Dr Mark R Thomas: understanding grapevine genetics

Research by Dr Mark Thomas is improving our understanding of the function of grapevine genes, helping to improve grape and wine quality.

• 2 July 2007 | Updated 24 November 2011

Overview

• Current activities
• Background
• Academic qualifications
• Achievements

Current activities

Dr Thomas is interested in grapevine genetic diversity and the identification of genes and alleles responsible for traits of economic importance to the grape and wine industry.

Dr Thomas's research focuses on understanding the effect of changing environmental conditions on genes and traits controlling flowering and berry development. Grapevine genes that control flowering and berry development are being studied at the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and genome level to identify expression differences and genetic polymorphisms. Mutants, transgenics, physical and genetic mapping are used to assist in the functional analysis of genes. Environment-genotype interactions play a large role in determining yield, berry development and final wine quality. Dr Thomas's research focuses on understanding the effect of changing environmental conditions on genes and traits controlling flowering and berry development. Grapevine is a woody perennial with a long life cycle. Dr Thomas's team has established a rapid flowering model grapevine system and is further developing it as a means to advance genetic studies and the determination of gene function. Background Dr Thomas joined CSIRO in 1989 following his work as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Kansas State University in the United States of America. Since joining CSIRO Dr Thomas' collaborative activities have included visits to:

Academic qualifications Dr Thomas has been awarded a:

Achievements Dr Thomas:

See a list of recent scientific papers by Dr Thomas on the next page.