Our research is focused on understanding how plant growth is regulated by karrikins, a class of germination-promoting chemicals found in smoke, and strigolactones, a recently recognized class of plant hormones. Although karrikins and strigolactones have unique effects and sources, remarkably they appear to act through parallel signaling mechanisms. We use genetic approaches to determine how these signals produce different responses, and we are investigating how evolution of these signaling mechanisms has enabled host-triggered germination in parasitic weeds and post-fire germination among many smoke-responsive species. We are also exploring translational applications of our research to reduce crop losses to parasitic weeds.
