Location: Fruit and Tree Nut Research
Project Number: 6042-22000-024-018-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jan 1, 2022
End Date: Dec 31, 2025
Objective:
1. Characterize the volatile cues produced by different entomopathogenic nematode species with different species of insect hosts.
2. Quantify changes in plant defenses following exposure to entomopathogenic nematode -produced cues.
3. Quantify effects of plant exposure to entomopathogenic nematode cues on plant resistance to pests and plant recruitment of beneficial organisms.
Approach:
In the laboratory, bioassays, novel volatile cues will be elucidated from nematodes and their host plants and insects using chromatography approaches. Plant defense in terms of induced systemic resistance will be assessed using three nematode species. The recruitment of beneficial insects and the levels of plant resistance to major plant diseases will be investigated by disease rating scales.
