In the lab of Phytopathology we are studying plant-pathogen interactions and biological control of plant pathogens.  We have observed that within the genera Pseudomonas, Sarocladium and Verticillium, some strains are pathogenic, while other strains are beneficial and protect the plant against plant pathogens.  Moreover, we have seen that sometimes the same strain can be mutualistic or parasitic depending on environmental conditions, the host,  or the plant part that is colonized. Our research is twofold: (1) we are using the beneficial strains to control plant pathogens and study the modes of action involved in this process; (2) we are investigating which mechanisms and factors turn a mutualistic strain into a parasite. Techniques used include genome sequencing, bioinformatics, mutant construction, chemical analysis of specialized metabolites, advanced microscopy and plant bioassays.