2007 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) Identify genomic and phenotypic elements to characterize emerg9ing and foreign fungal plant pathogens. Develop an understanding of the biology, genetics and epidemiology of emerging and foreign fungal plant pathogens. Screen germplasm for resistant sources to emerging and foreign fungal plant pathogens. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Utilize the Bio-Safety Level 3 Plant Pathogen Containment facilities to investigate and characterize virulence, genetic variability, epidemiology, host range, and survival of foreign and emerging fungal plant pathogens considered to be a threat to the U.S. Establish pathogen collections, compare exotic and endemic isolates for morphology, virulence, and genomics using a variety of scientific methods. Develop detection techniques using PCR and immunological methodologies. Investigate pathogen genomics and host plant resistance using classical and molecular approaches. 3.Progress Report 1920-22000-035-01S - Specific Cooperative Agreement with Iowa State University. The goal of this research was to refine the predictive model for the spread of soybean rust in the U.S. by testing the effects of light on disease development. Progress was monitored by meeting with the PI at national scientific meetings, by e-mails and telephone calls. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-01S. 1920-22000-035-02S - Specific Cooperative Agreement with Thailand Department of Agriculture. The goal of this research was to identify soybean lines with resistance to soybean rust by screening germplasm in field plots, in Thailand, where the disease is endemic. Progress was monitored by e-mails with the PI. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-02S. 1920-22000-035-03R - Reimbursable Agreement with United Soybean Board. The goals of this research were to identify soybean line with resistance to soybean rust and to monitor changes gene expression in resistant and susceptible lines containing the Rpp1 resistance gene using the Affymetrix Soybean GeneChip micrarray. Progress was monitored by meeting with collaborators at national scientific meetings, and by e-mails and telephone calls. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-03R. 1920-22000-035-04R - Reimbursable Agreement with Ohio State University. The goal of this research was to develop hand-held immunological diagnostic assay for the rapid detection of the soybean rust pathogen, P. pachyrhizi. Three different P. pachyrhizi urediniospore preparations were used to immunize rabbits and polyclonal antibodies were successfully produced. Progress was monitored by meeting with collaborators at national scientific meetings, by e-mails and telephone calls. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-04R. 1920-22000-035-05R - Reimbursable Agreement with Ohio State University. The goal of this research was to develop hand-held immunological diagnostic assay for the rapid detection of the soybean rust pathogen, P. pachyrhizi. Polyclonal antibodies to P. pachyrhizi urediniospores generated under project 1920-22000-035-04R were used by collaborators at Ohio State University to develop a soybean rust immunofluorescent microscopy assay. Progress was monitored by meeting with collaborators at national scientific meetings, and by e-mails and telephone calls. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-05R. 1920-22000-035-06R - Reimbursable Agreement with Iowa State University. The goal of this research was to characterize the Rpp3 and Rpp4 resistant responses to infection by soybean rust, using the Affymetrix GeneChip Soybean Genome Array. Progress was monitored by meeting with collaborators at national scientific meetings, by e-mails and telephone calls. For a complete report on the progress of this agreement, see the report for 1920-22000-035-06R. 4.Accomplishments This is a new project recently certified by OSQR to replace project 1920-22000-033-00D. The milestones for FY2007 were carried out under CRIS Project 1920-22000-033-00D. Please see that report for additional information. 6.Technology Transfer