Journal of Horticulture
Open Access

Daniel E Keathley

Biography

Dr. Daniel Keathley is a Professor of Horticulture at Michigan State University. He holds a B.Sc. with Distinction and an M.Sc. in Forestry, as well as a Ph.D. in Genetics from The Ohio State University. He joined the faculty at MSU in 1981. He has served in leadership roles for numerous professional societies and both industry and governmental advisory boards and teaches and undergraduate course titled: Applied Plant Physiology. His research area spans molecular genetics and conventional breeding. Recent research has included studies of transcriptome profiles to elucidate the genetic mechanisms that control the annual growth cycle in woody plants, evaluation of cold hardiness in blueberry, development of seed orchards for genetically improved Christmas tree genotypes, identification of genotypes of woody perennials for biofuel production, and the modification of gene expression to increase wood density and growth rates in biofuel species through tissue specific upregulation of genes for cellulose synthase and GA for the development of sustainable bioenergy systems.

Research Interest

Recent research includes studies of transcriptome profiles to elucidate the genetic mechanisms that control the annual growth cycle in woody perennials, evaluation of cold hardiness in blueberry, development of tissue culture systems for recalcitrant species, and the modification of gene expression to increase wood density and growth rates in biofuel species through tissue specific up regulation of genes for cellulose synthase and GA for the development of sustainable bioenergy systems. Additional projects include traditional breeding work focused on the identification of elite genotypes for biofuel and timber production and the development of seed orchards for genetically improved Christmas tree genotypes.