The objective of the Resistance Biology Unit is to meet the need for reduced use of chemical fungicides and reduce the effects of climate change on crop production by combining basic and applied research.
The aim is to increase plant health. This will be achieved by creating foundations for the reduction of plant diseases, and for an increase in abiotic stress resilience, mainly in potato and cereals. Hypotheses are tested in model plants, such as Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana, by changing candidate genes via genome editing or transformation, as well as through classical biochemistry and cell- and molecularbiology. Field trials, often with crops engineered by genome editing or cisgenesis, are used to validate gene functions and agricultural potential. We strive to integrate data from controlled and field conditions.
Our competencies can be divided into the following sub-categories:
Resistance and susceptibility mechanisms – To improve crop plant resistance, there is a great need for increased understanding of novel mechanisms behind plant susceptibility and resistance (immunity). The resistance and susceptibility mechanisms are investigated by identifying and characterising new genes and proteins that are part of the interaction between the pathogen and the host and non-host plants. In addition, we study the balance between plant defence and growth. A focus area is potato blights caused by Phytophthora infestans and Alternaria solani, but we are also working on interactions with other pathogens.
Abiotic stress – We work on different abiotic stress factors, such as drought, heat and flooding, in individual and combined stress conditions (abiotic–abiotic or abiotic–biotic) to identify traits and improve crops for better survival and productivity in future climates. We focus on pre-breeding and understanding the mechanisms of tolerance/resistance by analysing stress physiology, as well as by high-throughput phenotyping, advanced omics analyses, and comparative genomic approaches. The identified tolerant or resistant genotypes for selected traits and candidate genes and pathways can be utilized in breeding programs and targeted crop improvement through gene editing. We also study the environmental effects on seed germination and vigour.
Plant resistance inducers and biologicals –To achieve effective crop production strategies, different methods most often need to be integrated. For example, we conduct applied experiments with induced resistance and biologicals in the greenhouse and field. We are also interested in combining host plant resistance with minimal use of fungicides and novel plant protection products with low toxicity and biologicals.
In summary, we have long experience in generating and processing omics datasets. For example, we host the SLU infrastructure Proteomics Facility in Alnarp. We also have strong competence in different microscopy methods and coordinate the Alnarp confocal microscopy and Horticum Alliance light microscopes. We have performed field trials, with potato cultivars and genetically modified potato, for many years.