![[Department of Plant Biology and Pathology]](http://njaes.rutgers.edu/_common/images/subheads/plantbiopath.gif "[Department of Plant Biology and Pathology]"){kind=small}
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Rutgers University
Department of Plant Biology & Pathology
Foran Hall/ Cook Campus
59 Dudley Rd.
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
gianfagna@aesop.rutgers.edu
Campus Location
Office: Room 280 Foran Hall, 732-932-9375 ext. 252
Lab: Room 279 Foran Hall, 732-932-9375 ext. 251
Education
Ph.D., 1980. Cornell University
Research Interests
Physiology of plant-microbe interactions. Plant defense response mechanisms for disease resistance in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.). We have discovered that both purine alkaloids and procyanidins are synthesized in young flush leaves in response to fungal infection, and may be the source of resistance in certain genotypes.
Steroidal saponins and human health. Lily bulbs are consumed in China as both a medicine and food. The bulbs and fleshy roots are a good source of steroidal saponins, compounds which may have beneficial heath effects. We are studying the ability of bulb extracts high in steroidal saponins to lower blood sugar and cholesterol in laboratory animals.
Endophytic fungi and disease resistance. Fungal endophytes are natural hosts of grasses and many other plants. We are studying the natural product chemistry of fungal endophytes of grasses to determine how they may protect the plant from insects and diseases.
Publications
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Rutgers Affiliations
Other Affiliations
Dr. Tom Gianfagna joined the department in 1981 and is a professor of plant physiology.