The research program in my lab focuses on developing a better understanding of the host-parasite interactions and evolution of rust fungi.  Currently, Puccinia graminis, the casual agent of stem rust, is the primary focus with projects on:  comparative genomes; developing a complete genetic map; identify and characterize effector (avirulence) genes; development of rapid detection methods for Ug99 related races; race evolution.

Selected Publications

in PDF format:

2012

• Using hierarchical clustering of secreted protein familes to classify and rank candidate effectors of rust fungi.

2011

• Predicting soybean rust incursions into the North American continental interior using crop monitoring, spore trapping and aerobiology modeling.
• Concerted action of two avirulent spore effectors activates Reaction to Puccinia graminis 1 (Rpg1)-mediated cereal stem rust resistance.
• Obligate biotrophy features unraveled by the genomic analysis of rust fungi.
• Real-time PCR detection and discrimination of the southern and common corn rust pathogens Puccinia polysora and Puccinia sorghi.