Mission statement
The mission of the Topp lab is to enhance sustainable crop production and plant ecosystem services through more efficient and effective root systems.
VISION
We seek to understand root biology and the soil ecosystem and to integrate this knowledge into agricultural science for the benefit of humanity. Our research is designed to push the frontiers of science in order to fill knowledge gaps that have long hindered the understanding of root system structure and function. We pursue our goals through: (1) The development of diverse phenomics tools that enable the study of root biology and its role in the soil ecosystem (2) Leveraging these tools to understand the genetic and mechanistic basis of root growth and its environmental conditioning for application towards a sustainable future in agriculture (3) Developing a diverse group of scientists at all levels who value collaboration and trust, conducting world-leading research in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. (4) Communicate our unique scientific projects to maximize the benefit of our work for all stakeholders, inside and outside the lab.
Research approaches
Root Genetics
By comparing different genotypes bred or naturally selected for various growth traits and using molecular analysis, we aim to identify genes that can help generate more stress-resistant and sustainable crops.
X-ray CT
The Topp lab is one of the few X-ray imaging facilities in the world dedicated exclusively to studying plant biology and plant-soil-microbe interactions. X-ray imaging is a non-destructive method for generating 3D volume data of large, delicate, and challenging plant and soil samples. We have two complementary X-ray instruments that can image samples ranging from one meter tall down to hundreds of nanometers, at various resolutions depending on size and density.
X-ray Microscopy
The success of the Xray instrument soon led to acquiring a smaller, but more powerful X-ray microscope to look at root-microbial interactions. Now the Topp lab can see the 3D subterranean world of roots nondestructively, at least for plants growing in large containers. The Topp lab’s X-ray CT and microscope facility for plant science at the Danforth Center is unique in the world.
Modern Mesocosms
Mesocosms provide unconstrained root growth, excavation and preservation of 3-dimensional root system architecture (RSA), and modularity that facilitates the use of various sensors.
Grants
- 2021-2026 | NSF: Biology Integration Institute (BII) New Roots for Restoration: integrating plant traits, communities, and the soil ecosphere to advance restoration of natural and agricultural systems
- 2021-2023 | private funding: Subterranean Influences on the Nitrogen Cycle (SINC)
- 2021-2022 | N2 New West Genetics hemp project
- 2021-2024 | FFAR: Evaluating the Relative Influence of Maize Breeding, Field Management and Environmental Setting on Crop Production, and Sustainability Targets
- 2018-2024 [extended 3 years] | Sumitomo Chemical Company: Enhancing the Root-Rhizosphere Phenomics Platform for Improving Crop Productivity
- 2016-2024 [extended 3 years] | Valent BioSciences: Advanced Root Phenomics Platform for Improving Crop Productivity
- 2020-2025 | DOE-BER: Interrogating pennycress natural and induced variation to improve abiotic stress tolerance and oilseed bioenergy crop resilience
- 2020-2023 | NSF-IOS RESEARCH-PGR 1947609: Characterizing the Genomic Basis of Weedy Rice Competitiveness
- 2020-2021 | IN2 mobius slow release biodegradable fertilizers