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Academic Background
Postdoctoral Fellow, Developmental, Cell, and Molecular Biology Group, Duke University, 2003
Ph.D. Plant Pathology, minor Biotechnology, North Carolina State University, 2001
M.S. Plant Pathology, University of Nebraska, 1995
B.S. Biology, University of Puget Sound, 1993
Research Interests and Current Efforts
My research is focused on molecular plant-nematode interactions with an emphasis on the sedentary endoparasitic cyst and root-knot nematodes. Pathosystems include cyst (Heterodera glycines) nematode on soybean, cyst (Vittitadera zeaphila) nematode on corn, and root-knot (Meloidogyne spp.) nematodes on soybean, cotton, and peanut. We utilize the model plant Arabidopsis to accelerate our studies to dissect the molecular basis of parasitism by cyst (Heterodera schachtii) and root-knot nematodes. Our work addresses plant responses during compatible and incompatible plant-nematode interactions, the identification and functional analysis of nematode stylet-secreted effector proteins, and developmental reprogramming of host root cells via peptide mimicry and phytohormone manipulation. I work closely with plant breeders to develop high yielding, nematode resistant varieties. Current efforts are also focused on translating basic discoveries to develop novel approaches for nematode resistance in crop plants
More information about Dr. Mitchum
Faculty profile on Experts@UGA
Publications on Google Scholar
