Welcome to the Laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Randall

Dr. Jennifer Randall (center) and group of graduate students

Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science
College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Science
New Mexico State University

The Randall Lab is focused on the genetic and molecular mechanisms of plant development and plant microbe interactions. We also study the plant’s innate  ‘immune’ system and how to activate the plant defense systems to help protect plants from pathogen invasion.  We are specifically interested in Pecan (Carya illinoinensis) development including the molecular mechanisms involved in floral initiation, nutrient acquisition, and salinity tolerance.  We are also investigating the pecan microbiome within different varieties and from different geographic regions to understand the  role it plays in pecan.  Our lab is involved in many collaborative efforts with pecan trees including genome sequencing efforts for mapping and ultimately marker development. We are also collaborating on evaluating the diversity of pecan through its native region and involved in genome wide association studies.

Grafted pecan tree 2021


Dr. Jennifer Randall (second to left) and group of graduate students

Dr. Jennifer Randall (third to right) and group of graduate students

Graduate student tending to pecan tree sapling


Contact Information

Dr. Jennifer Randall
Phone: (575) 646-2920
Email: jrandall@nmsu.edu

Pecan Lab
Phone: (575) 646-3185
Email: pecanlab@nmsu.edu