Miss Levanya Reddy
Alumni
Molecular Plant-Pathogen Interactions
Research Interests
My Honours research project focused on the plant – pathogen interaction between the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and the soil-borne, vascular
pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. The research question addressed in this study revisited a previously elucidated resistant interaction between an A. thaliana ecotype and the
Eucalyptus isolate of R. solanacearum. This was done by quantifying bacterial numbers in the plant ecotype and comparing it to a known susceptible interaction of this
pathogen in another ecotype to clarify whether the ‘resistant’ interaction was, in fact, one of tolerance instead. The data obtained indeed suggested an interaction of tolerance. By
clarifying this interaction the mechanisms behind it can be investigated to aid the advancement of knowledge about this devastating pathogen
On a personal note, I thoroughly enjoyed doing my Honours degree through the MPPI research group. The environment was very friendly and there was always
help when it was needed. Being a part of this lab really eased the pressure of what I thought would be an extremely daunting year. Instead, it went more smoothly than expected due to the
encouragement that’s always given by fellow lab members. Anyone choosing to study through this lab would not be disappointed.
