Robert Miller

The tobacco breeding research program, under the guidance of Dr. Miller, focuses on developing new disease-resistant varieties of burley and dark tobacco. This program has released the following varieties: 

Burley Varieties Developed: TN 86, TN 90, TN 97, KT 200, TN 86LC, TN 90LC, TN 97LC, KT 200LC, KT 204LC
Dark Varieties Developed: DF 485, TN D94, TN D950, KT D4LC, KT D6LC 

Timothy D. Phillips

Dr. Phillips' crop breeding research interests include tall fescue genetics, wide hybridization in the Festuca-Lolium complex, and grass-endophyte interactions. One particular variety which Dr. Phillips released, Lacefield MaxQ II, contains a novel endophyte developed by AgResearch in New Zealand. While active, the endophyte does not produce the ergot alkaloids that can cause fescue toxicosis, a disease that primarily affects cattle but can also negatively impact pregnant mares and milk producing goats. The active alkaloids in the variety give it drought tolerance, insect resistance and help with vigor.

David Van Sanford

The wheat breeding program is focused on developing soft red winter wheat cultivars for Kentucky and the mid-south. In particular, research projects are designed to address impediments to breeding progress such as disease resistance, efficient use of nitrogen fertilizer, and adaptation to climate change. The UK Wheat Breeding Project is led by David Van Sanford, Ph.D.