Research
The Brauer lab conducts research on plant physiology and disease resistance with the ultimate goal of improving cereal crop production. We use a combination of molecular biology, genetics and phenomics (high throughput plant phenotyping) to solve problems in plant agriculture. Please see our most up to date publications and check the contact tab to find out how to join the lab.
Cereal innate immunity and disease resistance
Inducible immune responses help to protect plants from microbes and mediate beneficial microbe interactions, but the regulation of these responses is only starting to be uncovered in the cereals. Our goal is to leverage genetic resources in model plant species and cereals to 1) identify the key processes influencing interactions between fungi and plant hosts, 2) identify sources and mechanisms of host genetic resistance and 3) provide genetic resources for integration of resistance into cultivated varieties of barley, wheat and maize. Our current focus on Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum has revealed the importance of pattern-triggered immunity in plant resistance to this pathogen.
Field phenomics & plant-environment interactions
To support a data-driven approach to evaluate differences between lines, the Brauer lab uses in-field imaging to measure plant growth and development. We currently use the PlotCam platform (handheld) developed at AAFC, the University of Saskatchewan Field Phenotyping System (mobile cart) and drones to measure traits in wheat. We are particularly interested in understanding interactions between plants and their environment including under biotic and abiotic stresses to advance genetic improvement of these traits in barley and wheat.
Cereal innate immunity and disease resistance
Inducible immune responses help to protect plants from microbes and mediate beneficial microbe interactions, but the regulation of these responses is only starting to be uncovered in the cereals. Our goal is to leverage genetic resources in model plant species and cereals to 1) identify the key processes influencing interactions between fungi and plant hosts, 2) identify sources and mechanisms of host genetic resistance and 3) provide genetic resources for integration of resistance into cultivated varieties of barley, wheat and maize. Our current focus on Fusarium head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum has revealed the importance of pattern-triggered immunity in plant resistance to this pathogen.
Field phenomics & plant-environment interactions
To support a data-driven approach to evaluate differences between lines, the Brauer lab uses in-field imaging to measure plant growth and development. We currently use the PlotCam platform (handheld) developed at AAFC, the University of Saskatchewan Field Phenotyping System (mobile cart) and drones to measure traits in wheat. We are particularly interested in understanding interactions between plants and their environment including under biotic and abiotic stresses to advance genetic improvement of these traits in barley and wheat.