Our lab’s primary interest is with plant-parasitic (phyto)nematodes, but we are also interested in all aspects of host-parasite interactions. The main objective of our research is to combine information that we generate in both basic and applied investigations towards the goal of improving the control of plant-parasitic nematodes in agriculture. Our present research projects involve:
1. Identification and functional analyses of secreted nematode effector proteins
Nematode genomics emphasizing parasitism gene expression and epigenetics
Plant host cellular and molecular targets and responses to nematode effectors
Plant resistance to nematodes, both conventional and bioengineered