Understanding Plant Genomics to Enhance Crop Resilience

Welcome to the Juenger Laboratory, a research group dedicated to advancing our understanding of plant genetics and adaptation. Our work primarily focuses on switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) and its close relative Panicum hallii, exploring their genomics, population dynamics, and adaptive traits. We conduct cutting-edge research that spans from molecular genetics to large-scale field studies, investigating topics such as the root economics spectrum, telomere length control, and the genetic architecture of local adaptation.

Our team has made significant contributions to the field, with recent publications in prestigious journals like Nature, PNAS, and Nature Communications. These studies have provided valuable insights into switchgrass genome sequencing, population genomics, and latitudinal adaptation. We also explore the genetic basis of important plant traits and their role in environmental adaptation.

The Juenger Lab is committed to sharing our findings with the scientific community and the public. Our work not only advances fundamental plant biology but also has important implications for bioenergy crop development and understanding plant responses to changing environments.