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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Research Project #435136

Research Project: Exploiting Host Resistance and Microbial Diversity for Managing Fungal Diseases of Cool Season Legumes

Location: Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research

Project Number: 2090-21000-038-001-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 30, 2018
End Date: Sep 29, 2023

Objective:
To screen and identify resistance sources to fungal diseases in germplasm collections of cool season grain legumes, and identify microbial strains, especially virus-harboring strains, suitable for managing fungal diseases.

Approach:
1. Identify resistance sources in pea, chickpea and lentil to fungal and oomycete diseases commonly found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest through experimentation in the field, greenhouse and laboratory. 2. Determine the genetics of resistance and resistance mechanisms using classical and modern molecular techniques. 3. Identify microbial agents in indigenous and introduced microbes, especially mycovirus-harboring strains, which are suitable for managing fungal diseases through testing in the laboratory, greenhouse and, with permission from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in the field. 4. Investigate the interactions of plant genotypes with microbial biocontrol agents in disease development and develop strategies for practical applications. 5. Demonstrate potential utility of the developed disease management strategies.