Location: Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit
Project Number: 2072-22000-046-005-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 1, 2019
End Date: Jun 30, 2023
Objective:
1. Develop a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for root-knot nematode identification and quanitification.
2. Characterize the potential nematicidal activity of toxins produced by S. sisymbriifolium on hatch of G. pallida and M. chitwoodi.
3. Identify resistance to potato cyst nematodes in potato.
Approach:
In collaboration with researchers at the University of Idaho and Washington State University we will conduct laboratory and greenhouse studies to address the objectives. For the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), two root-knot nematode species important to potato will be the target. A series of experiments will be conducted to develop a method to simultaneously quantify and identify these nematodes. Experiments will consist of developing primer/probes, determining sensitivity, and whether there is cross reaction with other nematodes found in in potato fields. For objective 2, the nematicidal properties of S. sisymbrifolium to M. chitwoodi will be determined through microwell assays with purified compounds and greenhouse experiments where the nematode is directly exposed to root exudate of the plant. Nematode survival and egg production will be quantified. For objective 3, potato germplasm will be screened in the greenhouse for host status to G. ellingtonae. Experiments will be conducted for 3 months with egg production determined at the end.
