Research

In nature, plants are subjected to many harmful pathogens from multiple kingdoms of life. To combat pathogen attacks, every plant cell possesses innate immunity, enabling rapid and efficient responses toward pathogens. Extensive research has been conducted on how herbaceous annual plants activate defenses by recognizing pathogens through receptors (extracellular and intracellular) and how successful pathogens have evolved to avoid host recognition through the secretion of novel effectors.

Small molecules, conserved across the plant kingdom (e.g., hormones and other signaling molecules) or synthesized by specific plant taxa (e.g., specialized metabolites), are essential components of plant immunity. However, our knowledge of plant chemical defenses, especially in forest tree species, is extremely limited. In addition, mechanisms by which virulent pathogens counteract host chemical defenses are largely unexplored.

We have been intrigued by understanding the chemistry, biosynthesis, regulation, biological activity, and modes of action of several classes of plant metabolites in woody plants (for example, poplar trees). By understanding the mechanisms of tree chemical defenses and how virulent pathogens evade host defenses, we can develop the necessary tools for sustainable forest management in a changing climate. The Forest Phytopathobiomes Lab investigates how low-molecular-weight plant metabolites mediate the outcome of tree-pathogen interactions.