The primary research goal of my laboratory is to elucidate the molecular and genetic basis of plant immunity against oomycete pathogens with an emphasis on Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc) in model plants (Arabidopsis) and avocado. The identification of candidate genes associated with resistance against this oomycete pathogen will be a key aspect for the generation of molecular markers for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS) to develop new resistantavocado rootstocks varieties.One of the main goals of my multidisciplinary research program is to apply and incorporate the basic knowledge and information we gain from basic research in my lab into the UCR Avocado Rootstock Breeding program. The UCR avocado breeding program aims to develop a set of genomic tool for avocado breeding worldwide.
Research in my laboratory is focused on:
Understanding how the CRT1/MORC1 gene family, a GHKL ATPase, modulates plant immunity against Phytophthora infestans in plants. We found that this gene family functions in multiple layers of plant immunity in Arabidopsis, barley, and Solanaceous crops. We will use molecular, genetics, and genomics (RNAseq, miRNAs) approaches to understand how this gene family regulates plant immunity to this oomycete pathogen
Elucidating the molecular and genetic basis of plant immunity against Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc), the causal agent of Phytophthora root rot, the most destructive disease of avocado worldwide. We study plant-Pc. interactions in model plants (Arabidopsis) and crops (Avocado) using molecular, genetic, and genomic approaches including transcriptome analysis.
Identifying and characterizing proteins from P. cinnamomi that are critical for pathogen fitness and virulence. In addition, we want to understand the molecular basis of the broad host specialization of Pc using comparative genomics.
Recently, a new introduction of potentially more aggressive Pc isolates has been found in Southern CA avocado growing areas. We are currently working on the phenotypic and molecular characterization of these Pc isolates.
