The Applied Mycology Laboratory focuses on generating new knowledge to understand the fundamental basis of emerging diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi. Our goal is to develop tools that enable a rapid response to contain and limit the potential damage posed by these emerging threats. We are particularly interested in understanding the factors that contribute to the emergence and persistence of destructive pathogens as they adapt to new environments and hosts—especially those that were historically considered weak pathogens or endophytes.
Our research primarily centers on diseases affecting fruits (such as guava, wax apple, strawberry, mango, kiwi, loquat, and grape) and Allium crops in Taiwan, caused by emerging pathogenic fungi. Specifically, we investigate the biology, epidemiology, and management of pre- and postharvest fruit, foliar, and root diseases caused by fungal pathogens. This work encompasses studies in mycology, the ultrastructure of host-pathogen relationships, soil fungal biology, and the use of genetic and genomic data to understand the ecology and evolution of plant pathogen populations and plant-associated microbes. We also focus on developing both biological and molecular techniques for pathogen detection and identification, as well as creating disease forecasting programs and innovative management practices.
In addition, we are interested in fungal biodiversity, particularly species that are pathogens of insects. Our research employs comparative genomics, morphological features, and secondary metabolites profiling to determine relationships, devise classification systems, and understand the evolutionary drivers of these fungi.
Our specific research objectives are to:
- Understand the pathogenicity and lifestyle transitions of Pestalotiopsis sensu lato.
- Manage fruit diseases caused by Pestalotiopsis sensu lato species using chemical, cultural, and biocontrol approaches.
- Control diseases of Welsh onion using chemical, biocontrol, and microbiome manipulation approaches.
- Determine the diversity, comparative genomics, and biological activity of entomopathogenic fungi in Taiwan.
應用真菌學實驗室專注於植物病原真菌所引發之新興疾病的基本原理。本實驗室目標為開發能快速應對這些新興疾病威脅的工具，從而遏制並減少潛在的損害，並特別關注因適應新環境及宿主所出現具毀滅性的病原體，尤其是那些在過往被視為內生菌或弱病原體者。
我們研究聚焦於影響臺灣水果（如芭樂、蓮霧、草莓、芒果、奇異果、枇杷及葡萄）與青葱作物的新興病原真菌引發之疾病。本實驗室專門研究由真菌病原體引起的收穫前後果實、葉片及根部疾病的生物學、流行病學及其防治管理。本研究範疇涵蓋真菌學、宿主-病原體交互關係及土壤真菌生物學的探討，並運用基因與基因組數據來了解植物病原菌群體及與植物相關之微生物生態與演化。我們同時致力於開發病原菌檢測鑑定之生物分子技術，並創建疾病預測系統及創新管理方法。此外，我們也運用比較基因組學、形態特徵以及次級代謝物分析來確認蟲生真菌的分類系統，並深入了解其演化驅動因素。
本實驗室具體研究目標為：
1. 探討 Pestalotiopsis 屬真菌的致病性及型態轉換。
2. 使用化學、作物栽培及生物防治方法管理由 Pestalotiopsis 屬真菌所引起之水果疾病。
3. 透過化學、生物防治及微生物群操控方法抑制青葱的病害。
4. 探討蟲生真菌的多樣性、比較基因組學及生物活性。