Research Projects

Fungal pathogens, particularly vascular-wilt pathogens like Fusarium oxysporum and Verticillium sp., significantly damage crop yields due to their interactions with plant hosts. These pathogens, which infect plant vasculature, cause wilting disease in various crops. Control methods often involve excessive chemical pesticides and unspecific fumigation. Recent evidence suggests that small membrane-bound Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in mediating intercellular signaling across trans-kingdoms. Trichoderma spp. (Td) is reported as a potent biocontrol agent against Fo in tomato, reducing disease severity. This project aims to molecularly dissect the crosstalk in tripartite root microbial interactions during confrontation and the biocontrol mechanisms exhibited by Td in modulating vascular-wilt disease by Fo. Understanding the intercellular signalling during tripartite root pathogenesis and sRNA communication between plant and fungal cells will enhance our understanding of plant disease mechanisms and contribute to effective disease control tools.