Location: Tropical Plant Genetic Resources and Disease Research
Project Number: 2040-21000-019-030-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 1, 2026
End Date: Oct 31, 2028
Objective:
The objective of this project is to 1) find genes to control coffee root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne konaensis) in coffee to prevent crop yield losses and plant death, caused by this pest; and 2) develop innovative methods to utilize entomopathogenic nematodes to control invasive pests including the two lined spittle bug (Prosapia bicincta), which causes death of pasture grass in Hawaii cattle ranches.
Approach:
The graduate student funded by this agreement will investigate potential genes involved in nematode infection of coffee in M. konaensis and coffee plants. These genes will be analyzed to determine if they can be used to effectively control the nematode infection process. The post-doc funded by the agreement will develop control methods for invasive species such as the P. bicincta using entomopathogenic nematodes, alone or in combination with other pesticides or management practices.