Xiaohong Wang

Potato cyst nematodes (G. rostochiensis and G. pallida) are internationally-recognized quarantine pests. As the only facility in the US that conducts both basic and applied research on potato cyst nematode G. rostochiensis, our program plays a vital role in helping maintain the viability of the US potato industry. There are two major areas of research ongoing in the lab: 1) Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of nematode parasitism with an emphasis on nematode effector functions and 2) Development of potato varieties resistant to G. rostochiensis.

Outreach and Extension Focus

I work with Walter De Jong, a potato breeder at Cornell (Plant Breeding and Genetics Section) to develop potato varieties resistance to different pathotypes of G. rostochiensis. My program also conducts nematode resistance screening for potato clones and varieties developed from many other potato breeding programs in the country. In addition, my program provides scientific and technical support to potato cyst nematode quarantine programs implemented in the states of New York and Idaho.