Dr. Huerta's teaching page

My research interests are centered around the general areas of environmental physiology and stress metabolism. Currently, work in my laboratory is diverse and includes research on the mechanisms of drought resistance, heavy metal toxicity, and a study of the mode of action of novel synthetic compounds in modifying plant growth and agricultural productivity. My laboratory is well-equipped with modern instrumentation and computers for data acquisition and control. Available equipment and techniques in my laboratory include HPLC, GC, AA, photosynthetic equipment including photosynthesis and transpiration, spectrofluorometry, spectrophotometry, as well as others.

I am currently involved in a collaborative research project with the University of Tamaulipas in Mexico for the development of drought-resistant grain sorghum. My work involves identifying useful physiological traits associated with drought resistance that can be used as selection criteria for breeding programs. Future plans are to do basic and applied research in metabolic and physiological factors limiting productivity and adaptation of plants to environmental stress.

Smith-Huerta N.L., S.R. Carrino-Kyker and A.J. Huerta.  2007. The effects of maternal and paternal nutrient status on pollen performance in the wildflower Clarkia unguiculata Lindley (Onagraceae).  Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 134:451-457.