Location: Cereal Disease Lab
Project Number: 5062-21220-024-012-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2024
End Date: Jul 31, 2026
Objective:
1) Identify genes that are evolving in extant populations of Fusarium graminearum; 2) Characterize the virulence of emerging Fusarium head blight disease (FHB) pathogens on host grasses; 3) Develop genomic tools to identify and understand gene function of FHB pathogens; and 4) Establish how new FHB-causing lineages may interact with other microbes in the wheat agroecosystem to impact disease. The ultimate objective of this project is to enhance our ability to control FHB on cereal crops.
Approach:
A project is being established to utilize existing resources to better understand the structure and evolution of Fusarium populations, allowing us to account for pathogen population variation as it relates to different host genotypes and species, and uncover possible mechanisms of resistance that could lead to a sustainable crop production environment. To understand how extant populations are evolving, we will use isolates and genomic sequences from both historic and recent collections of Fusarium head blight disease (FHB) pathogens. Genomics in conjunction with
in vitro experimentation and metabolomic analysis will be used to dissect plant- pathogen interaction and pathogen-microbe interactions. Additionally, bioinformatic screens will be used to identify quickly-evolving and newly-emerging genes that contribute to pathogen lifestyle. Further analysis using genetic tools (such as mutant collection and genetic stocks) will be deployed to verify the results and determine the most efficient approach to controlling disease. The potential of existing host-resistance to emerging FHB pathogens and lineages will be determined by virulence screening against agricultural and wild grass species.
