Location: Soybean/maize Germplasm, Pathology, and Genetics Research
Project Number: 5012-22000-023-014-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Sep 23, 2025
End Date: Sep 22, 2029
Objective:
The primary objective of this collaborative project is to advance research on soybean pathogens, with a particular focus on Calonectria ilicicola, the causal agent of red crown rot. The project will emphasize advanced bioimaging of the infection process, which will contribute to developing effective control measures. These efforts will support long-term investigation and sustainable management strategies, ultimately helping to alleviate concerns among American farmers regarding the impact of this disease.
Approach:
1. Establish Collaboration: We will define the roles and responsibilities of key collaborators and schedule regular meetings to align objectives, share resources, and develop research milestones.
2. Growth Chamber Assay: We will integrate GFP-tagged C. ilicicola isolates with susceptible and partially resistant soybean genotypes to generate comprehensive insights into the infection process and pathogenesis.
3. Access and Characterize the Infection Process: Soybean tissues infected with Calonectria ilicicola will be collected from various regions and sent to cooperator lab for advanced bioimaging analysis.