Mojgan Rabiey

Bacterial pathogens severely impact crops and trees, leading to major economic losses worldwide. Current control measures are often limited, and the rise of antibiotic resistance in plant pathogens has made traditional approaches increasingly unsustainable. This creates an urgent need for innovative, targeted strategies to manage plant diseases. Our research focuses on phage therapy, the use of naturally occurring bacteriophages (phages) that specifically infect and kill bacterial pathogens. Unlike antibiotics, phages are highly selective, targeting only their bacterial hosts while leaving beneficial microbes unharmed. In laboratory and plant-based studies, they have shown strong potential to reduce bacterial populations and control disease. In my lab, we are advancing phage therapy for crop and tree health through a multi-layered approach: Phage discovery and characterisation:We isolate phages from plant and soil environments and characterize them using genome sequencing, electron microscopy, receptor analysis, and both in vitro and in planta assays to test efficacy against key pathogens. Tracking phage–bacteria–plant interactions:Using genetic engineering and fluorescent labeling, we follow the movement of phages and bacteria within plant tissues by confocal microscopy, providing insights into how they interact at the cellular level. Resistance management:Through passaging and co-evolution experiments, we investigate how bacteria evolve resistance to phages and identify the mechanisms involved. These studies guide strategies to prevent resistance and ensure long-term effectiveness of phage therapy. Application and delivery methods:We test precise delivery systems to ensure phages reach their bacterial targets effectively in the plant environment, tailoring approaches for specific crops and diseases. Microbiome impact:We explore how phages shape the wider plant microbiome using metagenomics, and how these shifts affect plant health, resilience, and productivity.

Ziyue Zeng, John W. Mansfield, Andrea Vadillo-Dieguez, John Connell, James Irvine, Michelle T. Hulin, Fernando Duarte Frutos, Mojgan Rabiey, Nastasiya F. Grinberg, Richard J. Harrison, Xiangming Xu, Robert W. Jackson (2026) Genomic Surceillance of Epiphytic Pseudomonas syringae Highlights shared Reservoirs and Cross-Habitat Threats to Cherry Orchards and Nearby Woodland Plants. Molecular Plant Pathology, 27 (2). ISSN 1464-6722, doi: 10.1111/mpp.70208