Project Number: 5320-22430-021-10
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 28, 2005
End Date: Sep 27, 2010

Objective:
Develop and evaluate non-toxic, preferably biologically-based, environmentally suitable technologies and processes for pest and disease control on papaya. Further develop and integrate commercial-scale production strategies for management of PRV including cross-protection, breeding for tolerance and transgenic plants in the presence of the virus. Evaluate existing papaya varieties in potential production areas currently free of Papaya Ringspot Virus (PRV). Further develop and integrate commercial-scale production strategies for managing other papaya diseases, such as Phytophthora, using breeding for tolerance and transgenic plants in the presence of the fungus. Investigate non-toxic, environmentally suitable technologies for control of arthropod pests (or other species groups) on papaya.

Approach:
Using unique gene constructs, screen transformants for resistance to Papaya Ringspot Virus and delayed fruit softening. Using controlled environments, studies on pre-ripening effects prior to shipping; ripening in transit and rates of ripening will be conducted. Extent of infestation of white peach scale and papaya mealybug will be conducted throughout the state. Identification of potential biological control agents will conducted in the laboratory. Using micropropagation techniques, cloned plants will be tested in three field locations. Formerly 5320-22430-021-02G (8/05). Documents SCA with U of HI Manoa.