Panagiotis Sarris

Plant pathogens pose a serious threat to global food production, causing loss of up to 40% in the annual production of major crops.

In my laboratory we focus on the elucidation of the "molecular dialogs" underlying the Plant-Microbe Interactions (MPMI), to understand both microbial pathogenicity (in susceptible hosts), as well as, the activation of Innate Immunity in resistant plants.

One of the major challenges facing humankind in the 21st century is how to feed a growing population that may exceed 9.5 billion people by 2050. This needs to be done using the same or even less natural resources, because water and land are used in the increasing urbanisation of the world. This implies that plant productivity needs to increase dramatically and that preventing crop losses from diseases will therefore be crucial to ensuring global food security.

Plant diseases, caused by pathogenic microorganisms seriously endanger global food production, triggering up to 40% loss to the annual production of important crops. Today we fight pathogens using chemicals that are not always safe for humans and the environment. This makes crucial the development of sustainable and environment-friendly ways to minimize crop loss to pathogens.