Project Number: 6408-22430-003-04
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Nov 22, 2006
End Date: Dec 31, 2010

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to discover and develop new fungicides from plants and other natural sources that have low mammalian and environmental toxicity for crops, fruits and ornamentals. This research project will be to assist and provide technical guidance for a long-term collaboration between USDA, Agricultural Research Service and China Agricultural University (CAU) in discovering new natural products for plant protection and conduct Technology Transfer in plant protection to students and new scientists.

Approach:
Discovery and development of novel antifungal agents from plants will provide new knowledge for use of natural products for plant protection and a better understanding of potential plant defense mechanisms. Development of natural product-based fungicides with low mammalian and environmental toxicity will guarantee food safety, sustainability of U.S. and Chinese agriculture, and ensure a safe and healthy environment. Potential alternative crops for non-traditional agriculture could replace crops currently in need of replacement or receiving governmental subsidies. Discovery, development, and commercial availability of fungicides, biopesticides, and plant protectants with new novel modes of action will help decrease the development of chemical resistance. New mode of action fungicides can be incorporated into disease resistance management strategies with existing fungicides. Some chemicals may work synergistically with other older already approved agrochemicals or may functional as elicitors or inducers of plant defense mechanisms. Knowledge of biosynthesis of antimicrobial plant defense compounds may lead ultimately to the development of new disease-resistant cultivars and an overall reduction in the amount of chemical applications needed to control disease.