Y (Yichien) Lee

Research:

Genetics is an essential tool for understanding the biology of an organism, including its reproduction, development, and adaptation. With the rapid advancement of sequencing technologies, it has become possible to decode genomes with greater accuracy and detail.

Our research aims to investigate the genetic basis of nematodes—particularly species within the genera Globodera, Meloidogyne, and Ditylenchus—which represent some of the most economically significant plant-parasitic groups. With access to high-quality genetic information, we aim to expand our understanding of how different nematodes interact with their hosts, compete within field environments, and exhibit variation in virulence across different populations. These insights reveal how ecological pressures, host availability, and evolutionary history shape the diversity of these species.

Such genomic and population-level perspectives provide a broader view of nematode biology and offer valuable foundations for developing effective approaches to manage plant-parasitic species. At the same time, they help clarify the complex processes that drive biodiversity and evolutionary change.