Guiltinan-Maximova Lab
We perform research to discover new knowledge and technologies useful for the improvement of crops, with a long-term vision to contribute to poverty and hunger alleviation, development of sustainable agricultural systems, and the reduction of the impacts of agriculture on climate change.
We believe that Agricultural Biotechnology is one of the best tools that can be used to positively impact these needs on a meaningful scale. We have a focus on the use of Arabidopsis and other model species to advance research with crops such as maize, wheat, soybean, apple, Theobroma cacao, (The Chocolate Tree) and Jatropha curcus, a biofuel feedstock plant. Our current focus is exclusively on cacao.
Our Core Research Areas:
- Plant Development
- Regulation of Gene Expression
- Mechanisms of Plant Defense Responses
- Key Metabolic Pathways
- Genetic Transformation
- Starch Biosynthesis
- Crop Improvement
Dr. Guiltinan and Maximova collaborate on most of the projects in the lab and work together to supervise and administer all of the projects. The lab has been active at Penn State since 1991 as part of the Penn State Department of Horticulture. The lab is currently housed in the Plant Science Center on the 4th floor of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences Building.
Please join our Facebook Group for periodic updates on news and publications!
Latest News
January 6, 2021
New Project: Biofortification for Caribbean Nations Completes First Year Field Trials
The CARICOM Biofortification Network being spearheaded by IICA is undertaking trials of iron enriched beans in Belize and zinc biofortified rice in Guyana.
Read MoreDecember 23, 2020
New Manuscript Published: Clovamide, a Hydroxycinnamic Acid Amide, Is a Resistance Factor Against Phytophthora spp. in Theobroma cacao
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May 15, 2020
Success Story: Fulbright and Colfuturo Scholars Work to Build a Bright Future for Cacao in Colombia
Penn State has committed $530,000 of new support for three of the CfP graduates to continue with their PhD studies.
Read MoreMay 6, 2020
Update from the Days of COVID-19
Our lab remains open under tightly controlled safety conditions. We are also focused on writing manuscripts, a thesis, and thesis proposal and several grant proposals. Overall our progress is continuing at an efficient pace given the circumstances. Our weekly lab meetings continue, in this photo, we celebrate Sarah Prewitt last week, as she moves into a new position at USDA APHIS!
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