The award from the Department of Plant Breeding & Genetics recognizes graduate students for outstanding performance in the areas of scientific achievement, contributions to teaching or departmental activities, service to the community or profession, and other relevant areas.
Barba’s research focuses on analyzing powdery mildew resistance derived from Vitis rupestris, a little studied source of resistance, notes Reisch. She worked closely with the Computational Biology Service Unit as well as the Buckler lab to bring the Genotyping By Sequencing approach to heterozygous perennial crops like the grapevine.
Her research “is a quantum leap for research on grapevines,” he adds. “Paola has also worked to identify major loci controlling Phomopsis resistance in Vitis (first report of such resistance) and has continued to study a variety of traits segregating in several interrelated populations.
“She is an independent and insightful researcher.”
Congratulations Paola!