Lab website

David studies how plants protect themselves from viral infections. He has discovered that potato and tobacco plants can recognise viral proteins, following which they activate anti-viral mechanisms, while other plants have a defence mechanism called RNA silencing which prevents viral proteins from being produced. David’s long-term goal is to understand how plant growth, development and evolution are influenced by RNA silencing. David is also using his expertise to conduct a survey commissioned by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to ascertain whether there are any hazards associated with using RNA silencing technology in crop plants.