Cecilia E. McGregor
Professor; Emphasis: Cucurbit breeding, genetics & genomics
Areas of expertise
About
My lab focuses on breeding, genetics and genomics of vegetable crops, especially cucurbits and bell peppers. Our research include (but is not limited to) understanding the plant’s response to disease infection and finding markers/genes that can be used to breed more disease resistant varieties.I am also interested in plant germplasm conservation and management and ideas on how to ensure more efficient use of germplasm resources.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy, Horticultural Science
Louisiana State University & Agricultural & Mechanical College, LA, United States (2006)
Master of Science, Molecular Genetics.
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (1995)
Bachelor of Science, Animal Physiology
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (1992)
Bachelor of Science, Genetics, General
University of Stellenbosch, South Africa (1992)
Awards and Honors
- ASHS 2023 Outstanding Graduate Educator (2023)
- ASHS Outstanding Vegetable Publication Award 2020 (2020)
Courses
- HORT 4140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2025)
- CRSS 4140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2025)
- PBGG 6140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2025)
- CRSS 6140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2025)
- HORT 9000: Doctoral Research (Fall 2025)
- PBGG 9000: Doctoral Research (Fall 2025)
- HORT 9300: Doctoral Dissertation (Fall 2025)
- HORT 9000: Doctoral Research (Spring 2026)
- PBGG 9000: Doctoral Research (Spring 2026)
- HORT 3650: Inheritance of Plant Traits (Spring 2026)
- PBGG 8390: Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources (Spring 2026)
- HORT 8390: Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources (Spring 2026)
- PBGG 9000: Doctoral Research (Summer 2026)
- HORT 9000: Doctoral Research (Summer 2026)
- PBGG 4140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2026)
- HORT 4140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2026)
- PBGG 6140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2026)
- HORT 6140: Plant Breeding (Fall 2026)
- PBGG 9000: Doctoral Research (Fall 2026)
- HORT 4960R: Faculty-Mentored Undergraduate Research I (Fall 2026)
- HORT 9000: Doctoral Research (Fall 2026)
Scholarly Works
- Population-level super-pangenome reveals genome evolution and empowers precision breeding in watermelon, NATURE GENETICS, (2026).
- Squash silverleaf disorder in Cucurbita spp.: a problem caused by the sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE, (2026).
- Detection of the Gummy Stem Blight Pathogens (Stagonosporopsis spp.) in Watermelon Using Field-Adapted LAMP Assays and Rapid DNA Extraction Protocols, PLANT DISEASE, (2026).
- The USDA-SCRI CucCAP Projects: Building Genomic, Breeding and Disease Management Tools for Cucurbit Crops, JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURAL SCIENCE, (2026).
- Major QTL on chromosome 8 controls squash silverleaf (SSL) disorder in C. moschata caused by the sweetpotato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), (2025).
Contact
Mailing Address
1111 Miller Plant Sciences
120 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602-7273
Shipping Address
1111 Miller Plant Sciences
120 Carlton Street
Athens, GA 30602-7273
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