch pine.  This research may provide opportunities to develop new varieties with environmentally friendly resistance to insect pests and other stresses.

Environmental tree biotechnology
Research is being conducted on the molecular basis of lignin synthesis and the response of trees to environmental pollutants.  This may lead to improved genotypes of trees for environmentally friendly pulp and paper production and for use in remediation of contaminated soils.

Carlson, J.E., Leebens-Mack, J.H., Wall, P.K., Zahn, L.M., Mueller, L.A., Landherr, L.L., Hu, Y., Ilut, D.C., Arrington, J.M., Choirean, S., Becker, A., Field, D., Tanksley, S.D., Ma, H., dePamphilis, C.W. 2006. EST database for early flower development in California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham., Papaveraceae) tags over 6000 genes from a basal eudicot. Plant Molecular Biology, In press.

Cui, L., Wall, P.K., Leebens-Mack, J.H., Lindsay, B.G., Soltis, D., Doyle, J.J., Soltis, P., Carlson, J.E., Arumuganathan, K., Barakat, A., Albert, V., Ma, H., dePamphilis, C.W. 2006. Widespread genome duplications throughout the history of flowering plants. Genome Research, Published Online May 15, 2006 (10.1101/gr.4825606).

St. Clair, S., Carlson, J.E., Lynch, J. 2005. Evidence for Oxidative Stress in Sugar Maple Stands Growing on Acidic, Nutrient Imbalanced Forest Soils. Oecologia 145: 258 – 269.

Traore, A., Xing, Z., Bonser, A., and Carlson, J.E.. 2005. Optimization of a Protocol For Sterilization and In Vitro Establishment of Vegetative Buds From Mature Douglas-Fir Trees. Hortscience 40(5): 1464 - 1468.

Albert, VA, Soltis, DE, Carlson, JE, et al.. 2005. Floral Gene Resources From Basal Angiosperms For Comparative Genomics Research. BMC Plant Biology 5:5 (published on-line 30 March, 2005), 15 pp.

Verica, J.A., Maximova, S., Strem, M., Carlson, J., Bailey, B.A., Guiltinan, M.J. 2004. Isolation of ESTs from cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) leaves treated with inducers of the defense response. Plant Cell Reports 23: 404–413.

Mank, J.E., Carlson, J.E., and Brittingham, M.C. 2004. A century of hybridization: Decreasing genetic distance between American black ducks and mallards. Conservation Genetics 5: 395–403.

Amarasinghe, A. and Carlson, J.E. 2002. The Development of Microsatellite DNA markers for genetic analysis in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). Canadian Journal of Forest Research, 32(11): 1904-1915.

Ritland, K., Dupuis, L.A., Bunnell, F.L., Hung, W.L.Y. and Carlson, J.E. 2000. Phylogeography of the Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei) in British Columbia. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78(10): 1749-1758.