Our research focuses on characterizing fungal diversity and evaluating fungi as potential biological control agents in agriculture and as sources of novel antimicrobial compounds. We use a high-throughput in vitro screening pipeline to assess antifungal and antibacterial activity across a diverse culture collection. We also investigate the use of the rust Puccinia suaveolens as a biological control agent for the invasive weed Cirsium arvense. This work integrates population genetic analyses with ecological and virulence studies to identify highly effective strains for biocontrol applications, with the broader goal of reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

Fungi secreting antifungal and antibacterial products in vitro. Images by Mich Bensinger and Uma Crouch