Project Number: 6659-22000-014-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 25, 2003
End Date: Apr 24, 2008

Objective:
1. Elucidate etiology and epidemiology of major diseases of vegetable crops caused by viruses and other pathogens in order to identify vulnerable areas that provide biologically-based control opportunities. 2. Utilize one or more biologically-based control methods such as host resistance, use of antagonistic organsims, or elimination of pathogen reservoirs to develop new and effective management practices against targeted diseases. 3. Identify sources of disease and/or vector resistant germplasm and facilitate the incorporation of this resistance into enhanced germplasm or new varieties of vegetable crops.

Approach:
Conduct laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies on virus incited diseases of vegetable crops to determine the importance of various disease related factors on the severity, prevalence, and transmission of these diseases. These studies will include identification of prevalent strains of the pathogens; assessment of the roles of vector populations and reservoir hosts; and the influence of critical environmental factors on disease incidence. In cooperation with plant breeders and entomologists, conduct germplasm evaluations to identify potential sources of complete and incomplete resistance to virus diseases and their vectors; and perform detailed studies that characterize identified resistances to determine their potential value and durability as management tools to reduce both primary and secondary spread of virus diseases. Conduct laboratory, field, and greenhouse studies on diseases of vegetable crops that are incited by soilborne and aerial fungal and bacterial pathogens to determine environmental and host factors that favor development and severity of thee diseases. These studies will include identification of prevalent strains of the pathogens; determination of vulnerable stages in pathogen biology; and identification of antagonistic organisms that suppress survival and inoculum potential of the pathogens. In cooperation with plant breeders, conduct germplasm evaluations to identify potential sources of resistance to these diseases; and perform detailed studies that characterize identified resistances to determine their usefulness and potential durability as disease management tools.

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)