Project Number: 5358-22000-034-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: May 14, 2007
End Date: May 13, 2012

Objective:
1.Describe the pathogen biology of exotic, emerging, re-emerging, and invasive plant pathogens affecting horticultural crops. 2.Characterize host ranges and levels of resistance of hosts to exotic, emerging, reemerging,and invasive plant pathogens affecting horticultural crops. 3.Apply knowledge of biology, ecology, and epidemiology to the development of improved integrated disease management approaches.

Approach:
This research will be accomplished through a multifaceted approach integrating the disciplines molecular biology, genomics, population ecology, epidemiology, meteorology, climatology, and microbiology. Initially the project will deal with two recently introduced pathogens, Phytophthora ramorum and Phragmidium violaceum, as well as other Phytophthora, powdery mildew and Botrytis diseases of various horticultural crops. This research project will utilize: novel techniques for rapid and accurate assessment of pathogen presence and abundance in the field; quantitative information on distribution of clones, migration of new strains, degree and rates of out-crossing, and sources of resistance to the introduced pathogens P. ramorum and P. violaceum; elucidation of important genetic traits that impact disease development; and increased understanding of factors influencing disease epidemics that will be used to generate improved disease forecasting models. Formerly 5358-22000-024-00D (2/03). FY06 $59,4000 Program Increase (memo #139). Formerly 5358-22000-030-00D (2/07).