Andrew Walker

Dr. Walker's research program focuses on developing new grape rootstocks with resistance to fanleaf, dagger and root-knot nematodes, and phylloxera. His lab studies the genetics of resistance to these pests, their genetic diversity and aggressivity, and their host/pest interactions with grape species. His lab is also actively involved in breeding table, raisin and wine grapes for resistance to Pierce's disease and powdery mildew. Lab activities include classical breeding and inheritance studies, the development of rapid resistance assays, field trials of promising rootstock and scion selections, DNA marker analysis and mapping, and genetic engineering.