Laboratory of Functional Genomics

The Functional Genomics Laboratory conducts research involving capacity building and the acquisition of tools for the study of the functional genomics of agriculturally important plants. Previously, work was done on characterizing the genetic diversity of several Peruvian plants (white pine, maca, tara, Cedrela). Other research projects have been related to the comparative genomics of red and black maca ecotypes, the use of subtractive complementary DNA gene libraries for the discovery of genes involved in frost tolerance in wild potatoes and native potatoes and their application in breeding to address the effects of climate change, as well as the control of attacks by the dipteran Prodiplosis longifila on asparagus crops (Asparagus officinalis) through the ingestion of dsRNA-producing bacteria targeting important genes at different stages. Current research interests extend to the genomics of medicinal and forest plants.