UGA Griffin Campus

Dr. Robacker's research area is breeding and genetics of landscape plants. Her research project has two primary goals: (1) breed landscape plants that are adapted to the heat and drought stress of urban conditions for improved horticultural traits and sterility, and (2) develop cultivars of native plants. Her projects include breeding for azalea lace bug resistance in native azalea species, developing improved cultivars of Chaste tree (vitex spp.) and pearlbush (exochorda spp.) with reduced fertility, and improving the horticultural qualities and adaptability of abelia and little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium).

Appointments

• 15% Teaching
• 80% Research
• 5% Service

Education

• B.S. Horticulture Science, Pennsylvania State University, 1975
• M.S. Horticulture Science, University of Minnesota, 1977
• Ph.D. University of Minnesota, 1981