Embedded Files
Fungi represent a hidden kingdom of immense biological complexity, ranging from single-celled yeasts to massive underground mycelial networks (aka. Wood Wide Web)—they serve as the planet's primary decomposers, recycling nutrients to maintain the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Beyond their ecological roles, fungi are widely used as industrial enzyme factories in biofuels, food processing, and textiles, and they are also an important source of pharmaceuticals.
However, fungi also pose significant threats to humanity as plant pathogens, destroying an estimated 20–40% of global crop yields each year and jeopardizing food security. Recognizing this duality is essential to unlocking their future potential: by studying their diverse genetic makeup, we can better mitigate their risks while harnessing their remarkable capacity to produce natural products.
Development of Sustainable Fungal Cell Factories for Biopesticide Production
Heterologous expression of biosynthetic genes encoding antifungal compounds in the fungal host Ascochyta rabiei.
Metabolic engineering to maximize product yield through systematic analysis of carbon metabolism in A. rabiei.
Eco-friendly production of biopesticides using agricultural wastes, such as rice straw/husk and soy hull.
(AI-Powered image)
Discovery of Fungal-derived Compounds with Novel Modes of Action
Some biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) in fungi contain a self-resistance gene that encode the molecular targets of their own products. Thus, genome mining for self-resistance genes provides a powerful strategy for discovering biopesticides with novel modes of action for plant disease control.
Genome mining of understudied fungal taxa to identify BGCs containing self-resistance genes.
Functional characterization of the BGCs and their self-resistance genes through targeted gene knockout studies.
Sustainable, large-scale production of biopesticides with novel modes of action using fungal cell factories.
(AI-Powered image)
Establishment of Effective Disease Control Strategies for Apple Scab and Pear Scab
Investigation of the environmental conditions and timing that regulate the development and discharge of ascospores, the primary inoculum.
Development of AI-based, rapid, and high-throughput methods for detecting ascospores in apple orchards.
Intervention in ascomata development and ascospore discharge through physical and chemical treatments of infected plant residues left in apple orchards.
(AI-Powered image)
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse