Staff Profile

I am a plant and slug molecular biologist, with an interest in investigating slug biology and the molecular mechanisms underpinning plant-invertebrate interactions.

My PhD at the University of Glasgow sought to better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating UV-B-mediated tolerance of Oilseed rape to the Diamondback moth and the grey field slug. This project employed a multi-omics approach to identify genetic and metabolic overlaps between UV-B-signalling and defence pathways in this commercially-important crop (2011-2015).

Following my PhD, I worked at the Agri-Tech Centre, Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) based at Rothamsted Research, where I managed a molecular diagnostic lab studying the mechanisms of pesticide resistance in crop pests (2015-2019).

My academic and industrial experiences have driven my interest in working with slugs, a key pest in agricultural systems threatening UK cereal, oil and edible crops. Our need to improve environmental safeguarding in agrisystems along with the recent UK ban in metaldehyde use (March 2022) has increased interest in the development of more holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for managing slugs in the field. The development of these alternative control strategies, that have the potential to reduce dependency on conventional pesticides through the use of e.g. improved cultivational and/or biological practices, requires a sound understanding of the behaviour and biology of pests. Unfortunately, our knowledge of slug biology is fairly limited, which has hindered out ability to develop effective and economically-viable solutions to managing their populations in the field. 

My research therefore aims to better understand the molecular mechanisms underpinning key aspects of slug biology, and use this knowledge to inform the development of holistic IPM strategies that can manage slug populations and boost crop production whilst safeguarding the environment.

My personal research is focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning certain aspects of grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum) biology, primarily:

- their feeding behaviours

- their production and secretion of mucus

A better understanding of the fundamental science underpinning these interesting yet pestiferous aspects of slug biology can support development of alternative, holistic integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for slug management in agrisystems. The outputs from this research can also expand our understanding of the multifaceted benefits mucus can offer slugs, further highlighting the amazing evolutionary complexity of these little critters.

With additional support from interdisciplinary colleagues at NU and beyond, my research combines genetic and molecular biology approaches with bioimaging, histological and behavioural techniques to better understand the Science of Slugs. I am always looking for new opportunities to incorporate different techniques and approaches into my field of interest, and therefore happy to discuss slugs, mucus, plants, plant pests and different biological techniques with absolutely anyone!

I welcome graduate students with an interest in slugs and/or plant pests into my lab, and happy to discuss potential research projects that align to my research objectives and current activities. 

Research Objectives

To identify the molecular pathways regulating mucus production and secretion in the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum).

I also welcome researchers who are interested in studying feeding behaviours of the grey field slug, or investigating plant responses to slug herbivory.

Current PGR Projects

• Determining the Potential of Enhanced Rock Weathering of Rock Dust to Co-Deliver for Healthy Soils and Improved Crop Protection against Pests in Temperate Agricultural Systems (Samuel Obeng Apori, IAFRI-funded PhD student, 2022-present, PI)
• Exploring Potato Virome Leading to Improved Diagnostics and a Novel Control Strategy (Omnia Elshorbagy, PhD student, 2021-present, Co-supervisor)
• Combatting Tuta absoluta on Solanaceous Vegetables using Fungal Entomopathogens in an Integrated Pest Management Programme (Julius Olumeh, PhD student, 2021-present, Co-supervisor)
• Viruses of Imported Andean Root and Tuber Crops and their Plant Health Risk to the UK (Morgan Wodring, IAFRI-funded PhD student, 2021-present, Co-supervisor).