Plant disease epidemiology

Plant disease epidemiology studies the spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogens and the ecological interaction of pathogens with the biotic and abiotic environments. A better understanding of these dynamics and interactions will lead to environmentally friendly and sustainable crop production systems, which are the key to tackle food security problem associated with changing climate and increasing human population.

Our research

We study the principles, mechanisms, and processes of disease development by understanding host-pathogen interactions, population genetics, host immunity and adaptation as well as risk assessment. Our research also includes the development of sustainable plant disease management strategies supporting green food production. Some of research focuses are:

• Pathogen population structure
• Pathogen adaptation to host resistance and climate change
• Genetics of host resistance
• Fungicide resistance
• Risk assessment
• Sustainable disease management

What approaches we use?

We use array of modern, state-of-the-art experimental and analytical tools. To answer questions on spatial and temporal dynamics of pathogens and their interaction of with biotic and abiotic environments, we use:

• Population surveys
• Experimental evolution
• Omics: genomics, transcriptomes, microbiomes etc
• Molecular biology
• Modelling

Focus on staple foods and reduced pesticide use

We focus on some of the main staple food crops grown in Sweden, such as potatoes and small grains, not only because these crops are a basic component of the food supply, but also because diseases in these crops are responsible for a large amount of pesticide use in Sweden.