Forest Phytopathobiomes

Welcome to the Forest Phytopathobiomes Lab!

The Department of Forest Phytopathobiomes conducts research and teaching on tree-pathogen-microbe interactions, with particular emphasis on chemical signaling and defense metabolites in woody plants. Our research integrates forest pathology, microbial ecology, chemical ecology, plant biochemistry, and molecular biology to better understand the mechanisms of tree defense and pathogen counterdefense in both natural and anthropogenically influenced environments.

Key publications

  • Lahari Z, van Boerdonk S, Omoboye OO, Reichelt M, Höfte M, Gershenzon J, Gheysen G, Ullah C* (2024). Strigolactone deficiency induces jasmonate, sugar and flavonoid phytoalexin accumulation enhancing rice defense against the blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae. New Phytologist 241: 827-844. [*corresponding author].

  • Ullah C, Chen Y-H, Ortega MA, Tsai CJ. (2023). The diversity of salicylic acid biosynthesis and defense signaling in plants: Knowledge gaps and future opportunities. Current Opinion in Plant Biology 72: 102349.

  • Ullah C*, Schmidt A, Reichelt M, Tsai CJ, Gershenzon J (2022). Lack of antagonism between salicylic acid and jasmonate signalling pathways in poplar. New Phytologist 235: 701-717. [*corresponding author].

  • Chen J, Ullah C, Reichelt M, Beran F, Yang Z-L, Gershenzon J, Hammerbacher A, Vassão DG (2020). The phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum detoxifies plant glucosinolate hydrolysis products via an isothiocyanate hydrolase. Nature Communications 11: 3090.

  • Ullah C, Tsai CJ, Unsicker SB, Xue L, Reichelt M, Gershenzon J, Hammerbacher A (2019). Salicylic acid activates poplar defense against the biotrophic rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina via increased biosynthesis of catechin and proanthocyanidins. New Phytologist 221: 960-975.

  • Ullah C, Unsicker SB, Fellenberg C, Constabel CP, Schmidt A, Gershenzon J, Hammerbacher A (2017). Flavan-3-ols are an effective chemical defense against rust infection. Plant Physiology 175: 1560-1578.