When infected plants were treated with melanin inhibiting agents, the fungus failed to produce melanized resting structures in situ. These inhibitors also blocked the production of other secondary metabolites produced via the polyketide pathway, including mycotoxins and aflatoxins. Studies on rhizosphere competent microbes that influence plant development and disease resistance. Bacteria which colonize the rhizosphere are not merely passive bystanders on the root surface. Their activities influence the plant in both beneficial and detrimental manner.
Studies focus on how beneficial bacteria influence plant health.
A tissue culture system has been developed to identify organisms with growth promoting abilities and a non fluorescent Pseudomonas species, that dramatical enhances growth of tissue culture grown potato plants, selected for studies on mechanisms of growth promotion. The genomic segment associated with growth promotion is being identified and will be used to elucidate the mechanism by which bacteria stimulate plant growth. General studies on the impact of Verticillium wilt and its control. An ongoing project in my laboratory involves research on understanding the biology and impact of early dying of potatoes and tomatoes, caused by the fungus V. dahliae and nematode species. Studies involve assessing the scope of the problem, determining impact on yield, and refining techniques for detection of the pathogen.