Dr. Seogchan Kang

Dr. Seogchan Kang

Professor of Plant Pathology

Department:  Plant Pathology & Environmental Microbiology
College:  College of Agricultural Sciences
Address:  311 Buckhout Lab
Phone:  814-863-3846
E-mail:  sxk55@psu.edu
Website:  http://plantpath.psu.edu/directory/sxk55

Sniffing and eavesdropping on microbes: Discovery and characterization of microbial compounds that affect plant health
The steadily growing global need for quality food and feed under a combination of threats to plant health (e.g., water shortage, increasing soil salinity, accelerating migration of pests, and climate change) calls for effective strategies for managing biotic and abiotic stress in crop plants. One such strategy is the establishment or fortification of beneficial microbes that assist plants in managing biotic and abiotic stress. A related strategy is to effectively control microbes pathogenic to plants. Both approaches require a comprehensive understanding of the structure and function of diverse groups of microbes associated with plants.

To address this need, my lab focuses on the following areas of research: i) advance our understanding of the molecular, cellular and evolutionary mechanisms underpinning plant-fungi interactions; ii) understand the molecular and cellular basis of calcium-mediated control of fungal growth and development; and iii) support community research and education on multiple pathogen groups, as well as their management, by archiving and disseminating relevant data and tools through web-based informatics platforms. We are using genetics, analytical chemistry, imaging tools, and informatics to explore these areas of research and offer diverse learning and professional development opportunities.