Craig Echt

[Images] Five photos of different landscape

Craig Echt

Craig Echt

Employee Information
Name:	Craig Echt
Title:	Research Geneticist
Unit:	Forest Genetics & Biological Foundations (4160)
Phone:	228-832-2747 Ext. 210
Fax:	228-832-0130 - Location Fax
E-Mail:	cecht@fs.fed.us
Location Information
Mailing Address:	USDA-Forest Service Southern Institute of Forest Genetics 23332 Highway 67 Saucier, MS 39574-9344
Shipping Address:	Same
Location Phone:	228-832-2747
Research Information
Education:
B.A. Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio 1978 Ph.D in Genetics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 1982
Current Research:
Starting with DNA sequence data from pines I develop genetic markers, place the markers on the loblolly pine genetic map, and provide the markers to other pine researchers. Such markers can be used for comparing the genetic locations of economic traits among various pine species, explaining the distribution of pine genetic diversity across the southern United States, and providing tools for the next generation of tree improvement. A new project I.m involved in is to create new and improved public loblolly pine genome mapping populations that will aid in our goals of obtaining the complete DNA sequence of loblolly pine. These new mapping populations will also enhance research capabilities on the genetic basis of trait variability and on the genetic map location of genes involved in economic and environmentally adaptive traits. I have developed DNA-based genetic markers for the endangered pondberry and used them to conduct research in pondberry conservation genetics. I am determining the geographic distribution of pondberry.s genetic diversity, how its patterns of genetic diversity, inbreeding and gene flow change over time, and the genetic factors needed to sustain reproductive pondberry populations.
Collaborative Research:
I have an interest in applying DNA-based pine genetic markers to improve the efficiency of tree improvement programs. In collaboration with geneticists and computer programmers Czech University of Life Sciences, University of British Columbia, BioSylve Forest Science - New Zealand, and at our Southern Institute of Forest Genetics, we are working to develop software that can evaluate the feasibility of different models of genetic tree improvement using DNA-based markers. A general model of Marker Directed Population Improvement has been created to increase the efficiency of traditional tree breeding. MDPI incorporates use of DNA markers to precisely identify the genetic components of complex traits in breeding populations. The simulation software will test the model under different conditions to determine how best to incorporate DNA markers in different breeding programs. Plans to sequence the loblolly pine genome and construct a physical genome map involve scientists at Department of Ecosystem Science & Management, Texas A&M University, Departments of Forestry and of Plant & Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University, Daniel B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, and the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University. In collaboration with scientists at Scion, a research institute in New Zealand, I have incorporated radiata pine markers on the loblolly pine genetic map, and visa versa, and am working with them to compare the mapped genomes of loblolly pine and radiata pine. I have just completed a project with the Forest Service.s Northern Research Station in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, a population geneticist at Michigan State University and Menominee tribal foresters to describe population genetic structures of eastern white pine stands under sustainable management on the Menominee reservation.
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