My lab investigates molecular genetic mechanisms governing plant-plant interactions. We are specifically interested in understanding how molecules released by the roots of some plants effect the growth and development of nearby plants and intend to translate these findings into developing crops that are self-weeding. Probably the most robust model for investigating chemical signaling between plants are parasitic plants in the Orobanchaceae because their root parasites use molecules released into the rhizosphere by host roots as chemical cues to initiate the development of invasive haustoria. Haustorium development can be monitored in vitro by adding host-derived chemicals to aseptically grown parasite seedlings and visualizing haustorium development under a dissecting microscope within hours of treatment. Our lab uses a combination of genomics, biochemistry, and plant biology approaches to identify bioactive molecules in host root exudates, learn how their release into the rhizosphere is regulated, and understand how the parasite recognizes and responds to molecular signals from other plants.