Biotechnology 2017

Biography

Dr. Sadanand Dhekney is an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the University of Wyoming. He received his PhD in Horticulture from the University of Florida with specialization in biotechnology of tropical and sub-tropical fruits. Dr. Dhekney’s current research at the University of Wyoming focusses on grapevine genetic improvement using precision breeding. His work involves discovery of genetic elements and genes from the grape genome and development of precision breeding technology for cultivar improvement. He has published 35 research papers, 50 abstracts and 8 book chapters and was a recepient of the 2013 Society for In Vitro Biology ‘Young scientist award’.

Research Interest

My program will utilize techniques in breeding and biotechnology along with improved management practices for expanding grapevine production in Wyoming. Screening Vitis germplasm for yield, quality and cold-hardiness, and evaluation of production systems for seedless grape cultivars in high tunnels will be a major focus area. Additionally, the program will also incorporate recent advances in grapevine genomics and biotechnology for improving abiotic stress tolerance of elite cultivars and rootstocks.