Martha C. Giraldo

About

Martha C. Giraldo is a leading researcher in plant genetics, with a primary focus on the genomic characterization and improvement of common bean (*Phaseolus vulgaris* L.), a staple crop critical for global food security. Her major contributions center on the development of molecular markers, particularly microsatellites (SSRs), to facilitate genetic analysis and breeding. In her highly cited 2009 work (73 citations), she pioneered the development of gene-based microsatellites from Andean-derived sequences, demonstrating that simple sequence repeats can be efficiently mined from coding regions of the genome using EST sequencing and cDNA library screening. This approach provided a powerful tool for linking genetic variation directly to functional genes. Complementing this, her second most-cited paper (39 citations) established an effective method for developing microsatellite markers from non-enriched, small-insert genomic libraries, offering a cost-effective alternative for SSR discovery. Together, these contributions have significantly advanced the genetic resources available for common bean, enabling more precise mapping of agronomic traits and accelerating marker-assisted selection. Giraldo’s work is foundational for researchers and breeders seeking to enhance the resilience and yield of this vital legume.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Development and diversity of Andean-derived, gene-based microsatellites for common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

   73 citations · 2009
2. 2
   Development of microsatellite markers for common bean (<i>Phaseolus vulgaris</i>L.) based on screening of non-enriched, small-insert genomic libraries

   39 citations · 2009

Key Collaborators

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