Project Number: 5348-22000-013-01
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jul 14, 2005
End Date: May 31, 2010

Objective:
To genotypically and phenotypically characterize plant pathogens that cause diseases of crops grown in cereal-based cropping systems; to genotypically and phenotypically characterize microbial biocontrol agents that suppress plant pathogens in these cropping systems; and to determine the molecular genetic and biochemical basis of plant-microbe interactions and plant defense.

Approach:
Plant pathogens and their biocontrol agents will be characterized through a combination of molecular fingerprinting techniques and methods of classical plant pathology and microbiology. The population structures of pathogens and biocontrol agents will be determined by statistical analysis of DNA banding patterns generated by techniques such as rep-PCR and RAPDs, RFLPs, and AFLPs. Results of genotypic and phenotypic analyses will be compared. Plant-microbe interactions will be characterized using a combination of laboratory, greenhouse and field studies, and molecular biology and bioanalytical tools. Biologically active metabolites produced by pathogens and antagonists will be characterized using techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. Replaces 5348-22000-012-09S (3/05). Documents SCA with WSU. Formerly 5348-22000-012-15S (03/07) BL level - 2, Pending date of certification.