معرفی
Dr. Nabil Killiny serves as an Associate Professor in Plant Pathology at the University of Florida's Citrus Research and Education Center (CREC), part of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). His research program focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of pathogen-vector interfaces, with particular emphasis on citrus diseases including the devastating Huanglongbing (citrus greening).
Dr. Killiny's research spans multiple dimensions of plant-pathogen-vector interactions. His laboratory investigates the complex molecular relationships between plant pathogens and their insect vectors, examining circulative systems like Spiroplasma citri/Circulifer haematoceps, Xylella fastidiosa/Graphocephala atropunctata, and Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus/Diaphorina citri. His work integrates metabolomics, transcriptomics, and molecular techniques to characterize how pathogens colonize vectors and move between hosts. Current research directions include RNA interference applications for vector control, plant defense mechanisms involving metabolites like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and melatonin, and genetic approaches to enhance citrus resistance.
Analysis of Dr. Killiny's recent publications (2023-2024) reveals a strategic multi-pronged approach to combating citrus greening disease. His team is simultaneously investigating molecular targets for disrupting pathogen transmission, developing RNA interference-based control methods for the Asian citrus psyllid vector, characterizing plant defense responses, and exploring genetic modifications to improve citrus resilience. A notable trend is the focus on understanding how metabolic pathways like the GABA shunt contribute to plant defense against pathogens.
Dr. Killiny actively mentors the next generation of plant pathologists, currently supervising PhD students Brad Dawson and Yagyaraj Joshi, along with postdoctoral researchers Lamiaa Mahmoud, Yasser Nehela, and Tejbhan Saini. His laboratory operations are supported by lab managers Shelley Jones and Lorraine Jones. His research program is funded through multiple grants addressing critical challenges in citrus production, particularly focused on sustainable solutions for Huanglongbing management.
In addition to his research leadership, Dr. Killiny contributes to academic instruction through courses including PLP 5115C Citrus Pathology and PLP 6245 Fastidious Bacteria and Plant Diseases. He also serves in editorial capacities for publications related to plant bacterial pathogens and their insect vectors, reflecting his standing as a thought leader in the field of vector-pathogen interactions.
