Zhang Lab

Like humans, the health and well-being of plants is to a large extent determined by the microbes with which they co-exist.  While some bacteria are harmful, others have the capacity to promote plant growth. 

Our research focuses on the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of plant-microbe interactions, and 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 molecular microbiological techniques to:

• Manage copper resistance in Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), a caustive agent of the bacterial canker disease in kiwifruit.

• Examine the co-evolution of  bacterial resistance to copper and antibiotics in plant-associated Pseudomonas.

Our Research is currently funded by

• Marsden Fund  [2024 - 2027]

• MBIE Catalyst | Strategic  [2019 - 2023]

• Zespri Innovation Ltd.        [2019 - 2024]