Ryan Warner

Ryan Warner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University's College of Agriculture & Natural Resources. He joined the department on September 1, 2004, and maintains an appointment split between research (75%) and teaching (25%). His work focuses on plant genetics and breeding, particularly in floriculture crops and stevia, with applications for agricultural improvement.

Dr. Warner's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Applied Plant Sciences from the University of Minnesota (2004)
• M.S. in Horticultural Science from the University of Minnesota (1999)
• B.S. in Horticulture from Michigan State University (1996)

Dr. Warner's research program centers on understanding the genetic control of crop development and quality traits in plants. His work investigates how environmental factors such as temperature, light intensity, and water availability influence plant development rate and quality parameters. He employs genomic approaches, including QTL mapping and differential gene expression analysis, to identify genes controlling fundamental biological processes in plants. His laboratory has particular expertise in Petunia species as model systems for studying plant development, and in Stevia rebaudiana as an emerging crop for natural sweetener production. His research bridges fundamental plant science with practical applications for crop improvement.

Dr. Warner's publication record demonstrates a consistent focus on plant genetics, genomics, and breeding, with particular emphasis on Petunia and Stevia. His recent work shows increasing application of advanced genomic techniques including RNA-Seq and high-density genetic mapping. A significant portion of his research investigates quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with development rate, flowering time, and quality traits in these crops. His work often addresses environmental interactions, particularly temperature effects on plant development, and has increasingly focused on the genetic control of steviol glycoside production in Stevia as a natural sweetener crop.

Dr. Warner serves as faculty in the Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology graduate program at Michigan State University. His research program has been supported by various grants, including funding from the American Floral Endowment for projects related to improving cold tolerance in Petunia. His laboratory has produced significant genomic resources for Petunia and Stevia, facilitating breeding efforts for improved crop varieties. Dr. Warner has mentored numerous graduate students and research associates who have contributed to his extensive publication record spanning plant development genetics, crop improvement, and molecular breeding techniques.

Dr. Warner leads a research laboratory focused on plant genetics and breeding within the Department of Horticulture. His team utilizes genomics, QTL mapping, and differential gene expression analysis to identify candidate genes involved in controlling plant development processes. The laboratory has developed recombinant inbred line populations from interspecific Petunia crosses and has been building genetic and genomic resources for Stevia to facilitate understanding of traits important for agricultural production and steviol glycoside biosynthesis. His work on 'Plant Scientists Work to Improve Production of Natural Sweetener' published in 2010 highlights the practical applications of his research for the food industry.