Research Group
Plant-Parasite/Pathogen Interactions
Research Overview
Many of the most destructive plant-parasitic nematodes (PPN) species form intimate biotrophic associations with plant roots by secreting effector proteins into host cells. These effectors manipulate endogenous plant processes in order to modify host immunity and development, leading to the production of a unique organ from which the nematode draws nutrition for the remainder of its life cycle. Given the significant reprogramming of root development by PPN infection, it is likely that many, if not the majority, of secreted effectors function to alter development.
My PhD project in the Plant-Parasite Interactions group aims to identify and characterise effectors in the development-altering toolkit of PPNs. This information can inform novel strategies for tackling PPNs in the field and shed light on root developmental processes themselves.
