THE MA LAB research focuses on Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC), a cross-kingdom fungal pathogen that infects both plants and animals. Long since regarded as a highly destructive plant pathogen, F. oxysporum was recently recognized by World Health Organization as a high-priority threat to human health. The landmark discovery of accessory chromosomes (ACs), horizontally transmitted regions of a F. oxysporum genome that determine the host-specific virulence, established the foundation of our research. Considering the high mortality rate of patients with fusariosis, as well as the intractability of various Fusarium wilts and their devastating effects on crop production, our research has direct impacts on both public health and agricultural productivity. In addition, the Ma lab is an active member of the team that investigates the evolution and diversity of Peronospora belbahrii, the causal agent of basil downy mildew (BDM).
Illustration by: Melanie Wu
Joni Campilan
Plant Biology Graduate Student
What do you like about UMass Fusarium Lab?
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"The weekly sessions in Ma Lab are my favorite since they allow me to connect with and learn from my co-researchers rather than just sit there. It's an environment I'd like to incorporate into my future works both here and abroad."
A CANOPY OF HOPE, BANANA LEAVES REACHING FOR HEAVENS. Depicting in this picture are banana plantations in the Philippines that inspired Joni Campilan to address the threat of Banana Fusarium Wilt in his country. Armed with bioinformatics and molecular biology, he meticulously analyzes the pathogen's weaknesses, aiming to devise effective strategies to safeguard the banana industry in the Philippines and worldwide.
ABOUT US
We are a group of scientists working together to answer scientific questions with the best of our ability truthfully, joyfully and collaboratively. Our model system is Fusarium oxysporum, a highly adaptive species complex that consists of both plant and human pathogens. Driven by curiosity, we adopt diverse computational and experimental biology approaches.​
