Phytopathology
Phytopathology is the science of plant disease. The Laboratory of Phytopathology, led by Willem Jan de Kogel, researches how plant pathogens interact with plants, how they gain foothold, and exactly what effect they have. The aim of this research is to gain knowledge that will stand at the basis of ensuring future food security and prevention of harvest disasters such as the potato famine and the current banana crisis.
Research themes
Translational phytopathology
This team aims to resolve big problems in global agriculture, with a focus on perennial crops, by addressing fundamental questions with practical application in mind.
Effector biology
The Effector team researches how pathogens use small secreted proteins to manipulate plant defence systems and infect plants.
Receptor biology
The Receptor team aims to unravel how plants resist pathogens by activating their immune response upon pathogen detection and, conversely, how pathogens successfully elude resistance.
Population genomics
This team studies how ecological and evolutionary processes interactively culminate in disease outbreaks, using a combination of bioinformatics, experimental evolution and in silico modelling.
Education
Education by the Laboratory of Phytopathology
Our education is focused on training future scientists to contribute to solving phytopathological problems in crops important to worldwide food security. We thrive on interacting with bachelor, master and postgraduate students. Their diverse background, enthusiasm and interests strongly motivate the teaching and technical support staff in the department.
Publications & Projects
The Laboratory of Phytopathology works on a range of research topics, with each project falling under one of the four research themes. They share the results of these projects in scientific journals, professional journals, scientific and popular books, and proceedings.
Chair Holder
Willem Jan de Kogel is Business Unit Manager at the Biointeractions & Plant Health department and now works as the Interim Chair Holder of the Laboratory of Phytopathology.
dr. WJ (Willem Jan) de Kogel
Interim Chairholder
People of Phytopathology
Meet the people of the Laboratory of Phytopathology.
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