Location: Crop Production and Protection
Project Number: 0500-00053-005-250-G
Project Type: Grant
Start Date: May 1, 2026
End Date: Apr 30, 2030
Objective:
Study how outcrossing among strains of Fusarium graminearum and close relatives shapes populations causing Fusarium Head Blight. Genetic exchange among strains increases diversity and can drive adaptive change leading to greater disease and mycotoxin risk. Understanding this process can improve prediction of population shifts, improving disease management and risk assessment.
Approach:
Whole genomes of 40-70 strains of close relatives of Fusarium graminearum (Fg) will be sequenced and evaluated for evidence of genetic exchange with Fg. Controlled crosses will also be made among selected strains to evaluate patterns of recombination and genetic exchange among and between populations and related species.