In my PhD, I have worked extensively on root-nodule symbiosis in peanut (Arachis hypogaea) and model legume Medicago truncatula to understand the crosstalk between phytohormonal pathway and symbiosis pathway in the development of nodule meristem through molecular biology and comparative transcriptomics.
The aim of ENSA is to use biological nitrogen fixation to sustainably increase yields for small-holder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of ENSA, the Harrison group is working to study symbiotic associations in the Rosaceae.
My research focusses on understanding the molecular basis of early signalling events involved in symbiosis between the host and microbe, with the aim of engineering nitrogen fixation in strawberry.
Timo is working as a principal research scientist at the Genetics, Genomics & Breeding department at East Malling and as an associate professor at the Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Helsinki. His research focuses on the molecular control of reproductive development and environmental adaptation in strawberries using woodland strawberry as a model. His group applies population, quantitative and functional genomic methods to identify key genes and generates transgenic lines to validate gene functions.
Xiangming focuses his research on elucidating quantitative epidemiology of important pathogens/diseases on perennial crops, including top/soft fruit and ornamental species with the aim to develop and implementing sustainable and integrated disease management strategies. More recently, Xiangming has been engaged in understanding soil/substrate microbial ecology using next generation sequencing technology, with specific interests in the use of beneficial microbes for improving crop productivity.
The aim of my research is to understand the nutritional requirements of both annual and perennial production systems and develop “best” management strategies that improve nutrient use efficiency in economically important crops while maintaining and/or improving existing yields and quality. I am also interest to manipulate nutrient supply to enhance secondary plant compounds on fruit and vegetables. To achieve this I study the influence of nutrient availability on phytonutrient biosynthesis, using physiological and molecular biological tools.
Professor Mario Caccamo was appointed as the Head of Crop Bioinformatics at NIAB in 2015, Managing Director of NIAB EMR in 2017 and NIAB CEO in October 2021.
A computer scientist by training, Professor Caccamo has over 20 years’ experience in life science research and big data, including specific projects to apply the latest DNA sequencing technologies and bioinformatics methods to advance scientific understanding of crop genetics and the interaction of agricultural crops with their environment.
