Throughout my career I have been fascinated by how plants recruit beneficial microbes in order to obtain nutrients. Particularly, I study how rice senses and accommodates the beneficial fungi, arbuscular mycorrhiza, in their roots. The knowledge gained from my research has identified key molecular components involved in this process, which increase the efficiency of this symbiotic relationship. Ultimately, my long-term goal is to develop new technologies to reduce the need for fertilization and thereby promote sustainable agricultural practices.
