Project Number: 5306-21220-005-13
Project Type: Trust

Start Date: Apr 15, 2012
End Date: Apr 15, 2013

Objective:
Using High Resolution Computed Tomography (a type of CAT scan) to assess the following objectives: 1)Characterize the early stages of wood canker infection with unprecendented resolution on intact and excised woody portions of grapevines; and 2)Examine the influence of drought stress on the progression of early stages of infection.

Approach:
High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT-a type of CAT scan) technology and custom software has recently been developed and used in the McElrone lab to analyze fine scale details of xylem that contribute to drought resistance in stems. We will pair HRCT with scanning electron and light microscopy to characterize the early stages of infection at unprecedented resolution. This work will involve culturing of wood canker pathogens at discrete points after inoculation to determine the extent of spread within the grapevine xylem.