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While plant roots are involved in obtaining water and nutrients from soil, they also develop complex biotic relationships with micro- and macro-organisms in the soil. These relationships range from mutual symbiosis to those of parasitism and pathogenesis. The lab's interests are in examining both the symbiotic and parasitic interactions of organisms with plant roots. In particular, we are interested in the molecular and biochemical basis that allows organisms to interact with roots and other organisms and in identifying genes that regulate these processes. By studying these processes, we can develop new models to explain how soil-borne organisms communicate with plants and other organisms and how limited resources are either competed for or are shared. These models will provide a better understanding of how soil-borne organisms that cause disease can be managed in a more sustainable manner and positively influence modern-day agriculture.

Project Director and Manager:  Christopher G. Taylor, PhD

Current Projects:

• Nematode Interactions -  Nematode Interactions - See more on the lab's research on plant-parasitic nematodes
• Agrobacterium Interactions -  Agrobacteria Interactions - See more on the lab's research on the genetics, transformation tools, and control of Agrobacteria.
• Pseudomonas Interactions -  See more on the lab's research on the genetics and use of Pseudomonas as biocontrol and plant-growth promoting agents.
• Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Interactions -  See more on the lab's research on the functional genomics of soybean interactions with nitrogen-fixing bacteria.