Project Number: 1275-22000-246-04
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 15, 2006
End Date: Sep 14, 2009

Objective:
Determine phylogenetic relationships of phytoplasmas based on analysis of conserved and highly variable regions of the phytoplasma genome. Identify molecular genetic markers for specific detection of phytoplasma plant pathogens representing distinct evolutionary lineages and gene pools.

Approach:
The overall goal of this project is to gain new knowledge of molecular genetic markers for distinguishing species and understanding phylogenetic relationships among phytoplasma plant pathogens, the cause of economically important plant diseases worldwide. We will use biotechnological approaches and bioinformatics tools to gain deeper understanding of phytoplasma evolution and to identify genes and gene products useful for detecting and distinguishing species of these plant pathogens. BSL1/BSL2 Certified 2/3/05.