Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research
Project Number: 2038-22000-019-055-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Apr 8, 2024
End Date: Jun 1, 2025
Objective:
The objectives are to 1) Infiltrate expression vectors containing the Verticillium dahliae avirulence genes for race 1, race 2, and race 3 in lettuce and verify the assay reactions for resistance and susceptibility using lettuce with known resistance to races 1, 2, and 3. 2) Screen 200 lettuce cultivars and germplasm for resistant reactions using the rapid assay. 3) Share the results of the screening assay with seed companies and growers.
Approach:
The vectors expressing the Verticillium dahliae avirulence genes have been transformed into Agrobacterium and will be infiltrated into lettuce leaves for examination of resistant or susceptible responses. Resistant reactions are marked by a noticeable area of plant cell death near the injection site. Select cultivars or germplasm will be further tested for validation of the quick assay. Results will be shared with growers and seed companies through industry presentations and publication of results in a scientific journal.
