Project Number: 5348-22000-016-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 11, 2009
End Date: Jun 10, 2014

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research is to identify, characterize and control soilborne pathogens of wheat and barley, such as Fusarium, Pratylenchus and/or Heterodera, which cause root and crown rot diseases; to identify the effects of cropping system on root pathogen populations and diversity, and on disease epidemiology; and to identify wheat germplasm with performance against root pathogens.

Approach:
Root and crown rot diseases will be identified and characterized through a combination of laboratory, greenhouse and field studies. The ecology of root pathogens and effects of cropping system on pathogen populations and diversity, and disease epidemiology will be determined using classical plant pathology and microbiology methods and molecular techniques. Wheat germplasm will be screened for resistance or tolerance to root and crown pathogens in the field and greenhouse. Practical root disease control will be accomplished through a combination of agronomic practices, and biological and chemical treatments.