Ingo Hein | Ph.D | Dipl. Biol. | FRSB

My work connects the disciplines of plant pathology and potato genetics. My research is aimed at the fundamental and applied aspects of crop and pathogen genomics as well as genetics to deliver crop protection against biotic threats. I have developed genomic tools to effectively harness and study the naturally occurring diversity of co-evolving plant and pathogen components that determine the outcome of the infection process. This fundamental knowledge is utilised, often with commercial partners, to identify and develop complementary pathogen control mechanisms. My current research is focused on the Solanaceae crop potato and the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans. I am exploring the diversity within the Commonwealth Potato Collection (CPC) held at the James Hutton Institute to identify novel receptors and plant genes targeted by pathogens. The diversity within the interacting potato and P. infestans genes is utilised to address key biological questions including elucidating the function of pathogen effectors and the mechanisms that lead to resistance.