Research

My general area of research interest is the phylogenetic relationships of flowering plants. In my lab we use molecular and morphological data to study the evolution of members of the blueberry family (Ericaceae) and, more recently, the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).

Currently we have several research projects in progress. These include: the phylogeny and biogeography of the South African genus Erica and its European relatives, evolutionary relationships of Rhododendron, molecular systematics of Gaultheria (wintergreens) and temperate and tropical blueberries, and molecular systematics of the family Polygonaceae (buckwheat and rhubarb relatives).

In addition to family and generic level studies, we are also interested in the major clades within the large and diverse order Ericales (see "An Ordinal Classification for the Families of Flowering Plants" by the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden, in press) using combined data sets.

Potential thesis projects include (but are not limited to) many groups within Ericaceae, e.g., Rhododendron, Elliottia, Bejaria, Gaultheria, Diplycosia, and several clades within the blueberry tribe (Vaccinieae). These taxa could be studied from a variety of perspectives such as biogeography, evolution of leaf morphology/physiology (in the heathers) or patterns of diversification (in Rhododendron).

Students interested in Master's or Doctoral studies in these (or other) groups are encouraged to contact me via email (kronka@wfu.edu).

Selected Publications

Bush, C. M. and K. A. Kron. 2008.  A phylogeny of Bejaria.  Britt.., in press

Kron, KA and EA Powell. 2008. Molecular systematics of Rhododendron subgenus Tsutsusi. Edinburgh Journal of Botany, in press

Judd, WS and KA Kron.  2008. Flora of North America: Treatment for Rhododendron, Epigaea, Therorhodion. In press

Kron, KA 2008. Treatment of Rhododendron for the Jepson Flora (new California Flora). In press

Sanchez, A and K Kron. 2008. Afrobrunnichia and Brunnichia and their relationships within Polygonaceae. Taxon, in press

Bush,CM, Lu Lu, PW Fritsch, De-Zhu Li and KA Kron. 2008. Phylogeny of Gaultherieae (Ericaceae: Vaccinioideae) based on DNA sequence data from matK, ndhF and ITS. International Journal of Plant Sciences, in press

Sanchez, A and K Kron. 2008. Phylogenetics of Polygonaceae with an Emphasis on Eriogonoideae. Vol. 1: 87-97.

Kron, KA and JL Luteyn.  2005 [2006].  Origins and biogeographic patterns in Ericaceae: new insights from recent phylogenetic analyses, Pp. 479-500.  In: Friis, I. and H. Balslev (eds.) Plant Diversity and complexity patterns: local, regional, and global dimensions. Biologiske Skrifter 55, Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters.