Location: Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21220-258-006-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2022
End Date: Jun 1, 2027
Objective:
To focus on the genetic and molecular analyses of plant species in the Erythroxylum family. This includes characteristics, gene discovery, gene function and bioinformatics analyses. These data will be used to understand plant functions; identify candidate genes and study gene function and gene expression. Additionally, the project will investigate plant defense mechanisms and elicitors of these mechanisms such a chitin in Theobroma cacao. These data will be used to understand plant functions; identify candidate genes and study gene function and gene expression. This agreement will formalize the research collaboration between Cooperator and USDA/ARS to facilitate the objectives stated above.
The objectives of the agreement directly relate to specific Objective 3: Develop novel strategies for managing diseases of cacao and other tropical perennial crops. (NP303, C2, PS2B, C3, PS3A) in NP303 project “Development of Pathogen- and Plant-Based Genetic Tools and Disease Mitigation Methods for Tropical Perennial Crops.”
Approach:
The Cooperator under this agreement will produce modified elicitor compounds and characterize plant gene function in responses to these compounds in Theobroma cacao, and analysis gene function /metabolism in Erythroxylum plants. ARS will provide the Cooperator under this agreement with nucleic acids from isolated microbes/microbial infected plant material and dried plant material or extracts. The Cooperator will conduct metabolic analysis and will share the data with ARS or to a third party designated by ARS.
