Dr. Florian Kümmel
Research focus
Root diseases caused by fungal pathogens pose a major threat to cereal crop production. My research focuses on deciphering the genetic and molecular pathways by which plant root pathogens induce host cell death and establish virulence. To this end, I am investigating Bipolaris sorokiniana (Bs), which causes common root rot (CRR) in barley. I want to isolate and characterize Bs-derived molecules that determine CRR severity via genetic and biochemical approaches.
This will guide the identification of corresponding plant susceptibility targets, informing strategies to enhance genetic resistance against CRR in barley and related cereals.
