Infection mechanisms and fungicide resistance of Botrytis cinerea

Fungi infect a multitude of plants, including all cultured crops, they can cause great damage or even complete destruction of harvests. Our research focuses on the grey mould fungus, Botrytis cinerea, a major pathogen of a variety of fruits and vegetables. We are studying the molecular mechanisms and the regulation of spore germination, host cell infection, and defense against natural and synthetic toxic chemicals. We also investigate the role and molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance in grape vine and strawberry fields, with particular emphasis on efflux transporter-mediated multiple fungicide resistance (MDR).

Projects:

1. Molecular biology and cytology of germination and infection

2. Function and regulation of drug-efflux transporters

3. Fungicide resistance and dynamics of B. cinerea field populations