Profile

Research area

My research focus has been on the development and exploitation of molecular technologies such as biosensors, real-time PCR and microarrays to detect and describe plant pathogenic microorganisms. We are now exploring and applying metagenomics to better understand and exploit the genetic and metabolic potential that is contained in microbial communities. Our central focus is on cultivated soil systems and their interactions with plants.

Phytoplasmas are a group of insect-transmitted plant-pathogenic primitive bacteria that cause symptoms such as stunting, proliferation and virescence. To better understand the phytoplasma-plant-insect interaction we are investigating the molecular basis of symptom development in plants and the basis of host adaptation of phytoplasmas in insect and plant.

Current research topics:

• · Metagenomis analysis of fungal communities in cultivated soil and rhizospheres
• · Molecular analysis of the infection proces of Fusarium in cereals
• · SPR biosensors for detection of airborne spores
• · Microarrays and realtime PCR for detection of fungi in cereals and silage
• · Lab-on-chip devices for detection of airborne spores
• · Virus and phytoplasma detection by microarrays and realtime PCR
• · Detection of bee viruses using PCR
• · Analysis of gene expression in phytoplasma-infected plants
• · Study of phytoplasmas and their molecular host adaptation to plants and insects