Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research
Project Number: 2038-22000-019-063-T
Project Type: Trust Fund Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2024
End Date: Sep 30, 2025
Objective:
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii Race 4 (FoaR4), causal agent of fusarium wilt of celery, poses a primary threat to celery production in California and the United States. Management of fusarium wilt requires accurate detection and measurement of FoaR4 in the environment. The goal of this project is to continue the development of a molecular diagnostic test to identify and quantify FoaR4 to improve sustainable disease management.
Approach:
Previously identified diagnostic markers targeting Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. apii Race 4 (FoaR4) will be used to design a quantitative PCR (qPCR) assay. A hydrolysis probe will be integrated into the assay to increase sensitivity and specificity. The assay will be validated using a panel of target and non-target DNA as well as plant and soil material infested with FoaR4 or non-target pathogens.
