My research program emphasizes the general area of plant biochemistry and genetics and the application of biotechnology to crop improvement with particular emphasis on food, lipid and oil quality, new uses of agricultural commodities and plant pest defense. This research involves the investigation of metabolic pathways and the identification, isolation, cloning and manipulation by plant genetic engineering of agriculturally important genes. A major research thrust is the understanding and manipulation of fatty acid metabolism and triglyceride synthesis. We are changing triglycerides of oilseeds, with emphasis on soybeans, for improved edible and industrial quality.
