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The DABP team studies the influence of plants and microbial interactions on the colonization, persistence and dispersal capacities of plant pathogenic bacteria of the genera Agrobacterium (generalist pathogen) and Xanthomonas (specialist pathogen).

The interdependence of different taxa, or competition for a niche, could serve as a lever for controlling plant pathogens, notably by using biological agents that disrupt the equilibrium of these populations. On the other hand, the coexistence of several species in the same environment could enable them to exchange genetic information and cooperate, thus increasing their capacity to adapt to a range of environmental constraints.

The DABP team's research is structured around two themes:

(i) diversity of bacterial populations. Phylogeny and taxonomy studies enable us to identify (potentially) pathogenic agents and trace their persistence and movement (epidemiology), in order to develop prophylactic or curative control methods (e.g. biocontrol).

(ii) factors structuring diversity. By focusing not only on pathogenesis, but also taking into account the other lifestyles of plant pathogens, the team aims to identify without a priori and analyze the genetic and chemical determinants enabling species to coexist in rich and diverse communities interacting with the plant.