Location: Emerging Pests and Pathogens Research
Project Number: 8062-22000-023-016-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: May 22, 2023
End Date: Sep 14, 2026
Objective:
To address the ongoing threat of plant-parasitic nematodes to U.S. potato production, we propose a transdisciplinary effort to protect potatoes against potato cyst and root-knot nematodes.
Objective 1. Deploying improved diagnostics and predictive models for nematode management.
Objective 2. Accelerating the development of potato varieties with nematode resistance.
Objective 3. Planning for the future: Novel methods for nematode management in potato.
Objective 4. Passing it along: Engaging potato growers.
Approach:
Towards objective 1, the ARS PI will be responsible for the identification of Globodera rostochiensis (golden nematode) pathotypes using molecular techniques. Towards objective 2, the ARS PI will be responsible for phenotyping material generated by the plant breeders on the project. In greenhouse studies breeding material will be inoculated with G. rostochiensis and then the ability of the nematode to reproduce assessed after 12 weeks. This data will be shared with breeders to direct future crosses towards developing potato varieties with resistance to nematodes. For objective 3, novel fractions from a nematotoxic plant, Solanum sisymbrifolium, will be screened against G. rostochiensis by the ARS PI. A combination of 96-well microwell assays and pot experiments will be employed to identify fractions that are toxic to G. rostochiensis. Finally, for objective 4, the ARS scientist will participate in outreach activities related to the project including making presentations at grower meetings, preparing scientific publications and participation in annual advisory committee meetings.
