University of Missouri

The University of Missouri (MU) initiated an applied tree breeding program for black walnut in 1998 which is focused on the improvement of the species for a number of commercially important nut and timber traits. Recently, this has expanded to include the selection of elite timber types to ultimately serve as sources of improved tree seeds for reforestation purposes. Nut improvement programs have also been developed for both pecan (Carya illinoensis) and Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima). All nut research is hosted within the MU Center for Agroforestry. In addition to promoting these specialty nut crops as a new revenue opportunity for small family farmers in Missouri, the Coggeshall research program has developed which focus on establishing new riparian buffer and wildlife enhancement plantings using specific sources of a number of oak species.

For this hardwood genomics project, the Coggeshall lab is focusing on the propagation, hosting and subsequent phenotypic characterization of mapping populations for black walnut (Juglans nigra) (Fagales), green ash, (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) (Lamiales), black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) (Cornales), sugar maple (Acer saccharum) (Sapindales), and sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) (Proteales).