Project Number: 1907-22410-003-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jun 01, 2004
End Date: May 31, 2009

Objective:
Conserve, characterize, and exchange insect pathogenic fungi, genetic resources and associated information from the ARS Collection of Entomopathogenic Fungal Cultures (ARSEF). Develop molecular tools of functional genomics for use in systematics and in defining secondary metabolite potential of entomopathogenic fungi. Identify, characterize, and develop natural products from entomopathogenic fungi and selected organisms for agricultural and other high-value uses. Develop, preserve, and evaluate fungal pathogens as microbial control agents in IPM systems for thrips in maple and greenhouse crops as a component of a comprehensive IPM strategy.

Approach:
Develop preservation conditions, including lyophil cultures, to maintain cultures for customer base. Develop backup culture collection off-site. Expand culture collection via orphaned collections and additional germplasm from collaborators. Improve public access to and information content of ARSEF website. Conduct systematic studies of insect pathogenic fungi. Utilize molecular tools to characterize virulence and pathogenicity factors of insect pathogenic fungi. Develop chemical fingerprinting for promising biocontrol isolates. Characterize biological activity and chemistries of compounds produced by entomopathogenic fungi and other control agents. Develop collaborations to foster screening and utilization of bioproducts.