Amy Douglas
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Horticulture from UNH in 2004
working towards a Master's Degree in Plant Biology
Thesis Title: Determining sexual compatibility between geographically isolated Nolana species.
For my master's research, I am working with Dr. Rosanna Freyre to determine sexual compatibility between Nolana species. Nolana is a genus of flowering plants from the deserts of Peru and Chile. The showy flowers of this genus give it great potential for use in ornamental breeding. A Nolana breeding program has been created at UNH with the goal of combining desirable characteristics of multiple Nolana species through interspecific hybridization to create superior hybrid cultivars.
My research involves determining which species are sexually compatible and can therefore be used in interspecific hybridizations. I will also work to increase the efficiency of the Nolana breeding program through floral development studies and through optimizing germination of Nolana seed.
