Examining genetic diversity (biological/functional, molecular genetic and phylogenetic) of Globodera pallida using comparative sequencing, expression analyses, and functional analyses to investigate host/nematode interactions and virulence with the aim of sustainable management of host resistance.
Developing molecular diagnostics for plant parasitic nematodes and using them to understand population structure, intraspecific competition and population dynamics.
Understanding the role of temperature on potato cyst nematode (PCN) multiplication for risk predictions.
Evaluating the effect of combining resistances to PCN on competition and multiplication.
Investigating the evolution of the multipartite mitochondrial genome of Globodera pallida and related species.
Past research
Joined the Institute in 1989 as postdoctoral researcher investigating the molecular structure of Raspberry Ringspot Virus and the satellite of Groundnut Rosette Virus.
In 1992 joined the Nematology group to investigate the molecular basis of biological variation in relation to virulence of Globodera pallida and Meloidogyne spp., the host response to these nematodes and the development of diagnostics to PCN, root-knot nematodes and virus vector nematodes.