Zhang Lab

Our research focuses on the molecular and eco-evolutionary mechanisms of bacterial adaptation to their natural environments, such as plants and soils. The work has largely been performed in a plant growth-promoting bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and pathogenic strains of Pseudomonas syringae. 

We are currently developing microbiological knowledge and techniques to:

• Test the Demand Theory regarding the evolutionary selection of gene regulation mode in bacteria.

• Examine the potential co-evolution of  bacterial resistance to copper, antibiotics, and other agrochemicals.

• Understand the assembly, dymanics, and fuctions of microbial communities in agricultural soils.

• Genetically characterise genes associated with plant growth promotion and disease suppression.

Our Research is currently funded by

• Marsden Fund  [2023 - 2025]

• MBIE Catalyst | Strategic  [2019 - 2023]