Project Number: 5358-12220-003-09
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2007
End Date: Aug 31, 2009

Objective:
The primary objective is to generate draft genomic sequences of seven well-characterized strains of plant-associated Pseudomonas spp. that suppress a variety of diseases on diverse plant species. These seven strains fall into three different species, but they all reside within the ¿Pseudomonas fluorescens complex¿ of intrageneric cluster II of Pseudomonas spp. Comparisons with previously sequenced Pseudomonas spp., including pathogens, should identify a set of core genes conserved across the genus, as well as those specific to the pathogenic or commensal lifestyle of specific strains. A second objective is to enhance undergraduate education in genomics through the delivery of hands-on, discovery-oriented learning opportunities in university classrooms and through undergraduate research internships.

Approach:
A draft genomic sequence of each strain will be obtained using a strategy that combines shotgun and 454 sequencing. The resulting sequence data will be evaluated by a variety of bioinformatic approaches to identify the shared and strain-specific regions of each genome. Once identified, the strain-specific regions can be evaluated for their roles in the biological control properties specific to each strain. Collaborators on the project will participate in a Microbial Genome Annotation workshop, which will provide training in genomic analysis systems and a forum for discussion of genomic data and planning of collaborative research. Documents Reimbursable with CSREES. Log 33298.