Research Project: Genetics and Breeding of Lettuce, Spinach, Melon, and Related Species to Improve Production and Consumer-related Traits

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Publications (Clicking on the reprint icon will take you to the publication reprint.)

Genome-wide association mapping reveals loci for enzymatic discoloration on cut lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Peng, H., Luo, Y., Teng, Z., Zhou, B., Pearlstein, D.J., Wang, D., Turner, E.R., Nou, X., Wang, T.T., Tao, Y., Fonseca, J.M., Simko, I. 2024. Genome-wide association mapping reveals loci for enzymatic discoloration on cut lettuce. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 207. Article 112577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112577.

Differentially methylated genomic regions of lettuce seeds relate to divergence across morphologically distinct horticultural types - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2023. Differentially methylated genomic regions of lettuce seeds relate to divergence across morphologically distinct horticultural types. AoB Plants. 15(5):1-9. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plad060.

Dataset on the single nucleotide variation in diversity panel of 500 lettuce accessions genotyped with tunable genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) method - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2023. Dataset on the single nucleotide variation in diversity panel of 500 lettuce accessions genotyped with tunable genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) method. Data in Brief. 49. Article 109419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2023.109419.

Genetic determinants of lettuce resistance to drop caused by Sclerotinia minor identified through genome-wide association mapping frequently co-locate with loci regulating anthocyanin content - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I., Sthapit Kandel, J., Peng, H., Zhao, R.B., Subbarao, K.V. 2023. Genetic determinants of lettuce resistance to drop caused by Sclerotinia minor identified through genome-wide association mapping frequently co-locate with loci regulating anthocyanin content. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-023-04421-y.

Inheritance of partial resistance to isolate VdLs17 of Verticillium dahliae within Lactuca spp. - (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.

Genetic and physiological determinants of lettuce partial resistance to Impatiens necrotic spot virus - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I., Hasegawa, D.K., Peng, H., Zhao, R.B. 2023. Genetic and physiological determinants of lettuce partial resistance to Impatiens necrotic spot virus. Frontiers in Plant Science. 14. Article 1163683. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2023.1163683.

Extending lettuce shelf life through integrated technologies - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Peng, H., Simko, I. 2023. Extending lettuce shelf life through integrated technologies. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. 81. Article 102951. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102951.

Skim resequencing finely maps the downy mildew resistance loci RPF2 and RPF3 in spinach cultivars Whale and Lazio - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhattarai, G., Shi, A., Mou, B., Correll, J. 2023. Skim resequencing finely maps the downy mildew resistance loci RPF2 and RPF3 in spinach cultivars Whale and Lazio. Horticulture Research. 10(6). Article uhad076. https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhad076.

Green Leaf, Red Leaf, and Romaine Lettuce Breeding Lines with Resistance to Leafminer, Corky Root, and Downy Mildew - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mou, B. 2023. Green leaf, red leaf, and romaine lettuce breeding lines with resistance to leafminer, corky root, and downy mildew. HortScience. 58(4):436-441. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI17069-22.

Improving the post-harvest quality and shelf-life of lettuce with molecular breeding - (Abstract Only)
Taylor, G., Lingga, N., Damerum, A., Simko, I., Michelmore, R., Milner, S. 2023. Improving the post-harvest quality and shelf-life of lettuce with molecular breeding. Plant and Animal Genome Conference, January 13-18, 2023, San Diego, California.

We are the champions. The index for evaluating concentration of championships using a sliding window approach - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2022. We are the champions. The index for evaluating concentration of championships using a sliding window approach. Heliyon. 8(12). Article e12025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12025.

Lettuce breeding, genetics, and physiology - (Abstract Only)
Simko, I. 2022. Lettuce breeding, genetics, and physiology. California Leafy Greens Research Program Mid-Year Meeting, October 20, 2022, Salinas, California.

Mapping and selection of downy mildew resistance in spinach cv. Whale by low coverage whole genome sequencing - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhattarai, G., Dotun, O., Mou, B., Correll, J., Shi, A. 2022. Mapping and selection of downy mildew resistance in spinach cv. Whale by low coverage whole genome sequencing. Frontiers in Plant Science. 13. Article 1012923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.1012923.

Resequencing worldwide spinach germplasm for identification of field resistance QTLs to downy mildew and assessment of genomic selection methods - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhattarai, G., Shi, A., Mou, B., Correll, J. 2022. Resequencing worldwide spinach germplasm for identification of field resistance QTLs to downy mildew and assessment of genomic selection methods. Horticulture Research. 9. Article uhac205. https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhac205.

Phenotypic and genetic analyses of yellow spot malady in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Peng, H., Zhao, R.B., Smith, R., Simko, I. 2022. Phenotypic and genetic analyses of yellow spot malady in lettuce. Scientia Horticulturae. 305. Article 111389. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111389.

Vegetable cultivar descriptions for North America List 28 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mou, B., Eriksen, R.L. 2022. Vegetable cultivar descriptions for North America List 28. HortScience. 57(8):949-1040. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI.57.8.949.

Insights into nitrogen metabolism in the wild and cultivated lettuce as revealed by transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kumar, P., Eriksen, R.L., Simko, I., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2022. Insights into nitrogen metabolism in the wild and cultivated lettuce as revealed by transcriptome and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Scientific Reports. 12. Article 9852. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-13954-z.

Development and availability of a melon differential set for determination of virulence variation of cucurbit powdery mildews (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces orontii) - (Research Notes)
Lebeda, A., Sedlakova, B., Kristkova, E., McCreight, J.D., Den Hertog, M., Reitsma, K. 2022. Development and availability of a melon differential set for determination of virulence variation of cucurbit powdery mildews (Podosphaera xanthii and Golovinomyces orontii). Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 44:15–19.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into the fruit quality and yield improvement in tomato under soilless substrate-based cultivation - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Guo, J., Dong, L., Kandel, S.L., Jiao, Y., Shi, L., Yang, Y., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2022. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis provides insights into the fruit quality and yield improvement in tomato under soilless substrate-based cultivation. Agronomy. 12(4). Article 923. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12040923.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) germplasm resistant to bacterial leaf spot caused by race 1 of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. vitians (Brown 1918) Moriniére et al. 2020 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sandoya, G.V., Rosenthal, E., Simko, I., Rodrigues-Porto, L.N., Wadlington, W.H., Bull, C.T., Carroll, A. 2022. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) germplasm resistant to bacterial leaf spot caused by race 1 of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. vitians (Brown 1918) Moriniére et al. 2020. Journal of Plant Pathology. 104:993–1008. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42161-022-01123-0.

Genome-wide association mapping reveals genomic regions frequently associated with lettuce field resistance to downy mildew - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I., Peng, H., Sthapit Kandel, J., Zhao, R.B. 2022. Genome-wide association mapping reveals genomic regions frequently associated with lettuce field resistance to downy mildew. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 135:2009–2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-022-04090-3.

Phenotypic characters and inheritance of Yellow Spot malady in lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Peng, H., Zhao, R.B., Smith, R., Simko, I. 2022. Phenotypic characters and inheritance of Yellow Spot malady in lettuce. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, July 30-August 3, 2022, Chicago, Illinois.

Genome-wide association study and genomic prediction of white rust resistance in USDA GRIN spinach germplasm - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Shi, A., Bhattarai, G., Xiong, H., Avila, C., Feng, C., Liu, B., Joshi, V., Stein, L., Mou, B., du Toit, L., Correll, J.C. 2022. Genome-wide association study and genomic prediction of white rust resistance in USDA GRIN spinach germplasm. Horticulture Research. 9. Article uhac069. https://doi.org/10.1093/hr/uhac069.

Mapping quantitative trait loci for lettuce resistance to Verticillium dahliae race 3, plant development, and leaf color using an ultra-high-density bin map constructed from F2 progeny - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I., Puri, K.D., Dhar, N., Peng, H., Subbarao, K.V. 2022. Mapping quantitative trait loci for lettuce resistance to Verticillium dahliae race 3, plant development, and leaf color using an ultra-high-density bin map constructed from F2 progeny. Phytofrontiers. 2(3):257-267. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-11-21-0078-R.

Lettuce breeding and genetics (USDA) - (Other)
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).

Update on breeding lettuce for resistance to Impatiens necrotic spot virus - (Abstract Only)
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.

Identification of transgressive segregants for resistance to race 2 isolate of Verticillium dahlia in F2:3 segregating generation of lettuce - (Abstract Only)
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.

Hypersensitivity to triforine in lettuce is triggered by a TNL gene through the disease resistance pathway - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
An, G., Simko, I., Chen, J., Yu, C., Lavelle, D., Zhang, W., Michelmore, R., Kuang, H. 2021. Hypersensitivity to triforine in lettuce is triggered by a TNL gene through the disease resistance pathway. Plant Biotechnology Journal. 19(11):2144-2146. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13679.

Phenotypic characterization and inheritance of browning on cut surfaces of stems and leaf ribs of romaine lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Peng, H., Luo, Y., Teng, Z., Zhou, B., Bornhorst, E.R., Fonseca, J.M., Simko, I. 2021. Phenotypic characterization and inheritance of enzymatic browning on cut surfaces of stems and leaf ribs of romaine lettuce. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 181. Article 111653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111653.

Mapping and identification of genetic loci affecting earliness of bolting and flowering in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Rosental, L., Still, D.W., You, Y., Hayes, R.J., Simko, I. 2021. Mapping and identification of genetic loci affecting earliness of bolting and flowering in lettuce. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 134:3319-3337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-021-03898-9.

High resolution mapping and candidate gene identification of downy mildew race 16 resistance in spinach - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhattarai, G., Yang, W., Shi, A., Feng, C., Dhillon, B., Correll, J.C., Mou, B. 2021. High resolution mapping and candidate gene identification of downy mildew race 16 resistance in spinach. BMC Genomics. 22. Article 478. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-021-07788-8.

Genomics and marker assisted improvement of vegetable crops - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I., Jia, M., Venkatesh, J., Kang, B., Weng, Y., Barcaccia, G., Lanteri, S., Bhattarai, G., Foolad, M.R. 2021. Genomics and marker-assisted improvement of vegetable crops. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. 40(4):303-365. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352689.2021.1941605.

A case study of using an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system to develop variegated lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Nguyen, C.D., Li, J., Mou, B., Gong, H., Huo, H. 2021. A case study of using an efficient CRISPR/Cas9 system to develop variegated lettuce. Vegetable Research. 1. Article 4. https://doi.org/10.48130/VR-2021-0004.

Resistance to lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.): cell wall composition analysis to determine biological basis - (Abstract Only)
Mamo, B., Foster, C.E., Adhikari, N., Simko, I. 2021. Resistance to lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.): cell wall composition analysis to determine biological basis. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, August 2-6, 2021 (virtual).

Phenotypic and genetic characterization of stem and rib browning in romaine lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Peng, H., Luo, Y., Teng, Z., Zhou, B., Bornhorst, E.R., Fonseca, J.M., Simko, I. 2021. Phenotypic and genetic characterization of stem and rib browning in romaine lettuce. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, August 5-9, 2021, Denver, Colorado.

The OsIME4 gene identified as a key to meiosis initiation by RNA in situ hybridization - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhou, W., Li, Z., Zhang, J., Mou, B., Zhou, W. 2021. The OsIME4 gene identified as a key to meiosis initiation by RNA in situ hybridization. Plant Biology. 23(5):861-873. https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.13274.

Lettuce breeding and genetics - (Other)
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).

Elucidating the biological basis of resistance to lettuce drop through cell wall composition analysis - (Other)
Mamo, B.E., Foster, C.E., Adhikari, N.D., Hayes, R.J., Simko, I. 2021. Elucidating the biological basis of resistance to lettuce drop through cell wall composition analysis. Postdoctoral Research Symposium, March 30, 2021, Davis, California (virtual).

Transcriptomic and gene co-expression network analysis of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and its wild progenitor (L. serriola) under contrasting nitrogen conditions - (Abstract Only)
Kumar, P., Eriksen, R.L., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2021. Transcriptomic and gene co-expression network analysis of cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L) and its wild progenitor (L. serriola) under contrasting nitrogen conditions. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, August 5-9, 2021, Denver, Colorado.

Epidemiological characterization of lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.) and biophysical features of the host identify soft stem as a susceptibility factor - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mamo, B., Eriksen, R.L., Adhikari, N.D., Hayes, R.J., Mou, B., Simko, I. 2021. Epidemiological characterization of lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.) and biophysical features of the host identify soft stem as a susceptibility factor. Phytofrontiers. 1(3):182-204. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-12-20-0040-R.

Molecular mapping of water-stress responsive genomic loci in lettuce (Lactuca spp.) using kinetics chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral imaging and machine learning - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Kumar, P., Eriksen, R.L., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2021. Molecular mapping of water-stress responsive genomic loci in lettuce (Lactuca spp.) using kinetics chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral imaging and machine learning. Frontiers in Genetics. 12. Article 634554. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2021.634554.

IdeTo: Spreadsheets for calculation and analysis of area under the disease progress over time data - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2021. IdeTo: Spreadsheets for calculation and analysis of area under the disease progress over time data. Phytofrontiers. 1(3):244-247. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTOFR-11-20-0033-A.

QTL mapping of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus resistance in melon accession PI 313970 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Tamang, P., Ando, K., Wintermantel, W.M., McCreight, J.D. 2021. QTL mapping of Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus resistance in melon accession PI 313970. HortScience. 56(4):424-430. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15495-20.

Population genetics and genome-wide association studies provide insights into the influence of selective breeding on genetic variation in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Park, S., Kumar, P., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2021. Population genetics and genome-wide association studies provide insights into the influence of selective breeding on genetic variation in lettuce. The Plant Genome. 14(2). Article e20086. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.20086.

Breeding for disease resistance in lettuce - (Other)
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).

Genetics of partial resistance against Verticillium dahliae race 2 in wild and cultivated lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sandoya, G.V., Truco, M.J., Bertier, L.D., Subbarao, K.V., Simko, I., Hayes, R.J., Michelmore, R.W. 2021. Genetics of partial resistance against Verticillium dahliae race 2 in wild and cultivated lettuce. Phytopathology. 111(5):842-849. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-09-20-0396-R.

Identification of major quantitative trait loci controlling field resistance to downy mildew in cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Parra, L., Simko, I., Michelmore, R.W. 2021. Identification of major quantitative trait loci controlling field resistance to downy mildew in cultivated lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Phytopathology. 111(3):541-547. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-08-20-0367-R.

Genetics of robustness under nitrogen- and water-deficient conditions in field-grown lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Macias-Gonzalez, M., Truco, M.J., Smith, R., Cahn, M.D., Simko, I., Hayes, R.J., Michelmore, R.W. 2021. Genetics of robustness under nitrogen- and water-deficient conditions in field-grown lettuce. Crop Science. 61(3):1582-1619. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20380.

Lettuce breeding - (Other)
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).

Identification of factors affecting the deterioration rate of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Peng, H., Sthapit Kandel, J., Michelmore, R.W., Simko, I. 2020. Identification of factors affecting the deterioration rate of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging. Food and Bioprocess Technology. 13:1997–2011. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-020-02538-2.

Genome wide association studies in multiple spinach breeding populations refine downy mildew Race 13 resistance genes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Bhattarai, G., Shi, A., Feng, C., Dhillon, B., Mou, B., Correll, J.C. 2020. Genome wide association studies in multiple spinach breeding populations refine downy mildew Race 13 resistance genes. Frontiers in Plant Science. 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2020.563187.

Suppression of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus accumulation in melon breeding line MR-1 under natural infection in Imperial Valley, California - (Research Notes)
Tamang, P., Wintermantel, W.M., McCreight, J.D. 2020. Suppression of Cucurbit chlorotic yellows virus accumulation in melon breeding line MR-1 under natural infection in Imperial Valley, California. Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 42:26-29.

Clustering of soil sample microbiomes using metagenomic shotgun sequencing data - (Abstract Only)
Mammel, M., Leonard, S.R., Richter, T., Simko, I., Brandl, M. 2020. Clustering of soil sample microbiomes using metagenomic shotgun sequencing data. FDA Foods Program Regulatory Science Conference, September 1, 2020, College Park, Maryland.

Jack Ernest Staub, Plant Breeder (1948-2019) - (Research Notes)
McCreight, J.D. 2020. Jack Ernest Staub, Plant Breeder (1948-2019). Cucurbit Genetics Cooperative Report. 42:40-42.

Genetic variation and genotype by environment interaction for heat tolerance in crisphead lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Lafta, A., Sandoya, G., Mou, B. 2020. Genetic variation and genotype by environment interaction for heat tolerance in crisphead lettuce. HortScience. 56(2):126-135. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI15209-20.

Content of chlorophylls and anthocyanins in leaves and their relationship to color and conceptual midpoint quasi-color (database) - (Database / Dataset)
Simko, I. 2020. Content of chlorophylls and anthocyanins in leaves and their relationship to color and conceptual midpoint quasi-color (database). TRY: Plant Trait Database. https://doi.org/10.17871/TRY.66.

Predictive modeling of a leaf conceptual midpoint quasi-color (CMQ) using an artificial neural network - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2020. Predictive modeling of a leaf conceptual midpoint quasi-color (CMQ) using an artificial neural network. Sensors. 20(14):3938. https://doi.org/10.3390/s20143938.

Evaluation of cowpea for drought tolerance at seedling stage - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ravelombola, W., Shi, A., Chen, S., Xiong, H., Yang, Y., Cui, Q., Olaoye, D., Mou, B. 2020. Evaluation of cowpea for drought tolerance at seedling stage. Euphytica. 216. Article 123. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-020-02660-4.

Proteomics analysis indicates greater abundance of proteins involved in major metabolic pathways in Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas than Lactuca serriola accession US96UC23 - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Adhikari, N.D., Eriksen, R.L., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2020. Proteomics analysis indicates greater abundance of proteins involved in major metabolic pathways in Lactuca sativa cv. Salinas than Lactuca serriola accession US96UC23. Proteomics. 20(19-20). Article 1900420. https://doi.org/10.1002/pmic.201900420.

Comparative photosynthesis physiology of cultivated and wild lettuce under control and low-water stress - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Eriksen, R.L., Adhikari, N.D., Mou, B. 2020. Comparative photosynthesis physiology of cultivated and wild lettuce under control and low-water stress. Crop Science. 60(5):2511–2526. https://doi.org/10.1002/csc2.20184.

Resistance to bacterial leaf spot in baby leaf lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Sthapit Kandel, J., Sandoya, G.V., Mou, B., Simko, I. 2020. Resistance to bacterial leaf spot in baby leaf lettuce. American Society of Horticulture Science Annual Conference, August 9-13, 2020, Orlando, Florida.

Insight into deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging - (Abstract Only)
Peng, H., Lavelle, D., Truco, M.-J., Michelmore, R., Simko, I. 2020. Insight into deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, August 9-13, 2020, Orlando, Florida.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CBF/DREB1 gene family in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Park, S., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2020. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the CBF/DREB1 gene family in lettuce. Scientific Reports. 10:5733. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62458-1.

Genome-wide association mapping reveals loci for shelf life and developmental rate of lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sthapit Kandel, J., Peng, H., Hayes, R.J., Mou, B., Simko, I. 2020. Genome-wide association mapping reveals loci for shelf life and developmental rate of lettuce. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 133:1947–1966. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-020-03568-2.

Genetic variation in response to N, P, or K deprivation in baby leaf lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2020. Genetic variation in response to N, P, or K deprivation in baby leaf lettuce. Horticulturae. 6(1):15. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae6010015.

Factors, physiology, and genetics associated with the deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmospheres - (Other)
Peng, H., Lavelle, D., Truco, M., Michelmore, R., Simko, I. 2020. Factors, physiology, and genetics associated with the deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmospheres. Future of Lettuce Conference, March 16, 2020, Pismo Beach, California.

Genetics of extended storage life - (Other)
Simko, I., Sthapit Kandel, J., Peng, H., Hayes, R.J., Truco, M.J., Michelmore, R.W. 2020. Genetics of extended storage life. Future of Lettuce Conference, March 16, 2020, Pismo Beach, California.

Genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium and genome-wide association studies in lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Sthapit Kandel, J., Mou, B., Simko, I., Hayes, R.J. 2020. Genetic diversity, linkage disequilibrium and genome-wide association studies in lettuce. Plant and Animal Genome Conference, January 11-15, 2020, San Diego, California.

Phenomic and physiological analysis of salinity effects on lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Adhikari, N.D., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2019. Phenomic and physiological analysis of salinity effects on lettuce. Sensors. 19(21):4814. https://doi.org/10.3390/s19214814.

Genetic analysis of resistance to bacterial leaf spot in the heirloom lettuce cultivar Reine des Glaces - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Sandoya, G.V., Maisonneuve, B., Truco, M.J., Bull, C.T., Simko, I., Trent, M., Hayes, R.J., Michelmore, R.W. 2019. Genetic analysis of resistance to bacterial leaf spot in the heirloom lettuce cultivar Reine des Glaces. Molecular Breeding. 39:160. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-1072-6.

Lettuce and spinach breeding - (Other)
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.

Genetic variation and relationship among content of vitamins, pigments, and sugars in baby leaf lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Simko, I. 2019. Genetic variation and relationship among content of vitamins, pigments, and sugars in baby leaf lettuce. Food Science and Nutrition. 7(10):3317–3326. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.1196.

Genetic diversity analysis of olive germplasm (Olea europaea L.) with genotyping-by-sequencing technology - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Zhu, S., Niu, E., Shi, A., Mou, B. 2019. Genetic diversity analysis of olive germplasm (Olea europaea L.) with genotyping-by-sequencing technology. Frontiers in Genetics. 10:755. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2019.00755.

The LsVe1L allele provides a molecular marker for resistance to Verticillium dahliae race 1 in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Inderbitzin, P., Christopoulou, M., Lavelle, D., Reyes-Chin-Wo, S., Michelmore, R.W., Subbarao, K.V., Simko, I. 2019. The LsVe1L allele provides a molecular marker for resistance to Verticillium dahliae race 1 in lettuce. Biomed Central (BMC) Plant Biology. 19:305. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-019-1905-9.

Identifying QTL for the control of flowering time under multiple environments in lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Rosental, L., You, Y., Hayes, R.J., Still, D., Simko, I. 2019. Identifying QTL for the control of flowering time under multiple environments in lettuce. Israeli Society of Field and Vegetable Crops Conference, May 27, 2019, Rehovot, Israel.

The genetics of resistance to lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.) in lettuce in a recombinant inbred line population from Batavia Reine des Glaces x Eruption - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Mamo, B.E., Hayes, R.J., Truco, M., Puri, K.D., Michelmore, R.W., Subbarao, K.V., Simko, I. 2019. The genetics of resistance to lettuce drop (Sclerotinia spp.) in lettuce in a recombinant inbred line population from Batavia Reine des Glaces x Eruption. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 132(8):2439-2460. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-019-03365-6.

Genetic architecture of tipburn resistance in lettuce - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Macias Gonzalez, M., Truco, M.J., Bertier, L., Jenni, S., Simko, I., Hayes, R.J., Michelmore, R.W. 2019. Genetic architecture of tipburn resistance in lettuce. Theoretical and Applied Genetics. 132(8):2209–2222. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-019-03349-6.

A simple and cost-effective approach for salt tolerance evaluation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculate) seedlings - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ravelombola, W., Qin, J., Weng, Y., Mou, B., Shi, A. 2019. A simple and cost-effective approach for salt tolerance evaluation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculate) seedlings. HortScience. 54(8):1280-1287. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI14065-19.

Allelism of resistance to Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus in melon accessions PI 313970 and TGR 1551 - (Abstract Only)
McCreight, J.D., Natwick, E.T., Wintermantel, W.M., Lopez-Sese, A.I., Gomez-Guillamon, M.L. 2019. Allelism of resistance to Cucurbit yellow stunting disorder virus in melon accessions PI 313970 and TGR 1551. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, July 22-25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Inheritance of resistance to cucurbit powdery mildew in bitter gourd - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dhillon, N.P.S., Sanguansil, S., Srimat, S., Laenoi, S., Schafleitner, R., Pitrat, M., McCreight, J.D. 2019. Inheritance of resistance to cucurbit powdery mildew in bitter gourd. HortScience. 54(6):1013–1016. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13906-19.

Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L., breeding lines differ in secondary metabolite content according to market type - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Trierweiler, B., Frechen, M.A., Soukup, S.T., Egert, B., Baldermann, S., Sanguansil, S., Mccreight, J.D., Kulling, S.E., Dhillon, N.P. 2019. Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L., breeding lines differ in secondary metabolite content according to market type. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality. 92:106-115. https://doi.org/10.5073/JABFQ.2019.092.015.

Trends in lettuce and spinach production in the United States - (Abstract Only)
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.

Lettuce genetics of lettuce drop and Verticillium wilt resistance - (Abstract Only)
Mamo, B., Hayes, R.J., Simko, I., Subbarao, K.V. 2019. Lettuce genetics of lettuce drop and Verticillium wilt resistance. Soilborne Plant Pathogens Conference, March 26-28, 2019, San Marino, CA.

Variation in nutrient contents and retention in fresh-cut lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Sthapit Kandel, J., Mou, B., Simko, I., Hayes, R.J. 2019. Variation in nutrient contents and retention in fresh-cut lettuce. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, July 21-25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Marker-assisted selection in lettuce breeding - (Abstract Only)
Simko, I. 2019. Marker-assisted selection in lettuce breeding. EUCARPIA Leafy Vegetables International Conference, June 24-28, 2019, Olomouc, Czech Republic.

Phenolics composition in lettuce upon ultraviolet radiation and temperature effects - (Abstract Only)
Sytar, O., Zivcak, M., Brestic, M., Rauh, C., Simko, I. 2019. Phenolics composition in lettuce upon ultraviolet radiation and temperature effects. Alps-Adria Scientific Workshop, April 1-6, 2019, Rimini, Italy.

Lettuce and Spinach Breeding - (Other)
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.

Understanding salt tolerance in lettuce - (Abstract Only)
Adhikari, N.D., Soria, A., Simko, I., Mou, B. 2019. Understanding salt tolerance in lettuce. American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, July 21-25, 2019, Las Vegas, NV.

Change in chlorophyll content over time well-differentiated salt-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and salt-susceptible cowpea genotypes - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dong, L., Ravelombola, W., Weng, Y., Qin, J., Zhou, W., Bhattarai, G., Zia, B., Yang, W., Shi, L., Mou, B., Shi, A. 2019. Change in chlorophyll content over time well-differentiated salt-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and salt-susceptible cowpea genotypes. HortScience. 54(9):1477-1484. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13889-19.

Understanding deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging - (Abstract Only)
Peng, H., Lavelle, D., Truco, M.J., Zhao, R.B., Michelmore, R., Simko, I. 2019. Understanding deterioration of fresh-cut lettuce in modified atmosphere packaging. American Society for Horticultural Science Annual Conference, July 21-25, 2019, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Identifying QTL for the control of flowering time under multiple environments in lettuce - (Other)
Rosental, L., You, Y., Hayes, R.J., Still, D., Simko, I. 2019. Identifying QTL for the control of flowering time under multiple environments in lettuce. Israeli Society of Plant Sciences Conference, February 13, 2019, Sede Boqer, Israel.

Seedling salt tolerance for above ground-related traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Dong, L., Ravelombola, W., Weng, Y., Qin, J., Bhattarai, G., Zia, B., Zhou, W., Wang, Y., Mou, B., Shi, A. 2019. Seedling salt tolerance for above ground-related traits in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). Euphytica. 215:53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-019-2379-4.

Lettuce breeding and genetics. Resistance to diseases, improved quality, molecular markers - (Other)
Simko, I. 2018. Lettuce breeding and genetics. Resistance to diseases, improved quality, molecular markers. Plant Breeding Retreat, December 17-18, 2018, Monterey, CA.

Investigation on various above-ground traits to identify drought tolerance in cowpea seedlings - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Ravelombola, W., Shi, A., Qin, J., Weng, Y., Bhattarai, G., Zia, B., Zhou, W., Mou, B. 2018. Investigation on various above-ground traits to identify drought tolerance in cowpea seedlings. HortScience. 53(12):1757-1765. https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTSCI13278-18.

Exploring genetic diversity in the U.S. national melon collection - (Abstract Only)
Ando, K., Wang, X., Reddy, U., Fei, Z., McCreight, J.D. 2018. Exploring genetic diversity in the U.S. national melon collection. Cucurbitaceae 2018, November 12-15, 2018, Davis, California.

Where in the new melon classification scheme does Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis var. texanus belong? - (Abstract Only)
Ando, K., Wang, X., Fei, Z., Wintermantel, W.M., McCreight, J.D. 2018. Where in the new melon classification scheme does Cucumis melo ssp. agrestis var. texanus belong? Cucurbitaceae 2018, November 12-15, 2018, Davis, California.

Lettuce and melon breeding for resistance to diseases and insects - (Other)
McCreight, J.D. 2018. Lettuce and melon breeding for resistance to diseases and insects. Plant Breeding Retreat, December 17-18, 2018, Monterey, California.

Screening of seed soluble sugar content in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) - (Peer Reviewed Journal)
Weng, Y.J., Revelombola, W.S., Yang, W., Qin, J., Zhou, W., Wang, Y.-J., Mou, B., Shi, A.N. 2018. Screening of seed soluble sugar content in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp). American Journal of Plant Sciences. 9:1455-1466. https://doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2018.97106.

LsGA2ox2 regulates lettuce seed germination under darkness - (Abstract Only)
Huo, H., Niroula, M., Hill, T., Li, J., Nguyen, C., Truco, M.J., Simko, I., Michelmore, R.W., Bradford, K. 2018. LsGA2ox2 regulates lettuce seed germination under darkness. American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, July 31-August 3, 2018, Washington, DC.

Novel sources of resistance to Florida isolates of Bacterial leaf spot in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) - (Abstract Only)
Sandoya, G.V., Wadlington, W., Raid, R.N., Simko, I., Bull, C.T. 2018. Novel sources of resistance to Florida isolates of Bacterial leaf spot in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Meeting, July 31-August 3, 2018, Washington, DC.