Welcome to the Olawole Lab
Mechanistic and Translational Plant Pathology Lab
I specialize in phytopathogenic bacteria, particularly those that induce vascular wilt diseases. My previous work focused on Erwinia tracheiphila in cucurbits, and my current research centers on Xylella fastidiosa in tree hosts. Among its subspecies, X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex (Xfm) is notable for its broad host range, infecting diverse woody perennials, with strains often exhibiting stringent intra-subspecies host-specific virulence (hsv). Research in the Olawole Lab uses an integrative approach to study interactions between plum-infecting Xfm strains and their hosts, with the immediate goal of identifying and characterizing candidate hsv genes. Our long-term objective is to leverage these mechanistic insights to design targeted, non-chemical, and sustainable disease management strategies through collaborative efforts.
As a phytobacteriologist, our lab is dedicated to advancing knowledge at the intersection of plant pathology, microbiology, and sustainable agriculture. We investigate the threats posed by bacterial diseases in important crops and work toward solutions that safeguard both agricultural productivity and environmental health by exploring the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages for controlling phytopathogenic bacteria, including Xfm and the almond bacterial blast pathogen, Pss. This research focuses on the mechanisms and evolutionary dynamics that govern host-range, a critical factor for developing effective phage-based treatments. By understanding phage resistance and replication dynamics, we aim to refine phage therapy approaches that are both reliable and scalable for field use. The lab hosts summer interns through the UCR Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) program and provides volunteer opportunities for UCR undergraduates, offering hands-on training in phage biology and genomics and helping develop the next generation of scientists.