Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station | Rutgers Home Search Rutgers

NJAES Faculty Expertise Database

Chee-Kok Chin Chee-Kok Chin
Professor
 Plant Biology and Pathology
Foran 264
Plant Science
59 Dudley Road
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Phone: 732-932-9711 x238
Fax: 732-932-9441
Email: chin_c@aesop.rutgers.edu
Website: aesop.rutgers.edu/~plantbiopath/faculty/chin/chin.html

Expertise Summary
  Research interests include the use of cultured plant cells in alteration of fatty acid composition by genetic transformation of phytochemicals.

To elucidate the mechanisms of control of plant organogenesis and embryogenesis. To investigate the use of cultured plant cells to produce valuable phytochemicals. To develop eggplants resistant to Coleopteran insects by genetic transformation.To study the roles of lipids as signal molecules in plant disease resistance.Discovery of bioactive phytochemicals in vegetable crops.

Project 1: Asparagus improvement We have developed a series of improved asparagus hybrids with the following attributes:All-male, high yielding, enhanced disease resistant to rust and crown rot, and root rot, good spear quality, and enhanced flavor.

Project 2: The role of omega 7 fatty acid in disease resistance My laboratory has discovered that increase in w7 fatty acids in tomato and eggplant significantly enhances their resistance against a spectrum of fungal pathogens. We have found that free fatty acids can function as second messengers in disease resistance as well as other physiological activities. We are now examining the mechanisms of free fatty acids in signaling.

Research Projects
  • DEVELOPMENT OF SUPERIOR ALL-MALE ASPARAGUS HYBRIDS FOR ALL MAJOR CULTIVATION REGIONS

    • Selected Publications
    Cis-3-hexanal production in tobacco is stimulated by 16-carbon monounsaturated fatty acids
      Journal: Phytochemistry
     Authors: 3. Hong, M. B.A. Zilinskas, D.C. Knipple and C.K. Chin
    Volume: 65    Pages: 159-168
    Date Published: 2003
    Fatty acids with certain structural characteristics are potent inhibitors of germination and inducers of cell death of powdery mildew spore
      Journal: Phys. Mol. Plant Path
     Authors: Wang, C, C Chin, JS Xing, J Peters
    Volume: 61    Pages: 151-161
    Date Published: 2002
    Modification of Fatty Acids in Eggplant Affects Its Resistance to Verticillium dahliae
      Journal: Phys. Mol. Plant Path.
     Authors: Xing JS, Chin C
    Volume: 56    Pages: 217-225
    Date Published: 2000
    Relationship of Cutin Monomers and Tomato Resistance to Powdery Mildew Infection
      Journal: Phys. and Mol. Plant Path
     Authors: Wang, C, Chin, C, and T Gianfagna
    Volume: 57    Pages: 55-61
    Date Published: 2000

     

    -----