Advanced Plant Pathology

- Novel diagnostic tools in plant pathology: PCR- and sequencing-based techniques (real-time PCR; digital PCR; single nucleotide polymorphisms); next generation sequencing (NGS)-based techniques; remote sensing.
- Study of genetic diversity and fitness of the plant pathogens: analyses of conserved and hyper-variable genes; molecular markers associated with biological features of the pathogens; selective pressure, adaptation and virulence of plant pathogens.
- Molecular epidemiology: utilization of molecular markers to trace the spread pathways of the plant pathogens (identification of plant hosts and insect vectors).
- "Omics" approach to identify and study the effectors and virulence factors of plant pathogens: analysis of plant pathogens genomes; identification and function of plant pathogen effectors and virulence factors.
- Selection/production of crop varieties resistant against plant pathogens: screening of varieties with different susceptibility versus the pathogens; transcriptome analysis of the host/pathogen complex; identification of genes involved in host/pathogen interactions; genome editing for the production of resistant varieties.
- Sustainable strategies for managing the plant pathogens: preventive techniques; integrated multidisciplinary approach; design/utilization of molecules/living organisms for plant pathogen control.