Andrew (Andy) Read

1991 Upper Buford Circle

495 Borlaug Hall

St. Paul, MN 55108

(612) 625-1975

Education      

• A.A., Middlesex Community College
• B.A., Biology, University of Hawaii Hilo
• Ph.D. Plant Pathology, Cornell University

Research Interests

Research in my laboratory helps wheat and oat breeders identify, integrate, and track genetic and epigenetic variation associated with desirable traits.  To do this, we leverage molecular biology and sequencing technologies to: catalog diversity, validate gene function, develop markers, and monitor DNA methylation dynamics, all in the complex polyploid wheat and oat genomes.  We have a particular interest in the genetics of susceptibility and resistance of wheat to the diseases Fusarium head blight (scab) and bacterial leaf streak, caused by Fusarium graminearum and Xanthomonas translucens pv. undulosa, respectively.  These diseases represent existing and emerging threats to stable production of high-quality spring wheat in the US. 

Our group is responsible for coordination of the hard red spring wheat uniform regional nursery (URN) and the hard red spring wheat uniform regional scab nursery (URSN).  The URN was established in 1929 and provides public and private wheat breeding programs the opportunity to test germplasm at 10-20 sites across the hard red spring wheat growing region.  Important traits such as yield and days to heading are recorded for each location.  The URSN was established in 1995 following a major Fusarium head blight outbreak in the US.  Wheat breeders submit material for testing at 5-10 sites across the spring wheat growing region. These sites are inoculated with Fusarium head blight and cultivars are scored for disease susceptibility and mycotoxins accumulation. Results from both nurseries are summarized in publicly available annual reports hosted on the USDA GrainGenes website: wheat.pw.usda.gov/GG3/.