Mr Alex P Graham

My current research is primarily based in the further development of a rapid genotyping method, which will allow efficient and inexpensive identification of, in this case, apple varieties. Outside of this project, my research interests are in the use of genotyping techniques to assist with plant breeding, allowing for quicker, more efficient and lower cost development of new varieties. This is especially useful in species which are slow to mature, such as apples, where analysing the genotype of individuals during an early stage of growth will significantly reduce breeding timescales, and therefore related costs. There are also interesting historical elements to my current work, with the potential for mapping the movement of apple varieties or identifying varieties that are thought to have been lost. The latter representing an opportunity to access "lost" genetic material which may prove to be useful in selecting for disease resistance, taste or other desirable traits.