Dr Kelvin Khoo

My research investigates the genetic control of soil-borne parasitic nematodes in wheat, chickpea, and barley. In this project, I am specifically targetting the 6DS resistance locus in wheat against the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus thornei. Given that P. thornei infestations can cause sisgnificant yield losses to the wheat industry, the identification and characterisation of the causal gene underlying this resistance locus will provide valuable information in the quest to breed new resistant wheat lines. 

Given that chickpea is also susceptible to P. thornei infection and is often planted in rotation with wheat, we also aim to discover and develop molecular marker assays that can aid in marker-assisted selection of resistant chickpea lines. This will accelerate breeding processes and allow the development of resistant chickpea germplasm.

Another focus of this project is the investigation of two resistance loci against the cereal cyst nematode, Heterodera avenae, in barley. We have currently narrowed down both genetic regions significantly. We are at the stage where we are starting to identify and clone potential candidate genes within the regions so that we can functionally characterise them.