Project Number: 6402-22000-057-06
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Dec 15, 2006
End Date: Dec 14, 2008

Objective:
The objective of the cooperative effort between Univ. of California, Davis and Biological Control of Pests Research Unit, USDA-ARS, is to identify, characterize, and utilize enzymes produced by some heteropteran insects, particularly those in the genus Lygus, that cause damage to plants, including important agricultural crops such as cotton, alfalfa, and many fruits. Clarification of these enzymes will lead to improved crop protection by selection and/or genetic modification.

Approach:
Univ. of California, Davis will provide plant molecular genetic and biochemical research expertise and preliminary results involving native substrates and oligosaccharide product profiles. ARS, BCPRU will provide insect molecular genetic expertise and preliminary results to expand the research into gene for gene interactions using cloned sequences and insect expression profiles.