Project Number: 5306-22000-015-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Jul 01, 2011
End Date: Jun 30, 2012

Objective:
1) Identify sources of A. tumefaciens inoculum in/on hybrid seeds and seedlings; 2) Identify how and where A. tumefaciens is maintained on/in the Paradox hybrid seed; 3) Demonstrate methyl bromide alternatives for use in Paradox rootstock seedling production under nursery conditions.

Approach:
Under nursery conditions we will quantify A. tumefaciens populations on Paradox hybrid seed as function of how and when the seed is harvested from mother trees at cooperating nurseries. Using sensitive detection protocols we will document the population dynamics of A. tumefaciens in/on hybrid seeds, and the effect indigenous soil-borne microbial communities have on those populations and crown gall incidence under nursery conditions.