Project Number: 3611-21000-026-01
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Aug 02, 2009
End Date: Aug 01, 2014

Objective:
To functionally characterize soybean response to pathogens, with focus on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Candidate defense-related genes will be identified from soybean response to the pathogen or products of the pathogen. Functional characterization will include repression and/or enhancement of expression of the candidate genes in soybean and/or Arabidopsis.

Approach:
The ARS scientist will identify candidate defense genes, whereas the collaborator's lab will assist with construct design for over and under expression of genes in host plants and will generate transgenic soybean material. The ARS scientist will assist in propagation of the soybean transgenics and will conduct disease assays on this material to determine effect on defense.