Location: Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21500-003-000-D
Project Type: In-House Appropriated
Start Date: Mar 25, 2024
End Date: Mar 24, 2029
Objective:
Objective 1: Characterize biodiversity and composition of the alfalfa pathobiome to assess known and identify emerging stress challenges.
Sub-objective 1A: Define biodiversity and composition of alfalfa pathobiome using high-throughput sequencing technologies.
Sub-objective 1B: Develop molecular characterizations and diagnostics tools for new and emerging organisms associated with alfalfa pathobiome to prevent potential threats and yield losses.
Objective 2: Determine interactions of alfalfa pathobiome with the host for applications in breeding programs, disease control, and crop improvement.
Approach:
To fulfill the main goals of Objective 1 and 2, the Project will use the following approach:
• Perform metagenomic surveys and high-throughput sequencing methods to explore the complexity of alfalfa pathobiome.
• Define the inventory and composition of pathogenic communities in alfalfa.
• Carry out molecular characterizations, and development of diagnostics tools for novel and emerging pathogens.
• Identify genes and pathways involved in alfalfa responses to a diverse pathobiome by using unconventional field host genomics methodology aimed at the evaluation of genetic responses to a collective pathobiome in the natural field environment.
