Plant basal resistance - Universiteit Utrecht

Acknowledgments
Acknowledgements
In the name of God, most Gracious, most Merciful.
Pursuing a PhD project is a mixed experience of pain and joy. It is just like climbing a
high peak, step by step, accompanied with bitterness, hardships, frustration, encouragements
and trust with so many kind people around. When I found myself approaching the top of
this peak and enjoying the beautiful scenery, I realized that it was in fact teamwork that got
me there. I know it will not be enough to express my gratitude in words to all those people
who have helped me, Nonetheless, I would still like to give many, many thanks to all these
people.
First and foremost, I would like to thank my PhD supervisor, Dr. Jurriaan Ton.
I will never forget the tremendous help and support that I received from him during my
PhD project, ranging from recruiting me on the project, practical help in the lab, support
with the writing to moral support. Without his inspirational guidance, his enthusiasm, his
encouragement, his patience, and his unselfish help, I could never have finished my doctoral
work. For me, he is not only a great teacher, but also a lifetime friend and advisor. I could not
have asked for a better role model. I could not be prouder of my academic roots and hope
that I can pass on the research values and dreams that he has given me.
Many thanks to my co-adviser Dr. Ruth Gordon-Weeks, for her great support
throughout my stay in Rothamsted. Before starting my PhD project, Ruth took me on as an
intern to assist her with her research on the role of hydroxamic acids in wheat resistance.
I will remain thankful throughout my life, since that project has given a new dimension,
opportunity, and direction to my professional career.
I would like to show my gratitude to my academic supervisor Professor Corne
Pieterse, for accepting me as a PhD student at Utrecht University in the first place and
allowing me to work in his laboratory. He is the gentlest person I have ever met and I will
always remember his positive “can do” attitude. I would like to thank his entire team for their
warm welcome and friendly hospitality during my extended stays at Utrecht. In particular,
Christos Zamioudis, who was always there when I needed help. Chirstos, many thanks for
your unselfish help and suppourt and for being my paranimf!. Many thanks to Dr Tieme
Zeilmaker and Dr Marcel van Verk, for thier help during the layout of my thesis booklet.
This thesis was funded by the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research
Council (BBSRC), and I would like to thank BBSRC for their generous support. Most of the
research described in the thesis was conducted at the department of Biological Chemistry
and Crop Protection at Rothamsted Research. It has been a great privilege to spend several
years in this Department, and its members will always remain dear to me. I would like to
thank all my Rothamsted colleagues for their help and support. I am grateful to my current
head of department Professor Linda Field, former head of department Professor John
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