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lucero

Mary E. Lucero

Research Molecular Biologist, USDA-ARS, Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico  88003-0003
Adjunct Faculty, Molecular Biology Program and Plant and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM

Education
1997 New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM; Molecular Biology Ph.D.
1988 New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM; Curriculum and Instruction; M.A.
1986

New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico; Agricultural and Extension Education; B.S.

 

Professional Experience
2005-Present Research Molecular Biologist, Range Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Las Cruces, NM
1999-2005

Postdoctoral Research Chemist, Range Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Las Cruces, NM
1997-1999 Postdoctoral Research Associate, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
1992-1997 Graduate Research Assistant, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
1987-1992 Science Teacher, Picacho Middle School, Las Cruces, NM

 

Primary Research Interests

Exploration of plant-microbe interactions that influence population dynamics at larger hierarchies of plant-soil, plant-plant and plant-herbivore interactions.  My laboratory works to isolate and identify endophytic fungi associated with desert flora, particularly from the botanical family Chenopodiacea.  We use combinations of microscopy and molecular detection (PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)) to identify and monitor endophytic microbes.  Endophyte influences on plant ecological fitness are tested by transferring endophytes to non-host plants, including the locally threatened black grama grass.  Endophyte-induced changes in plant establishment, production, secondary chemistry, and reproductive potential are monitored across biotic and abiotic stress gradients, and positive plant-endophyte combinations are selected for revegetation potential.

The broader implications of endophyte enhanced plant production are recognized as a promising alternative to current plant genetic engineering practices, with applications in production agriculture, natural products biosynthesis, and phytoremediation of toxic waste.  Though many of these applications fall beyond the scope of JER research objectives, cooperative research agreements with industry and research institutions are encouraged. Please contact our Technology Transfer Office for additional information on this Breakthrough Technology to Improve Plant Production.

Synergistic Activities (last 5 years)
Publications

Go to our searchable database for access to most publications.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  1. Lucero, M.E., Mueller, W., Hubstenberger, J., Phillips, G., O’Connell, M.A. 1999. Tolerance to nitrogenous explosives and metabolism of TNT by cell suspensions of Datura innoxia. In Vitro Cell. Dev. Biol.-Plant. 35:480–486.
  2. Hyder, P.W., Fredrickson, E.L., Estell, R.E., Lucero, M.E. 2002. Transport of phenolic compounds from leaf surface of creosotebush and tarbush to soil surface by precipitation. Journal of Chemical Ecology. 28:2469-2476.
  3. Lucero, M.E., Estell, R.E., Fredrickson E. L. 2003. The essential oil composition of Psorothamnus scoparius (A. Gray) Rydb. Journal of Essential Oil Research 15:108-111.
  4. Barrow, J.R., Lucero M. 2005. Transfer and incorporation of heritable symbiotic fungi into non-host plants. Patent Application S.N. 11/500,702.
  5. Hyder, P.W., Fredrickson, E.L., Estell, R.E., Lucero, M.E., Remmenga, M.D. 2005. Loss of phenolic compounds from leaf litter of creosotebush [Larrea tridentata (Sess. & Moc. ex DC.) Cov] and tarbush (Flourensia cernua DC.). Journal of Arid Environments. 61:79-91.
  6. Lucero, M. E., R. E. Estell, et al. 2005. The composition of Dalea formosa oil determined by steam distillation and by solid phase microextraction. Journal of Essential Oil Research 17: 645-647.
  7. Medina, A.L., Lucero, M.E., Holguin, F.O., Estell, R.E., Posakony, J.J.,Simon, J., O'Connell, M.A. 2005. Composition and antimicrobial activity of Anemopsis californica leaf oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53:8694-8698.
  8. Lucero, M.E., Barrow, J.R., Osuna, P., Reyes, I. 2006. Plant-fungal interactions in arid and semi-arid ecosystems: Large-scale impacts from microscale processes. Journal of Arid Environments. 65:276-284.
  9. Lucero, M.E., Fredrickson, E.L., Estell, R.E., Morrison, A.A., Richman, D.B. 2006. Volatile composition of Gutierrezia sarothrae (Broom Snakeweed) as determined by steam distillation and solid phase microextraction. Journal of Essential Oil Research. 18:121-125.
  10. Barrow, J., Lucero, M.E., Reyes, I., Havstad, K.M. 2007. Endosymbiotic fungi structurally integrated with leaves reveals a lichenous condition of C4 grasses.  In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology – Plants. 43:65-70.
  11. Barrow, J.R., Lucero, M.E., Reyes-Vera, I., Havstad, K.M. 2008. Do symbiotic microbes have a role in plant evoluation, performance and response to stress? Communicative and Integrative Biology 1(1):1-5.
  12. Lucero, M., Barrow, J., Osuna-Avila, P., Reyes-Vera, I. 2008. A cryptic microbial community persists within micropropagated Bouteloua eriopoda (Torr.) Torr. cultures. Plant Science 174:570-575.
  13. Lucero, M.E., Barrow, J.R., Osuna, P., Reyes, I., and Duke, S.E. 2008. Enhancing native grass productivity by cocultivating with endophyte-laden calli. Rangeland Ecology and Management 61:124-130.

    14. Additional Publications

  14. Lucero, M., Estell, R., Anderson, D., Fredrickson, E., Remmenga, M. 2004. Differences in volatile profiles between populations of Ceratoides lanata var. subspinosa (Rydb.) J.T. Howell. In R.E. Sosebee, D. Wester, C. Britton, E.D. McArthur, eds, Thirteenth Wildland Shrub Symposium: Shrubland Dynamics: Fire & Water, Vol. RMRS-P-47. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Lubbock, TX, USA, pp 142-146.

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