“Symbiosis” denotes a close biological interaction between different species of organisms; that include mutualistic, commensalistic, and parasitic relationships. Because plants are anchored where they sprout, they often need to obtain nutrients via symbiotic relationships with other organisms. Parasitic plants deserve attention regarding the manner in which they obtain their nutritional requirements from other plants. Certain parasitic plants parasitize important crop species, and therefore pose a worldwide threat to agricultural production.

Our laboratory studies on Orobanchaceae, a family of parasitic species that includes noxious weed pests such as Striga, Orobanche and Phelipanche spp, and investigates the molecular mechanism of parasitism. Specifically, we focus on the parasitic weed Striga (witchweed) and the model parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum. We apply molecular genetics, cell biology, and genome science methodologies and technologies to investigate the mysteries and evolution of parasitism, and to discover solutions for preventing parasitic damage to crops.