Hi Carol Kälin!  

What are you doing in the project?  

Aphanomyces euteiches is an oomycete pathogen that causes root rot in pea. I am studying the genes responsible for an increased disease resistance in pea as well as the genetics that make the pathogen more or less aggressive on the plant. 

Why is the project important?  

Aphanomyces root rot is the most devastating disease in green pea production. To reduce yield losses and the use of chemical control, it is essential to increase resistance to the disease in commercial pea varieties.  

 What did you do before you started your PhD?  

I did my Master’s degree in Plant Sciences at the University of Zurich and continued with an internship in plant breeding before starting my PhD. 

Tell about one of your best moment or experience during your PhD studies thus far!  

Presenting my research at the Fungal Genetics Conference in California has definitely been a highlight of my PhD so far. It was inspiring to meet many other researchers in the field and spend time in an exciting environment. 

The interview was conducted in 2022.