Research

Our research focuses on studying two groups of economically important plant-parasitic nematodes: 

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN): the most important pathogen of soybean, causing annual yield losses estimated at $1.5 billion in the US. 
Root-knot nematodes (RKN): cause serious problems in specialty crops worldwide.

 

We work on interdisciplinary research by collaborating with extension scientists, mycologist, geneticist, bioinformatician to reach our goals.

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1. Distribution and phenotyping of SCN and RKN in Indiana. We aim to provide up-to-date and field-specific information for growers to make data-driven decisions on nematode management.

 

 

 

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2. Biological control of nematodes. We aim to discover and develop beneficial microbes, suppressive soils and cultural practices for effective and consistent control of SCN and RKN.  

 

 

 

eggs-stained-by-propidium-iodide.jpg3. Nematode biology: We study the molecular mechanism of nematode development and interactions with plants using transcriptomic analyses (at population and single-nematode levels), comparative genomics, and functional characterization. We aim to translate knowledge into effective nematode management strategies in agriculture.  

 

 

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 4. Host resistance: We aim to identify and characterize novel sources of soybean resistance to SCN.

 

 

 

 

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5. Research methods: We aim to develop new methods or techniques to facilitate research in plant nematology.