The Seed Biotechnology Center at the University of California Davis
recognizes University Research Partner
Dr. Roger T. Chetelat

Dr. Roger Chetelat is a Geneticist in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis and the Director of the C.M. Rick Tomato Genetics Resource Center (TGRC).

In addition to overseeing the TGRC, Dr. Chetelat’s research program addresses various questions related to the genetics of the cultivated tomato and its wild relatives. An area of emphasis has been to broaden the genetic base of tomato and our understanding of its genome through hybridization and introgression with genetically related species. Recent collaborative projects he has been involved in include:

• Using genomic screening to identify reproductive barriers in tomato, with Colorado State University and others

• Introgression and utilization of tomato-like nightshades (previously funded by the California Tomato Commission and USDA)

• Evaluation of genetic diversity and core collection establishment for tomato with the USDA

• DNA mismatch repair and recombination, with Oregon State University

These research projects are closely linked to the TGRC, a genebank of over 3,700 accessions of wild species, mutants, and other genetic stocks of tomato. The TGRC facilitates research on tomato by providing seed samples of its accessions to interested scientists worldwide.

For further discussions with Dr. Chetelat, please contact him directly at trchetelat@ucdavis.edu.