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Associate Professor Peng Zhang is affiliated with the School of Life and Environmental Sciences and the Plant Breeding Institute at the University of Sydney. She holds memberships in the China Studies Centre and Sydney Institute of Agriculture. Her educational background includes a BSc from Wageningen Agricultural University (Netherlands), MSc in Biotechnology (Wageningen), and PhD in Genetics from Kansas State University (USA). Her research focuses on molecular cytogenetics of wheat, introgression of rust resistance genes from wild relatives, and developing durable resistant germplasm. Key research interests include cereal crop improvement, rust pathogen resistance mechanisms, and genomic tools for plant breeding. Notable awards include the 2023 Sydney Research Accelerator (SOAR) Prize. Recent grants involve rust resistance mechanisms and hybrid wheat breeding programs in collaboration with international partners. Publications highlight work on resistance gene characterization, molecular mapping, and disease management strategies. Collaborative research with institutions like Kansas State University and international bodies underscores her global impact in agricultural science.

• Plant Genetics
• Rust Resistance in Cereals
• Cereal Cytogenetics
• +3 more

Mary Catherine Aime is a Professor of Botany & Plant Pathology at Purdue University's College of Agriculture, where she serves as Director of the Purdue University Herbaria (Arthur Fungarium and Kriebel Herbarium). Her research program focuses on the systematics, biodiversity, and evolution of Fungi, with particular emphasis on the earliest diverging lineages of Basidiomycota, rust fungi, fungi in tropical ecosystems, and fungal diseases of tropical tree crops. Dr. Aime's research interests span fungal systematics, biodiversity, and evolution. Her lab employs diverse methodologies from genomics to field studies in remote regions to investigate vastly underexplored fungal lineages. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of rust fungi (Pucciniales) taxonomy, establishing a comprehensive higher-rank classification based on molecular, morphological, and ecological data. Her work has important implications for plant pathology, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. Dr. Aime's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to fungal systematics, particularly in rust fungi research. Her work spans taxonomic revisions, molecular phylogenetics, biodiversity documentation, and the development of practical identification tools like Rust HUBB. Her research shows a clear progression from foundational taxonomic work to the development of molecular resources that benefit the broader plant pathology community. As Director of the Purdue University Herbaria, Dr. Aime oversees one of the most important collections of rust fungi (Pucciniales) in the world through the Arthur Fungarium (PUR). Her leadership in maintaining and expanding these critical research collections supports global mycological research efforts.

• Fungal Systematics
• Biodiversity
• Evolution of Fungi
• +7 more

Dr. Isabel ML Saur is a research group leader at the Institute for Plant Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Cologne. She leads the Saur Lab which focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly the mechanisms employed by the powdery mildew fungus Blumeria hordei to colonize barley. Her research contributes significantly to understanding plant immunity and pathogen recognition mechanisms. Dr. Saur was trained as a Laboratory Assistant in Stuttgart-Hohenheim and completed her undergraduate studies in Biotechnology at the Applied Science University Esslingen am Neckar. She developed her interest in plant sciences during placements at the Research School of Biology, The Australian National University (ANU), Canberra. She earned her PhD in plant immunity from ANU in 2015 and subsequently joined the Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research (MPIPZ) in Cologne. In 2020, she was granted a prestigious DFG Emmy Noether group leader position, establishing her independent research group. Dr. Saur's research focuses on cellular recognition mechanisms in plant immunity, signal transduction pathways linking receptor-mediated recognition to host physiology, and pathogen strategies for immune evasion and effector-mediated immune suppression. Her lab uses the interaction between barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) and the barley powdery mildew fungus Blumeria hordei as a primary model system, complemented by studies in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana to explore both conserved and lineage-specific features of immunity in monocots and dicots. Analysis of Dr. Saur's recent publications reveals a strong focus on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly the molecular mechanisms of effector proteins from powdery mildew fungi and their recognition by plant immune receptors. Her work spans multiple disciplines including plant pathology, molecular biology, structural biology, and plant immunology, with specific attention to NOD-like receptors, cell death mechanisms, and the evolution of resistance gene specificity. Dr. Saur has received significant recognition for her research, most notably: DFG Emmy Noether group leader position (2020) Dr. Saur currently mentors several students and researchers in her lab, including PhD students Merle Bilstein-Schloemer and Sophie Sent, and postdoctoral fellows Ishani Shankar Das and Wei Shi. Her research is supported by multiple projects including her Emmy Noether project on quantification of virulence function, CEPLAS & EN Project on identification of intrinsic functions of effectors, SFB1403 Project on host cell death pathways, and For5682 Project on powdery mildew adaptation to the leaf epidermal cell niche. The Saur Lab maintains a dynamic research environment focused on understanding plant immunity through multiple ongoing projects. The lab actively participates in conferences and collaborations, contributing to the international plant-microbe interaction research community. Recent lab activities include participation in the 2025 IS-MPMI Congress in Cologne and preparation for the 17th International Cereal Rusts and Powdery Mildews Conference in Vancouver.

• Plant Immunity
• Pathogen Recognition Mechanisms
• Signal Transduction Pathways
• +4 more

Prof Benjamin Schwessinger is a Professor at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Division of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on plant pathogens, fungal genomics, and the evolutionary dynamics of pathogen adaptation. Key areas include understanding rust fungi biology, host-pathogen interactions, and structural genomic variations in plants like Eucalyptus. He has pioneered methodologies for high-throughput protein secretion optimization in yeast and developed diagnostic tools for invasive pathogens such as Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust). Research Interests: Plant-microbe interactions and immunity Fungal genomics and sexual recombination mechanisms Evolving pathogen populations in agricultural systems Genomic tools for disease surveillance and biosecurity His recent work explores the genomic basis of pathogen adaptation, including studies on wheat stripe rust and myrtle rust. Collaborations span fungal pathogenomics, eucalyptus structural genomics, and yeast biotechnology. He leads multiple projects funded by ANU and ARC, including the Plant Biosecurity Training Centre. His lab emphasizes reproducible research practices and early career researcher development. Key projects include: Digital yeast bioprospecting for non-alcoholic beer production Surveillance of airborne pathogens in Australian Botanic Gardens Genome evolution of cereal rust fungi Labs/Teams: Core member of ANU's Plant Biosecurity Group and collaborator in the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity.

• Plant Pathology
• Genomics
• Fungal Biology
• +3 more

Robert A Blanchette is a Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota, with research focusing on forest pathology, wood microbiology, and conservation of historic wood. His work spans tree defense mechanisms, biological control of pathogens, and fungal ecology in extreme environments. Education : PhD in Plant Pathology (Washington State University), MS in Forest Pathology (University of New Hampshire), BA in Biology/Botany (Merrimack College) Current research includes: Fungal interactions with invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer Antarctic and Arctic fungal biodiversity Archaeological wood conservation in Greenland Biological control of white-nose syndrome in bats Ganoderma species pathogenicity in forests Key projects are funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center, NSF, and USDI Fish and Wildlife Service. Collaborations include the National Museum of Denmark and Center for Drug Design. Students and researchers in his group include Cristina Toapanta , Nick Rajtar , Sofia Simeto , Liam Genter , Davy DeKrey , Eric Otto , and Nazaret Ramirez .

• Forest Pathology
• Wood Microbiology
• Tree Defense Mechanisms
• +4 more

Yue Jin is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota and a USDA-ARS Research Plant Pathologist at the Cereal Disease Lab. His work focuses on cereal rust fungi biology, population genetics, and host resistance in wheat and barley. He leads nationwide surveys of stem rust pathogens and investigates genetic resistance mechanisms in crops. PhD in Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University (1990) MS in Applied Statistics and Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University (1990, 1988) BS in Plant Protection, Inner-Mongolia College of Agriculture (1982) Yue Jin’s research spans invasive species like Puccinia coronata and virulence dynamics in Puccinia hordei , contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger) and 15 (Life on Land). Recent projects include global initiatives like Accelerating Genetic Gains in Maize and Wheat (2020–2024) and Identifying Resistance to Ug99 in Wheat and Barley (2008–2011). His 15 most recent publications (2023–2024) highlight trends in crown rust detection, invasive species, and virulence evolution in barley leaf rust. Collaborators include institutions like CIMMYT, USDA-ARS, and international researchers. Yue Jin contributes to datasets on wheat stem rust genomics and is affiliated with the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center. His work addresses challenges in crop resilience and pathogen monitoring through peer-reviewed articles and field surveys.

• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Genetics
• Cereal Rust Fungi
• +4 more

Dr. Dilantha Fernando is a Professor and Dean of Studies at St. Paul's College, University of Manitoba . He holds adjunct professorships at the Centre for Crop Health, University of Southern Queensland and the National Institute of Fundamental Studies, Sri Lanka . His career spans over 25 years in plant pathology research, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions in canola and wheat diseases. Education : PhD in Plant Pathology (Oregon State University), MSc in Microbiology (University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka), BSc (Hons) in Botany (University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka) Dr. Fernando is renowned for his work on blackleg disease in canola , developing 38 cultivars with improved resistance. His research integrates molecular approaches with conventional methods for sustainable disease management. Key areas include fungal pathogenesis , phytomicrobiome dynamics , and fungicide resistance in crops. His recent publications emphasize Verticillium wilt , Fusarium head blight , and genetic resistance mechanisms . By 2024, he had over 165 peer-reviewed papers and 14 book chapters, with a h-index of 53 and citations exceeding 9,878. Professional Recognition : 2024 Fellow – Canadian Phytopathological Society 2024 Lifetime International Research Achievement in Agriculture Award, Taiwan 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award for Agricultural and Environmental Sustainability 2022 Fellow – Asian PGPR Society Dr. Fernando has mentored over 75 graduate students and postdocs , including the 2019 PhD student Rasanie Padmathileke . He has secured over $47 million in research funding, including the largest NSERC-CRD grant in Canadian agriculture. As Editor-in-Chief of Plant Pathology (2023–present), he shapes global research discourse. His laboratory in Manitoba leads studies on plant immunity , fungal epidemiology , and genomic-based disease forecasting .

• Plant Pathology
• Host-Pathogen Interaction
• Sustainable Agriculture
• +7 more

Prof. Dr. Eva Stukenbrock leads the Max Planck Fellow Group Environmental Genomics at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology in Plön, Germany. Her research focuses on the genomic evolution of plant-pathogenic fungi, particularly Zymoseptoria tritici , using population genomics and comparative approaches to unravel mechanisms of host specialization, virulence, and genome plasticity. Key Research Areas: Fungal plant pathogens, evolutionary genomics, population genetics, host-pathogen interactions, and microbiome dynamics Academic Leadership: Supervised 15+ PhD, Master’s, and Bachelor’s students in fungal pathogenesis and genomics Technical Innovation: Developed confocal microscopy pipelines for plant-fungal interaction analysis Her recent work reveals how domestication history shaped pathogen emergence, with studies on barley net blotch and oat crown rust in 2024. She has also uncovered roles of horizontal chromosome transfer in asexual pathogens and accessory chromosome loss leading to endophytic lifestyle shifts. Current projects include AI-assisted infection dynamics and tRNA composition analyses in fungal adaptation. Selected scientific trends from her 15 most recent articles include: Host specialization linked to vernalization requirements Segmental duplications driving accessory genome evolution Hybrid incompatibilities as speciation drivers Seed microbiome differences between wild and domesticated wheat Her lab collaborates with institutions like Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel and CRC Press , focusing on fungal effector biology , chromatin regulation , and agricultural disease management .

• Fungal Genomics
• Plant Pathology
• Evolutionary Biology
• +3 more

Michael Bradshaw is an Assistant Professor of Emerging Plant Pathogens in the Department of Plant Pathology at North Carolina State University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He is also the Director of the Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium, where he leads research in fungal systematics, evolution, and plant-pathogen interactions. Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, NC State University Director, Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium Research Focus: Fungal Biodiversity, Powdery Mildews, Herbarium Genomics Dr. Bradshaw's research centers on the taxonomy, phylogenetics, and ecology of fungi, particularly obligate plant pathogens like powdery mildews (Erysiphaceae). He leverages historical herbarium specimens to study the evolution and spread of plant pathogens, using advanced genomic and bioinformatic tools to analyze degraded DNA. His lab also explores culturing fungi from understudied biomes, including marine environments, and investigates biological control methods for agricultural weeds using fungal pathogens. His recent publications reveal a strong trend in fungal systematics and genomics, with a focus on describing new species, analyzing host-pathogen coevolution, and reconstructing the historical spread of pathogens using herbarium specimens. His work bridges classical mycology with modern molecular techniques, contributing significantly to understanding fungal biodiversity and disease dynamics. Dr. Bradshaw has secured research funding, including an NSF grant, and leads a dynamic lab with postdoctoral scholars, technicians, and undergraduate researchers. He mentors students and collaborates widely in the field of plant pathology. Director, Larry F. Grand Mycological Herbarium Principal Investigator, Bradshaw Lab Lab includes postdocs, technicians, and undergraduate researchers

• Plant Pathology
• Mycology
• Fungal Systematics
• +12 more

Dr. Ashley Jones is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Biology Teaching & Learning Centre and the Division of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on plant adaptation to environmental challenges, including climate change and fungal pathogens, leveraging long-read sequencing and bioinformatics. He holds a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from ANU and a Bachelor of Biotechnology from the University of Newcastle, where he earned multiple academic awards. Jones has secured $866K in funding, including grants from DAFF, CSIRO, and industry partners like Forest & Wood Products Australia. His work bridges basic research with practical conservation outcomes through collaborations with government agencies and botanic gardens. He has also contributed to SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance during the pandemic, aiding public health decision-making. Education: PhD, Plant Molecular Biology (ANU, 2017) Bachelor of Biotechnology (University of Newcastle, Honours Class I with University Medal, 2011) Research Interests: Jones investigates adaptive mechanisms in Australian native plants, genomic responses to environmental stress, and host-pathogen interactions. His lab employs cutting-edge sequencing technologies to study genome structure, gene regulation, and evolutionary adaptation. Recent projects include sequencing the Eucalyptus regnans genome and analyzing fungal pathogens like Austropuccinia psidii. Awards: Alan Wilton Award (Genetics Society of Australasia) Education and Outreach Award (ASPS) Science Innovation Award (DAFF) Harry Medlin Science Award (University of Adelaide) Grants & Projects: Principal Investigator: $369K in grants, including a $22K DAFF award and a $60K John Stocker Award. Collaborative Grant: $497K Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grant (team). Labs & Teams: Jones collaborates with CSIRO, ACT Health, and institutions like the University of Adelaide. His work integrates genomic tools with ecological and agricultural applications to address biodiversity conservation and crop resilience.

• Plant Adaptation
• Climate Change Biology
• Fungal Pathogens
• +4 more

Eve Runno-Paurson is a Professor of Integrated Crop Production at the Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences , Estonian University of Life Sciences. Her research focuses on plant pathology, fungal resistance, and sustainable crop management, particularly in potato and other field crops. Contact: Kreutzwald 5, eve.runno-paurson@emu.ee Her work spans Phytophthora infestans dynamics, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi , and climate-resilient crop systems . Recent publications explore nitrogen fertilization in sweet potatoes, machine learning for pathogen identification, and stress volatile emissions in infected plants. Key trends in her research include disease monitoring , host-pathogen interactions , and agricultural sustainability . She has no listed scientific awards or students in the provided data.

• Integrated Crop Production
• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Disease Resistance
• +5 more

Daniel Buchvaldt Amby is an External Researcher at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, specializing in molecular plant pathology. His research focuses on the evolutionary ecology of inter-kingdom host shifts between plants and insects of plant pathogenic fungi, with particular expertise in identification and characterization of fungal pathogens affecting agricultural crops. Dr. Amby's research program centers on developing and applying molecular (multi-loci and genome sequencing) and morphological diagnostic tools (microscopy and colony appearance) for identifying plant pathogenic fungi and oomycetes. He investigates population genetics, biology, and phenotyping of microbial pathogens causing diseases in crops such as strawberry, citrus, and quinoa. His previous work and ongoing collaborations explore beneficial fungal or bacterial strains that help plants (barley, maize, tomato) withstand abiotic stresses (drought, salinity) and biotic stresses (plant diseases) using molecular, biochemical, physiological, and multispectral imaging techniques. His research bridges fundamental understanding of pathogen biology with practical agricultural applications for disease management. Analysis of Dr. Amby's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong thematic focus on quinoa pathology, high-throughput phenotyping methodologies, and molecular identification of plant pathogens. His work demonstrates integration of traditional microbiological techniques with modern genomic and imaging technologies. Key research directions include development of automated phenotyping platforms (PhenoLab), characterization of emerging diseases in alternative crops, and establishment of practical diagnostic protocols for fungal pathogens. His publications appear in reputable journals across plant science, agricultural technology, and plant pathology domains, reflecting interdisciplinary research with practical applications for sustainable agriculture.

• Plant Pathology
• Molecular Biology
• Evolutionary Ecology
• +5 more

Brian J. Steffenson , a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Minnesota , is the Lieberman-Okinow Endowed Chair of Cereal Disease Resistance. His work focuses on leveraging genetic diversity in wild cereal species to enhance disease resistance in wheat, barley, oat, and rye. As Co-Director of the Stakman-Borlaug Center, he leads collaborative projects to clone resistance genes and study cereal rust evolution. Education PhD in Plant Pathology, University of California-Davis (1988) MS in Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota (1983) BS in Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota (1980) Research Interests Genetics of disease resistance in cereals Exploitation of wild crop progenitors for trait improvement Molecular diversity in plant pathogens Host-parasite co-evolution Virulence mechanisms in rust fungi Article Trends Recent work highlights gene discovery in barley (e.g., Rpg1 , rpg4 , RpgQ ), virulence effectors in rust fungi, and cross-species pathogen dynamics. Key methods include map-based cloning, haplotype analysis, and transgenic resistance testing. Projects integrate UN SDG goals for sustainable crop production. Grants USDA Agricultural Research Service (2022–2026): Genetic Enhancement of FHB Resistance , Host Immunity in Rust Evolution Collaborative projects on oat crown rust and barley germplasm development Labs & Teams Steffenson Lab Collaborations with researchers in Germany (IPK Gatersleben), Ethiopia, and the U.S.

• Disease Resistance
• Genetic Diversity
• Cereal Pathology
• +6 more

Yaniv Brandvain is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Biology within the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. He leads the "higgledy piggledy lab" which focuses on plant evolutionary genomics, with research spanning speciation, hybridization, adaptation, mating system evolution, and genomic conflict. His research interests include: Plant speciation mechanisms and the role of hybridization Mating system evolution in plants Genomic approaches to understanding evolutionary processes Plant domestication and de novo domestication efforts Reproductive isolation and genomic conflict Evolutionary consequences of selfing versus outcrossing Dr. Brandvain's research integrates population and quantitative genomic theory with empirical data analysis to address fundamental evolutionary questions. His work combines molecular genetics, comparative analyses, and theoretical modeling to understand the origin and maintenance of species diversity. A key aspect of his research program involves studying plant speciation using diverse model systems including Mimulus, Capsella, Helianthus, and Silphium. Scientific recognition: McKnight Land Grant Professor Dr. Brandvain actively mentors postdoctoral researchers and has collaborated extensively with colleagues across the University of Minnesota including Suzanne McGaugh, David Moeller, Emma Goldberg, James Pease, Kevin Smith, Candice Hirsch, and Peter Tiffin. He co-founded evolTWIN, a cross-departmental evolutionary biology group that facilitates collaboration among evolutionary biologists in the Twin Cities area. His lab has been instrumental in advancing the domestication of Silphium as a potential new perennial crop. The Brandvain lab maintains a strong presence in the evolutionary biology community, regularly presenting at major conferences and advocating for open science practices including the use of preprint servers for rapid dissemination of research findings.

• Plant Evolutionary Genomics
• Speciation
• Hybridization
• +5 more

Marili Vester is a Research Fellow at the Chair of Silviculture and Forest Ecology , Institute of Forestry and Engineering, Estonian University of Life Sciences. She obtained her PhD in 2023 with a dissertation on the genetic diversity and ecology of invasive forest pathogens. Her current research focuses on forest pathology, fungal biodiversity, and invasive species management. Education: PhD in Forestry, Estonian University of Life Sciences (2023) Master's in Forest Management, Estonian University of Life Sciences (2017, cum laude ) Bachelor's in Natural Resources Management, Estonian University of Life Sciences (2015, cum laude ) Research Interests: Dr. Vester specializes in forest pathology with emphasis on invasive pathogens (e.g., Lecanosticta acicola ), fungal ecology (e.g., Inonotus obliquus ), genetic diversity of forest pathogens, and sustainable forest management. Her work integrates molecular diagnostics, field surveys, and ecological modeling to address emerging forest health threats. Publications: Her recent articles (2018-2025) primarily explore invasive pathogen dynamics, fungal biodiversity, and disease management in European forests. Key themes include host-pathogen interactions, genetic adaptation of invasive species, and ecological impacts of forest diseases. Awards & Honors: Endel Laas Scholarship (2017) Heino Teder Scholarship (2016) Projects & Grants: She leads/co-leads multiple projects including: Boosting cultivation of Chaga mushroom (€234,000; 2024-2027) Detection of quarantine rust fungi (€80,000; 2024-2027) Impact of mycorrhizal inoculation on birch growth (€57,588; 2025-2028) Teaching: Instructs courses on Forest/Wood Pathogens (MI.1065) and Wood Protection (MI.1803).

• Forest Pathology
• Invasive Species
• Fungal Biodiversity
• +3 more