Steven Runo

Steven Runo, Ph.D.
Plant Molecular Biologist
Kenyatta University
Plant Transformation Lab
P.O. Box 43844-00100
Nairobi, Kenya
smruno@gmail.com
+254 727346496

Background

Runo's research interest focuses on use of modern tools in Molecular Biology to overcome biotic and abiotic constraints of food production, as well as to enhance the understanding of modern biotechnology.  Specifically, his  work revolves around five interrelated areas: long-distance RNA trafficking between parasitic plants and their hosts; RNA interference (RNAi) as a resistance mechanism against parasites; genetic engineering strategies for enhancing drought tolerance in tropical crops; agrobacterium rhizogenes transformation of cereals as a functional genomics tool for plant-parasite interactions; and molecular mechanisms of parasitic plants/host plants interactions.

Current Project

Silencing of Aflatoxin Synthesis Through RNA Interference (RNAi) in Peanut Plants