Research Geneticist (Plants)
Dr. Kelley L. Richardson
Contact information:
831-512-7556
kelley.richardson@usda.gov
Areas of expertise:
Plant breeding and genetics
Inheritance of disease resistance
I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics from the University of Guelph in Canada and my doctorate from Oregon State University in Plant Genetics with a minor in Plant Pathology. I joined the USDA-ARS in Salinas, California in 2008 to lead the sugarbeet breeding and genetics team and in 2018 joined the vegetable breeding and genetics team to work on lettuce. My research combines traditional plant breeding techniques and cutting-edge molecular tools to identify sources of resistance to lettuce diseases, characterize their genetic inheritance, and develop improved germplasm for public release. I work closely with growers and members of industry to direct research priorities.
Genetic Improvement of Lettuce, Spinach, Celery, Melon, and Related Species In-House Appropriated (D) Accession Number:444159 
Rapid-response Detection and Management of Emerging Outbreaks of Lettuce Fusarium wilt in Coastal California Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R) Accession Number:446034 Characterization of Lettuce Resistance to Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement (R) Accession Number:442410 Lettuce Breeding for Improved Resistance to INSV, Pythium Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (T) Accession Number:444087 Lettuce Breeding and Genetics (2021) Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (T) Accession Number:440199 Lettuce Breeding for Improved Resistance to INSV, Pythium, Verticillium, and Fusarium Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (T) Accession Number:442153 USDA Lettuce Breeding for Improved Resistance to INSV, Pythium, Verticillium, and Fusarium Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement (T) Accession Number:446235
will take you to the publication reprint.)
-(Peer Reviewed Journal)
Richardson, K.L., Nayak, S., Hasegawa, D.K., Eriksen, R.L. 2024. Evaluation of lettuce germplasm for resistance to impatiens necrotic spot virus. Euphytica. 220. Article 33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-023-03285-z.
Ling, M., Sapkota, M., Tang, X., Eriksen, R.L., Mou, B., Richardson, K.L., Simko, I., Beil, C., Sheehan, M. 2024. Development and validation of a mid-density DArTag-based genotyping platform for lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Plant and Animal Genome Conference, January 16, 2024, San Diego, California. -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
Todd, O.E., Nielson, A.L., Fenwick, A.L., Hanson, L.E., Richardson, K.L., Dorn, K.M. 2024. Registration of sugar beet genetic stocks FC308 (PI701378) and FC309 (PI700990). Journal of Plant Registrations. https://doi.org/10.1002/plr2.20345. -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
Nayak, S., Richardson, K.L. 2023. Inheritance of partial resistance to isolate VdLs17 of Verticillium dahliae within Lactuca spp. Plant Disease. 107(12):3868-3876. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-09-22-2194-RE.
Richardson, K.L., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2021. Lettuce breeding and genetics (USDA). California Leafy Greens Research Program Mid-Year Meeting, October 13, 2021 (virtual).
Richardson, K.L., Nayak, S. 2021. Update on breeding lettuce for resistance to Impatiens necrotic spot virus. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, August 5-9, 2021, Denver, Colorado.
Nayak, S., Richardson, K.L. 2021. Identification of transgressive segregants for resistance to race 2 isolate of Verticillium dahlia in F2:3 segregating generation of lettuce. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, August 5-9, 2021, Denver, Colorado.
Simko, I., Mou, B., Richardson, K.L., Mccreight, J.D. 2021. Lettuce breeding and genetics. California Leafy Greens Research Program Annual Meeting, March 30, 2021 (virtual).
Richardson, K.L. 2020. Breeding for disease resistance in lettuce. University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources Pest Management Series, December 1, 2020 (virtual).
Richardson, K.L., McCreight, J.D., Mou, B., Simko, I. 2020. Lettuce breeding. California Leafy Greens Research Program Mid-Year Meeting, October 6, 2020 (virtual).
Simko, I., McCreight, J.D., Mou, B., Richardson, K.L. 2019. Lettuce and spinach breeding. California Leafy Greens Research Program Mid-Year Meeting, October 8, 2019, Salinas, California.
Simko, I., Mou, B., Richardson, K.L., McCreight, J.D. 2019. Trends in lettuce and spinach production in the United States. EUCARPIA Leafy Vegetables International Conference, June 24-28, 2019, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Simko, I., Mou, B., McCreight, J.D., Richardson, K.L. 2019. Lettuce and Spinach Breeding. California Leafy Greens Research Program Meeting, March 19, 2019, Pismo Beach, CA. -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
Beharav, A., Hellier, B.C., Richardson, K.L., Lebeda, A., Kisha, T.J. 2018. Genetic relationships and structured diversity of Lactuca georgica germplasm from Armenia and the Russian Federation among other members of Lactuca L., subsection Lactuca L., assessed by TRAP markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 65(7):1963-1978. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-018-0669-7.
Wintermantel, W.M., Broeckling, C., Richardson, K.L., Webb, K.M. 2018. Deciphering how BNYVV overcomes Rhizomania resistance genes in sugarbeet through metabolome analysis. International Congress of Plant Pathology, July 29-August 3, 2018, Boston, Massachusetts.
Broccanello, C., McGrath, J.M., Panella, L.W., Richardson, K.L., Chiodi, C., Biscarini, F., Barone, V., Baglieri, A., Squartini, A., Concheri, G., Stevanato, P. 2017. A SNP mutation affects rhizomania-virus content of sugar beets grown on resistance-breaking soi. Euphytica. 214:14. -(Peer Reviewed Journal)
Stevanato, P., Trebbi, D., Panella, L.W., Richardson, K.L., Pakish, L.M., Fenwick, A.L., Broccanello, C., Saccomani, M. 2014. Identification and validation of a SNP marker linked to the gene HsBvm-1 for nematode resistance in sugar beet. Plant Molecular Biology Reporter. DOI: 10.1007/s11105-014-0763-8.
Stevanato, P., Richardson, K.L., Panella, L.W., Broccanello, C., Saccomani, M. 2014. Identification of a SNP marker associated with WB242 nematode resistance in sugar beet. Meeting Abstract. The Plant and Animal Genome XXII Conference. January 11-15, 2014. San Diego, CA.
Mou, B., Richardson, K.L., Benzen, S.D., Liu, H. 2012. Effects of beet necrotic yellow vein virus in spinach cultivars. Plant Disease. 96:618-622.
Richardson, K.L. 2011. Sugar beet traditional breeding. Sugar Tech. 12(3–4):181–186.
Verhoeven, E.C., Bonman, J.M., Bregitzer, P.P., Brunick, B., Cooper, B., Corey, A.E., Cuesta-Marcos, A., Filichkina, T., Mundt, C.C., Obert, D.E., Rossnagel, B., Richardson, K.L., Hayes, P.M. 2011. Registration of the BISON genetic stocks in Hordeum vulgare L. Journal of Plant Registrations. 5:135-140.
Liu, H., Mou, B., Richardson, K.L., Koike, S.T. 2010. First report of Beet necrotic yellow vein virus infecting spinach in California. Plant Disease. 94:640.
Kongprakhon, P., Cuesta-Marcos, A., Hayes, P.M., Richardson, K.L., Sirithunya, P., Sato, K., Steffenson, B., and Toojinda, T. 2009. Validation of rice blast resistance genes in barley using a QTL mapping population and near-isolines. Breeding Science. 59: 341-349.
Chen, X., Wan, A., Richardson, K.L. 2008. Virulent races of Puccinia striiformis identified in the United States in 2007. APS Annual Meeting. Phyto 98:S36.
Chen, X., Penman, L.N., Richardson, K.L. 2007. Races of Puccinia striiformis, the stripe rust pathogen in the United States in 2006. American Phytopathological Society Abstracts, San Diego, CA, 7/28-8/2/07, 97:S21.
Chen, X., Wood, D.A., Penman, L., Lin, F., Liu, Y.M., Wang, M.N., Zhao, J., Coram, T., Rutherford, K.J. 2007. Control of stripe rusts of wheat and barley. 2007 Field Day Abstracts: Highlights of Research Progress, Crop & Soil Sciences, Washington State University, Technical Report 07-1, page 26.
