John Labavitch, Carl Greve and associates

Our primary research themes center around studies of interesting aspects of plant development that include a central role for the metabolism of cell walls.  Specific topics include:

Cell wall polysaccharide change in relationship to ripe fruit texture and the consistency characteristics of processed fruits (mainly tomatoes)

The interactions of fungal pathogens with fruit and other plant parts - a focus is on pectin-degrading enzymes (called PGs) and their inhibition by plant proteins that are PG-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs).  Expression og pear fruit PGIP genes in tomatoes enhances the fruit resistance to grey mold (Botrytis cinerea).  We also are working on Pierce’s Disease. 

We also are studying plant-insect interactions (specifically lygus bug interaction with alfalfa, cotton and tomato and glassy-winged sharpshooter interactions with grapevines).  Here the focus also involves the interaction of PG enzymes (from the insect) and plant PGIPs.

In relationship to the “fruit and vegetable quality” project…

Our primary contribution will be in developing protocols for analysis of important fruit and vegetable chemicals that are contributors to the foods’ flavor, aroma or nutritional quality.  We are are also involved in a proposal that will look at specific aspects of a strawberry’s phytochemicals that may be beneficial in reducing specific human health problems

Curriculum Vitae

Research Slides