Arabidopsis thaliana
We utilize Arabidopsis as our primary model organism to delve into fundamental aspects of plant development. Our investigations span both the single-cell and organ levels, encompassing various developmental stages. Our focus encompasses both the root and shoot systems, aiming to decipher how different plant tissues synergize to optimally express their genetic potential. Beyond internal interactions, we also probe how these tissues interact and adapt to environmental cues. The insights gleaned from our Arabidopsis studies are then extrapolated and applied to important crop species, including amaranth, tomato, and various millets.
Enhancing Rice Yield and Pathogen Resistance
Rice stands as a staple crop worldwide, making the quest for increased yield a paramount endeavor. Yet, enhancing rice yield proves to be a multifaceted challenge, influenced by an array of factors, both bolstering and hindering its growth. Within our rice research domain, our primary focus centers on understanding the genes and their regulatory mechanisms responsible for amplifying yield. In parallel, we also delve into the intricate mechanisms governing rice's resistance and susceptibility to pathogens. This dual approach forms the bedrock of our research efforts in the realm of rice production.
Tomato
In our work with tomatoes, we concentrate on enhancing yield by applying insights garnered from our Arabidopsis studies. Specifically, we're striving to optimize the hormonal regulation of the source-sink relationship, a critical determinant of fruit production. Parallelly, we're engaged in the identification and incorporation of novel resistance genes to bolster the plant's defense against predominant bacterial and fungal pathogens. Predominantly, we leverage gene editing techniques to fortify crop performance under real-world field conditions.
Amaranth and Millet
In our endeavors with grain amaranth and millets, we turn to traditionally neglected crops as a way to address the environmental challenges posed by modern agriculture. Historically, humans have been gatherers, but with the evolution of agriculture, our dietary habits, health, and the broader ecosystem have transformed. This evolution, however, has brought along detrimental impacts on various life forms on Earth. Motivated by these concerns, our research focuses on modifying the biology of these underutilized crops to optimize their growth in agricultural settings. Drawing inspiration and insights from our work with Arabidopsis and tomato, our ultimate goal is to seamlessly integrate grain amaranth and millets into contemporary agriculture, thereby mitigating the ecological burdens of current farming practices.
Molecular plant pathogen - host interaction
In the realm of host-pathogen interactions, our research team delves into the strategic employment of effectors and virulence factors by the soil-borne pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. Our primary objective is to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms that underpin its interactions with host plants. Building on this foundation, we further explore how other formidable pathogens, namely Magnaporthe oryze, Ralstonia solanacearum and Rhizoctonia solani, manipulate the host plant's system architecture and hormonal balances to facilitate their invasion and colonization.