Olga Makarova
Ph.d. student
Department of Integrated Pest Management
Research Centre Flakkebjerg
Forsøgsvej 1
DK-4200 Slagelse
Tel: +45 89993659
Olga.Makarova@agrsci.dk
Profile
I am studying Phytoplasmas, a group of biologically very attractive single-cell pathogens, which despite of the lack of many important metabolic pathways are still able to manipulate their plant and insect hosts and cause yield loss worldwide. My project is focused on two main aspects: host adaptation and DNA barcoding, which requires both molecular biology and bioinformatics skills. Development of a molecular DNA barcode identification system of phytoplasmas will aid plant inspection services in distinguishing individual species of phytoplasma and correct identification of quarantine and regulated plant pathogens, while the study of phytoplasma adaptation to diverse environments (plant and insect) using a systems biology approach will help to identify genes relevant for it and give us a better understanding of host adaptation.