Lightning Talk Participants Spring Symposium 2025

Joseph Balem

Laboratory: Dr. Li Yang

Status: Incoming Graduate Student

Talk Title: The Role of Evaporative Cooling in Plant Wound Healing

Abstract: Plants need a robust response to the wide variety of wounds they collect. A signature of plant wounding-state transcriptomes is a response to cold, induced by evaporative cooling at fresh, leaky wounding sites. This phenomena yields two unique perspectives on plant wounding and healing: plants may be able to sense/rely on these localized temperature reductions to sense and respond more rapidly to wounding, and humans can monitor this temperature reduction and use the subsequent normalization of temperature as a means to monitor wound healing. This approach allows for comparison of healing rate between different conditions/genotypes in a nondestructive fashion.

Muni Khyathi Madduru

Laboratory: Conner lab

Status: Graduate Student

Talk Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Zinc Concentration, Deficiency Traits, and Spectral Indicators in Pecan 

Abstract: 

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis), a North American tree valued for nutritionally rich nuts, commonly faces zinc deficiency causing "pecan rosette," characterized by stunted growth and distorted foliage. A genetic mapping population evaluated relationships between leaf zinc content, deficiency symptoms, biometric traits, and spectral indices via drone-based RGB and multispectral imaging. Significant positive correlations occurred between leaf zinc content and SPAD readings, biometric traits, and spectral indices (GRVI, TGI, NDVI, SAVI, OSAVI), while visual severity and incidence of symptoms negatively correlated with leaf zinc content. Results emphasize complex zinc-spectral trait interactions, underscoring remote sensing’s potential for predictive modeling and pecan breeding strategies.

Skye Remko

Laboratory: Parrott

Status: Graduate Student

Talk Title: From Grass to Gas: Enhancing Switchgrass for Sustainable Jet Fuel Production

Fnu Nuoendagula

Laboratory: Chung-Jui (CJ) Tsai 

Status: Post-Doc

Talk Title: Engineering Lignin and Cell Walls to Enhance Wood Properties for Agricultural Applications

Abstract:

The transformation of lignocellulose biomass into biofuels and biochemicals is challenging and costly due to lignin’s heterogeneity. Key strategies, such as modifying lignin polymerization and introducing labeled linkages, aim to overcome these challenges. We recently identified a gene for lignin acetylation, producing cell walls that, we believe, are suitable for uncatalyzed, additive-free hydrolysis. Additionally, the integration of a novel monomer into poplar lignin enhances sugar release compared to wild-type plants. These advancements offer significant potential for engineering lignocellulose materials that are easier to pretreat, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable biofuel and biochemical production.

Julian Somers

Laboratory: Brad Nelms lab

Status: Graduate Student

Talk Title: Extensive haploid gene expression in pollen

Abstract:

Pollen actively transcribe genes from their haploid genomes and express phenotypes. My research demonstrates that haploid gene expression in pollen is genome-wide and occurs in multiple diverse species: maize, Arabidopsis, and tomato. Approximately 60-80% of genes are expressed during pollen development, including many genes important for survival and for agriculture. As a result, a large portion of the genome is subject to purifying selection during the haploid generation. 

Mariah Arnold

Laboratory: Yang lab in the Department of Plant Pathology

Status: Undergraduate Student

Talk Title: Study the impact of phyllosphere microbiome on plant regeneration (Mariah Lee Arnold, Yun Fan Stephanie Chen, Li Yang)

Abstract: 

The ability to repair damaged tissue is essential for plants survival in nature. In agriculture, tissue regeneration is also the foundation of various practices such as grafting and micropropagation. While microbes are known to significantly influence plant development and stress responses, their role in tissue regeneration remains poorly understood. Here, we studied the impact of plant-associated bacteria on de novo root regeneration (DNRR), after the formation of adventitious root from detached leaves. Arabidopsis explants were placed onto sand plates that were inoculated with various strains of leaf-isolated bacteria. Seven leaf endophytic bacteria strains were tested for their function to influence the efficiency of DNRR. We found that four strains enhanced root regeneration by over fifteen percent compared to the mock. In addition, three strains reduced root regeneration. These findings suggested that certain members of the phyllosphere microbiome have a distinct impact on regeneration.

Simrandeep Kaur

Laboratory: Brian Kvitko

Status: Graduate Student 

Talk Title: Unraveling Thiosulfinate Tolerance Mechanisms in Pantoea ananatis: Insights into Bacterial Defense in Allium Crops 

Abstract: 

Pantoea ananatis causes severe center rot in onions in the face of onions’ capacity to produce thiosulfinates, which inactivate bacterial enzymes by oxidizing cysteine thiols. Our lab discovered an 11-gene alt cluster that helps P. ananatis survive this attack. Four genes—altC, altD, altE, and altG—contain conserved CXXC motifs that may reverse damage via disulfide exchange. Growth and inhibition assays showed altC, altD, and altE help bacteria tolerate thiosulfinates, with activity dependent on their CXXC motif. AltD acts as thioredoxin, reducing disulfide bonds in vitro. Uncovering this mechanism may inform promising strategies to manage bacterial diseases in Allium crops.

Rajesh Nandkishor Udavant

Laboratory: Vegetable Entomology 

Status: Graduate Student

Talk Title: Genome-Guided Silence: Mapping Trypsins for Next-Gen RNAi-Based Pest Solutions

Abstract: 

Trypsins are essential serine proteases involved in protein digestion and play critical roles in insect development and adaptation to plant defense compounds. In this study, we performed a comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the trypsin gene family in Spodoptera frugiperda, a major polyphagous pest. Using HMM-based screening and domain analysis, we identified and annotated numerous trypsin-like genes. Expression profiling under plant-derived trypsin inhibitor stress revealed differentially expressed genes, highlighting key candidates involved in adaptive digestion. Utilizing validated targets offered valuable insights into digestive physiology for nanoparticle-based RNA interference-based biopesticides, giving positive results contributing to sustainable and targeted pest management strategies.

Sai Teja Agnimalla

Laboratory: Dr Shavannor Smith's Lab

Status: Graduate Student

Talk Title: Characterization of Teosinte-Derived Resistance Genes Against Ustilago maydis in Two Maize Teosinte Near Isogenic Lines

Abstract: 

Corn smut disease, caused by Ustilago maydis, poses a major threat to maize production. This research builds on previous studies in our lab that identified teosinte-derived candidate genes for resistance using maize-teosinte NILs, RNA sequencing, and Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS). To validate their function, four candidate genes will be characterized using transient gene expression in the susceptible B73 maize inbred line, followed by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis will be performed to elucidate the biological pathways associated with U. maydis resistance, enhance maize resistance strategies, reducing crop losses, and improve yield stability. 

The UGA Plant Center Spring Symposium 2025 will feature a Lightning Talk Competition.

The competition is open to all UGA Undergradate, Graduate students, and Post Docs. Applications will be selected based on abstract merit. We will reach out to you a week before the symposium to solicit your slide presentation.

Format: 

• One single static slide (no videos or animations) 16:9 dimensions

• Two minutes per presentation (anything longer will result in being disqualified)

• No props allowed

• Spoken word presentations only 

Eligibility:

• Graduate students

• Post-doc

• Undergrad

Judging criteria: 

• Inclusion of clear background

• Logical presentation flow

• Clear wording used (ie no jargon)

• Sticking to time limits

• Effective use of slide

• Enthusiastic communication 

Prizes:

• Surprise

Deadline to register: 11:59pm April 17th, 2025

Please note, you must be registered for the Plant Center Spring Symposium to participate in the Lightning Talk Competition. Registration information here.