Crop plants have low levels of genetic diversity, making them susceptible to devastating disease epidemics. Current breeding practices introduce disease resistance through a long and laborious process, usually targeting one gene at a time. As a result, resistance can be rapidly defeated when a new virulent pathogen race evolves. 

Our project is focused on generating novel variation in plant immune receptors, akin to adaptive evolution of antibodies, in a test tube. We are utilizing the newest breakthroughs in DNA synthesis to create a replenishable biobank of novel plant immune receptor alleles. We are particularly interested in targeting devastating diseases of wheat, such as wheat stripe rust and wheat blast.