Maria Estrada, M.S

Lecturer - Plant Science
Office: AG 224
Email: mariae@csufresno.edu

Education:
MS Plant Breeding and Genetics at Michigan State University
BS Agriculture (Field of specialization: Soil Chemistry) at The University of the
Philippines

Field(s) of Interest/Expertise: Plant breeding, genetics and biotechnology. I have an extensive background in the field of plant breeding, biotechnology, DNA technologies, genetic manipulation through agrobacterium transformation, tissue culture and cell propagation. Previous work includes seed production (vegetable, rice and corn), seed quality assurance, and conducting fertilizer and pesticide trials.

Current Courses:
Plant 99 - Introduction to Biometrics
Plant 105 - Food, Society & Environment
Plant 150 - Crop Improvement

Research: Past research work with the Drought Physiology Group at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) involved the agrobacterium transformation of lowland rice variety using different drought tolerant genes. Phenotyping of transgenic rice plants grown under greenhouse and field conditions. Graduate research in Michigan State University involved the development of transgenic bt-potato plants that are resistant to potato tuber worm by combining natural resistance and engineered resistance Bt-cry1Ac gene.

Publications: 
Estrada, M.A., K. Zarka, S. Cooper, J. Coombs, D.S. Douches  and  E.J. Grafius. 2007.
Potato Tuberworm (LEPIDOPTERA: GELICHIIDAE) Resistance in Potato Lines with the
Bacillus thuringiensis cry1Ac Gene and Natural Resistance Factors. HortSci. 42:1306-1311.