This research program characterizes the biodiversity of the grasses and their relatives. 

The grasses are a large and diverse group of flowering plants including several species of critical importance to humans, such as wheat, rice and corn. 

This collection-based work involves extensive field collections, laboratory studies and collections conservation. It documents the distribution of species over time and space and uses genetic techniques to clarify taxonomy, show relationships with other species and characterize patterns of morphological change. 

The up-to-date information on plant biodiversity is critical for monitoring organism responses to environmental change.