The Baum Lab

Research in the Baum lab focuses on the compatible interaction between cyst nematodes and their hosts with particular emphasis on the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and the sugar beet cyst nematode (H. schachtii). To a smaller extent, some projects are dealing with the root-knot nematodes, Meloidogyne spp. This group of so-called sedentary endoparasitic phytonematodes represents the most damaging group of plant-parasitic nematode and is responsible for billions of annual losses. We are working to understand the molecular, genetic, and biochemical events of successful plant parasitism, the so-called compatible interaction.