Genome Sequencing
Read the biological blueprint.
Sequence plant, pathogen, and microbial genomes to characterize diversity and identify candidate genes and biological functions.
FUNCTIONAL GENOMICS · PLANT–MICROBE–SOIL INTERACTIONS
From molecules to living systems:
Discovery rooted in biology.
The Solanki Lab is based in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science at South Dakota State University. Our research integrates multiple approaches to explore how plants, microbes, and soil interact—and how understanding these relationships can help us develop more resilient crops.
Explore our research01 / RESEARCH
Small interactions.
Far-reaching questions.
01 / IMMUNITY
Plant Immunity
Investigating the molecular mechanisms that shape how plants recognize and respond to pathogens.
Explore the theme 02 / MICROBIOMEMicrobial Solutions
Discovering soil microbial communities and beneficial microorganisms that support plant health, disease suppression, and crop resilience.
Explore the theme 03 / GENOMICSFunctional Genomics
Connecting genes, expression, and biological function to understand complex plant–microbe–soil relationships.
Explore the theme 04 / PROTEIN DESIGNAI–Protein Modeling
AI-guided modeling and design of NLR immune receptor function for temperature adaptation and disease resistance.
Explore the theme 05 / CROP HEALTHResilient Crops
Bringing molecular insight into disease resistance to develop practical crop health solutions.
Explore the theme02 / OUR APPROACH
Lab-to-Land Approach
Molecular discovery, guided by the needs of agriculture.
Spatial Transcriptomics
Locate the response.
Connect gene expression with tissue structure to understand where and when resistance responses unfold.
Genetic Engineering
Test the mechanism.
Use molecular tools to test gene function and evaluate approaches to plant immunity and microbial crop protection.
Stakeholder Input
Start with field priorities.
Work with farmers and industry partners to connect research questions with disease pressure, crop health, and production needs.
Institutional / Collaborative Integration
Bring the expertise together.
Combine expertise across institutions and disciplines to connect molecular discovery, validation, formulation, and agricultural application.
Functional Genomics → Plant–Microbe–Soil Interactions → Molecular Discovery → Translation → Crop Resilience
03 / ABOUT THE TEAM
Team-enabled science
Our laboratory brings together people working across molecular biology, genomics, imaging, computational analysis, and field research.
Meet the team
04 / OUTREACH
Science in the community.
Hands-on genomics education, conversations in the field, and local industry partnerships connect our laboratory with the people it serves.