Location: Horticultural Crops Disease and Pest Management Research Unit
Project Number: 2072-22000-046-034-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2022
End Date: Sep 14, 2026
Objective:
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, soil samples will be collected across potato production regions of the Pacific Northwest and nematode type and density will be modeled in relationship to environmental factors and genotype. The ARS PI will be responsible for the collection of samples and the quantification and identification of nematodes using morphological and 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 either root-knot or cyst nematodes and then the ability of nematodes to reproduce assessed after 8 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 root-knot nematode by the ARS scientist. A combination of 96-well microwell assays and pot experiments will be employed to identify fractions that are toxic to nematodes. 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.
