Environmental stresses, including low/high temperatures, salinity, and drought, are major factors that determine the geographical distribution of plants and limit crop production. Past efforts to increase crop yield by improving plant tolerance to abiotic stresses through breeding and genetic engineering have had some but limited success due to the genetic complexity of both tolerance and productivity traits. Often, increased plant tolerance results in retarded plant growth and/or reduced yield. To obtain higher success in the breeding of crops with increased stress tolerance without sacrificing productivity, we need to fully uncover the molecular genetic basis of plant stress tolerance and its interaction with plant productivity traits. In addition, the enrichment of our physiological and biochemical understanding of plant stress tolerance is also crucial for the success of improved breeding strategies. To address these questions, my research focus has been in three areas: (1) understanding the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying plant stress sensitivity and tolerance; (2) improving crop cold tolerance by marker-directed breeding and genetic engineering; and (3) cloning and characterization of novel genes contributing to plant stress tolerance. In addition, I am interested in developing transformation systems for marker-free and “partially transgenic” plants to lower public concern over the safety of GMO foods and the potential for a negative impact of GMO crops on the environment.
