John Cushman

Professor

Office: (775) 784-1918
Fax: (775) 784-1419
Email: jcushman@unr.edu
Building: Howard Medical Science
Address: 1664 North Virginia Street, Mail Stop 330, Reno, Nevada 89557
Department: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
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Summary

Opuntia ficus-indica: A Highly Water-Use Efficient And Productive Biomass Feedstock For Semi-Arid Lands: The goal of this research to expand the use of cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) as highly water-use efficient, highly productive, and climate-resilient biomass feedstock for semi-arid regions of the U.S. The major research goals are to: 1) develop molecular identifiers from complete chloroplast genome sequence information for resolving the genetic structure of the germplasm collection of O. ficus-indica to remove genetically identical accessions and resolved species designations; 2) evaluate available public germplasm collection of O. ficus-indica for biomass productivity under standard irrigation and fertilization conditions in the field; 3) evaluate elite germplasm for optimal water and fertilization inputs, refine productivity models, and perform life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle costing (LCC) analyses; 4) develop effective strategies to overcome barriers to production including overcoming Opuntia stunting disease (OSD) and supporting effective insect management programs for insect pests. An innovative extension program will inform interested stakeholders about the benefits of cactus pear production systems in arid and semi-arid regions and to disseminate research results through public outreach and education.

Optimized crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) engineering for improving water-use efficiency in plants: Crassulacean acid metabolism and tissue succulence are metabolic and anatomical adaptations that improve water-use efficiency and drought (and salinity) stress tolerance in plants. These traits are among the most widespread and successful adaptations in the plant kingdom for mitigating drought stress, and thus, represent highly useful traits for the design of climate-resilient crops. The goal of this project is to test optimized synthetic versions of crassulacean acid metabolism alone and in combination with engineered tissue succulence. The proposed synthetic gene circuits developed by this project can be applied widely to other food, feed, fiber, and biofuel crops to improve their productivity, reduce photorespiration, improve water-use efficiency, and drought/salinity stress tolerance under the hotter and drier environments of the future.

Genetic improvement and field testing of Tef: A forage, fodder, and highly nutritious, gluten-free grain crop for dryland agriculture. Tef (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter, Poaceae) is a warm season, C4-photosynthesis grass that is gaining popularity in the U.S. as a high-quality forage, fodder, and highly nutritious, gluten-free grain. Tef productivity is limited by susceptibility to lodging due to its characteristic tall and weak stems, low seed production per unit area (or productivity), and small seed size. The long-term goals of the proposed integrated research and extension project are to accelerate E. tef domestication to suit U.S. agriculture needs through improving existing genomic resources, evaluating the agronomic performance of highly productive and drought tolerance accessions, and improving lodging resistance and overall grain yield

Unraveling the origin of vegetative desiccation tolerance in vascular plants. Excessive water loss is lethal for most plants, but a minority of plants (known as resurrection plants) evolved the remarkable ability to survive almost complete dryness. This ability, known as desiccation tolerance (DT), relies upon a combination of physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses that allow the plant to preserve cell integrity in the dry state. The long-term goal of this project is to determine the regulatory networks controlling VDT and infer its origins during vascular plant evolution by analyzing the DT response of key resurrection lineages using integrative methodologies including global transcriptional changes in vegetative and reproductive tissues during the DT process, global metabolic changes in vegetative and reproductive tissues during DT process, in situ and single-cell type kinetic analysis of transcriptional and metabolomic changes of vegetative tissues during dehydration and recovery, and comparative analyses of regulatory networks controlling DT in resurrection plants.

Our research is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institutes of Food, and Agriculture, and the Nevada Agricultural Experiment Station (NAES).

Students and postdoctoral research associates with broad interests in plant molecular genetics, plant biochemistry, and synthetic biology related to abiotic stress tolerance and food, feed, and biofuel production systems are welcomed to pursue training opportunities in this laboratory.

Education

B.S. 1982 Ursinus College
M.S. 1984 Rutgers University - New Brunswick
Ph.D. 1987 Rutgers University - New Brunswick

Teaching
Service
Publications

Courses

BCH/JOUR 496/696 - Scientific Communication Masterclass
BCH 703 - Grant Writing for Molecular Biosciences
BCH 705 - Molecular Genetics
BCH 706 - Functional Genomics
BCH 718 - Plant Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
BCH 794 - Plant Biochemistry Colloquium

Honors and Awards

2022 AAAS Fellow

2017 Regents' Researcher Award

2013 Outstanding UNR Researcher Award

2011-2013 Foundation Professor

2003 Outstanding CABNR Researcher Award

Service

Guest editor, Annals of Botany; Handling Editor, Journal of Plant Physiology; Associate Editor, Journal of the Professional Association for Cactus Development;

News & Journal Articles, Fact Sheets, Reports...

Fact Sheets
"A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing: House Ants House ants are some of the most common ants found in our communities, learn about identification of the two different species as well as control tactics. Andrews, M., Hanson Mazet, W., and Kratsch, H. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-24-14
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing: Carpenter Ants Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants found in the United States. They are capable of damaging compromised wood in buildings and are there for important to identify and monitor quickly. Andrews, M., Hanson Mazet, W., and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-30
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing: Harvester Ants Harvester ants have large ant hill that are capable of reaching 12 feet in diameter and 3 feet deep. Harvester ants only become aggressive when disturbed and are capable of stinking. They do no invade homes, but are pests of lawns and gardens. Andrews, M., Hanson Mazet, W., and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-32
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing: Tobacco and Tomato Hornworms Tobacco and tomato hornworms are one of the hungriest garden pest out there! Have you noticed your tomato plant rapidly losing leaves but don't see any culprits, most likely a tobacco or tomato hornworm are to blame. Andrews, M., Hanson Mazet, W., and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-33
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing: White-lined Sphinx Moth Have you noticed a moth that hovers around you plants, darting from one to another that looks similar to a hummingbird? Or maybe you've noticed some hungry caterpillars eating your roses, lilacs, or fuchsia. Most likely those hungry caterpillars are destine to become white-lined sphinx moths. Andrews, M., Hanson Mazet, W., and Kratsch, H. 2023, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-23-21
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Cabbage Caterpillars This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing common caterpillar pests on various crops in the cabbage family. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-109
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Shield Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Shield Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-110
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Squash Bugs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing Squash Bugs in Nevada. K. Burls, W. Hanson Mazet, H.i Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-111
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Earwigs This fact sheet describes the identifying features, life cycle, plant damage, and control methods for managing earwigs in Nevada. K. Burls, W.Hanson Mazet, H. Kratsch 2021, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-21-108
Planting Trees in Northern Nevada Landscapes Adding a tree to your landscape is an investment in your property. A tree will add natural beauty to the landscape and provide needed shade for your home and family. Properly planting a tree will give it a good start toward a long life. Kratsch, H., Hanson Mazet, W. 2015, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet FS-15-02
Getting Started with Backyard Fruit Trees in Northern Nevada Practical advice for getting started with backyard fruit trees, including selection tips, pruning tips, chill requirements and lists of fruit trees varieties that grow well in northern Nevada, including apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach and apricot varieties. Kratsch, H. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2014, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet 14-14
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Black Medic This fact sheet contains information on black medic to help homeowners identify and manage the plant. Learn more about the plant and the control methods to maintain the plant. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-13
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Chicory Chicory grows up to 3 or more feet tall, with most of the leaves growing at the base of the plant. This gives a skeleton-like appearance to the upper part of the plant. The leaves have been used as salad greens, and the root as a coffee substitute. Learn more about Chicory in this fact sheet. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-10
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Cocklebur This fact sheet contains information on ways to maintain and control cocklebur. Learn more about the plant by reading an in-depth guide on the features of the plant and control methods. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-11
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Coyote Tobacco This fact sheet contains information on coyote tobacco to help homeowners identify and manage the plant. learn more about the plant and the different control methods involved with the plant. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-14
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Poverty Sumpweed This fact sheet contains information on poverty sumpweed for homeowners to identify and manage the plant. Learn about the properties of the plant and the control methods to manage the plant. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2013, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-15
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Cutleaf Nightshade This fact sheet contains information on cutleaf nightshade to help homeowners identify and manage the plant. Learn about each part of the plant and the controls methods to maintain the plant. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2012, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-13-12
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Western Salsify This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage western salsify. Learn more about different properties of the plant such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-62
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Annual Bursage This fact sheet contains information on identifying and managing annual bursage for a northern Nevada homeowner. Learn more about the properties of the plant such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-64
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Blue Mustard This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage blue mustard. Learn interesting facts about the plant and the control methods to manage the plant. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-61
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Lambsquarters This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage common lamsquarters. Learn many things about the plant such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-63
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Curlycup Gumweed This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage curlycup gumweed. Learn about the properties of the plant such as life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2011, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-11-60
A Northern Nevada Homeowner's Guide to Identifying and Managing Prickly Lettuce This fact sheet provides identification and management methods for the nuisance weed prickly lettuce. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-28
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Broadleaf Plantain This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage broadleaf plantain for homeowners. Learn more about the plant by reading about the properties such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, etc. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-17
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Buckhorn Plantain This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage buckhorn plantain for homeowners. Learn more about the plant properties such as the life cycle, reproduction, control methods, and many more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-18
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Bull Thistle This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage null thistle for homeowners. Learn more about the different properties of the plant such as the life cycle reproduction, control methods, and many more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-19
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Bur Buttercup This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage bur buttercup for homeowners. Learn more about the plant properties such as life cycle, reproduction, control methods, and more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-20
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Mallow This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage Common Mallow for homeowners. Learn more about the plant properties such as where it grows, life cycle, reproduction, control methods, and more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-21
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Mullein This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage common mullein for homeowners. Learn more about the plant properties such as where it grows, life cycle, reproduction, control methods, and more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-22
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Common Purslane This fact sheet contains information on ways to identify and manage common purslane for homeowners. Learn more about the plant properties such as where it grows, life cycle, reproduction, control methods, and more. Donaldson, S. and Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno, FS-10-26
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Dandelions Guide to identifying and managing Dandelions. Common pests of turf, dandelions grow in a rosette (ground-hugging form) that develops into a bushy plant. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-24
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Flixweed Guide to identifying and managing Flixweed, a bushy, much-branched plant that grows up to 2 or more feet tall, flixweed blooms early in the spring. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-25
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Hare Barley Guide to identifying and managing Hare barley. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-26
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Kochia Guide to identifying and managing Kochia that when mature, grows into a Christmas tree -shaped plant 1 to 6 feet tall. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-27
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Prickly Lettuce Guide to identifying and managing prickly lettuce, a bushy, much-branched drought-tolerant plant that grows to five plus feet tall. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-28
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Redroot Pigweed Guide to Identifying and Managing Redroot Pigweed, a common source of late-summer allergies. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-29
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Russian Thistles Guide to identifying and managing Russian thistles which grows into a bushy, prickly plant that breaks off at ground level and rolls with the wind when mature. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-31
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Tumble Mustard Guide to identifying and managing Tumble mustard, a bushy, much-branched plant that grows up to 5 feet tall. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-32
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Broadleaf Plantain Guide to managing Broadleaf Plantain, a perennial that is a common pest of lawns and gardens. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-17
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Buckhorn Plantain Guide to managing Buckhorn plantain, A perennial that has long stems with flowering spikes. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-18
A Northern Nevada Homeowner’s Guide to Identifying and Managing Bull Thistle Guide to managing Bull Thistle, which grows as a rosette (ground-hugging form) in the first year, and then sends up stems and flowers in the second year, growing to 6 feet tall. Donaldson, S., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension \| University of Nevada, Reno FS-10-19
Getting Started with a Vegetable Garden Practical information on getting started with a vegetable garden, including easy to grow vegetables for beginners and planting dates for Nevada. Kratsch, H., Allen, L., Hanson Mazet, W. 2010, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Fact Sheet 10-15
Bacterial Wetwood and Alcohol Flux This factsheet describes bacterial wetwood and alcohol flux disease symptoms, identification and control measures. Hanson Mazet, W., and Donaldson, S. 2003, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, FS-03-33
Informational Publications
Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Handbook This document is intended to be an operational guide and reference tool for Extension professionals and volunteers involved in the Extension Master Gardener program to help accomplish the mission and values of the program and Extension through the outreach within our Nevada communities. Brinkerhoff, K. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Alternativas para Reemplazar el Césped en el Norte de Nevada Le presentamos algunas alternativas para reemplazar el cesped que pueden funcionar bien en el norte de Nevada. Reemplace su césped con alguna de las siguientes opciones y obtenga muchos beneficios, como el ahorro de agua, tiempo y dinero. Jensen, C.; Kratsch, H.; and Hanson Mazet, W. with translation by Peterson, M. and Diles, J. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Research Reports
Melon Research DFI was awarded funding through the state’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program for a three year project to investigate and determine best melon varieties, evaluate best production techniques and Integrated Pest Management methods for the Nevada High Desert climate. Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, H. 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno
Special Publications
Melon Survival, Yield and Quality in Nevada's High Desert Climate This study evaluated melon varieties and agricultural practices for melon production in the high desert. Conclusions identify melon varieties that demonstrated advantages in terms of plant survival, time to harvest, fruit size, number of fruits per plant, and sweetness. Moe, J., Kratsch, H., Barrios-Masias, F., Hanson-Mazet, W., di Santo, Heinrich 2024, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, SP-24-02