Weisberg lab
Evolution of Plant/Microbe Interactions
Research Interests
Research in the Weisberg lab focuses on the evolution and epidemiology of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and their influence on microbial symbioses (pathogens and/or mutualist symbionts). We utilize comparative and population genomics of large datasets to classify and characterize the evolution of MGEs in diverse systems, primarily agricultural phytopathogens, as well as in nitrogen fixation symbiosis. We also work to develop pipelines for the epidemiology of major agricultural pathogens, including those that incorporate the movement of MGEs independently of strains.
Mobile genetic elements and disease
Mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids or integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) play a major role in many plant/microbe interactions, such as disease or symbiosis.
These elements, such as the Agrobacterium Ti plasmids, can carry genes essential for virulence and promote their transfer horizontally from one bacteria to another. In some cases this results in the emergence of new pathogen lineages.

Crown gall caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Areas of Research Interest

Characterization of mobile elements

Evolution of mobile genetic elements

Genomic epidemiology
News from the lab
- New lab membersWelcome to Andrea and Jewell upon joining the lab!
- Join the lab!The Weisberg Lab is taking applications for a PhD student. Apply to the Botany and Plant Pathology PhD program here: https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/bpp/academics/graduate-programs by December 1.