معرفی
Dr. Vamsi Nalam is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University. His research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant interactions with insect pests and pathogenic microbes to advance sustainable agricultural practices.
Research in the Nalam Lab explores plant defense strategies against aphids and pathogens, leveraging tools like the electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique and transcriptomic profiling. Key areas include understanding aphid feeding behavior, plant immune responses, and engineering disease resistance in crops. The lab is developing machine learning tools (e.g., DiscoEPG) to automate analysis of insect-plant interactions.
Recent studies highlight diurnal rhythms in plant-aphid interactions, the role of salivary effectors, and genetic resistance mechanisms in crops like wheat and sorghum. The lab also investigates emerging threats such as beet curly top virus and Potato Virus Y in Colorado.
- Labs/Teams: Nalam Lab (website: nalamlab.com) focuses on plant-biotic interactions.
- Advising: Current advisees include PhD student Stephannie Seng and USDA Pre-doctoral fellow Danile Kunk.
- Grants: Supported by USDA and other agencies for projects on aphid resistance and vector-borne diseases.
