Research Interests
Our research program focuses on the molecular physiology and genetics of plant mineral nutrition and root biology with emphasis on plant responses to abiotic stresses in the soil.
Currently, the lab is focusing on three major research areas:
1. How do crop plants adapt to low availability of mineral nutrients and water in the soil? To identify the mechanisms and underlying genes for tolerance to low nutrient availability, we are developing high throughput root phenotyping platforms to quantify root structure, architecture and function. Quantitative descriptors of root architecture and function are mined via whole genome analyses in order to identify genes and markers underlying these traits for developing crops with improved root traits via molecular breeding.
An example of this type of research has involved the development of novel digital tools for imaging whole root systems of crop plant species in two- and three-dimensions, and using the quantitative data for root architecture traits in order to facilitate the genetic mapping of different components of root architecture. The goals of this research are to identify genes that contribute to root system architecture traits that facilitate the uptake of sparingly available nutrients, with a focus on N, P, K and micronutrient acquisition and water uptake under drought conditions.