Project Number: 5350-22000-014-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 07, 2003
End Date: Apr 30, 2008

Objective:
The overarching objecive of this project is to develop scientifically sound methods to detect, classify, and identify plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria that either restrict the export of deciduous tree fruit grown in the U.S. or that are exotic in origin and pose a threat to domestic agricultural production. As such, this project provides direct and indirect support to regulatory and action agencies by identifying the need for science-based mitigative measures that are based on pathogen biology and sound systematics.

Approach:
A fundamental understanding of species-diversity (identify) among Alternaria strains associated with tree fruit will be developed through studies of pathogenicity, metabolite production, morphology, and molecular characters. Research will be conducted as necessary to address market- or issue-specific questions that arise from interactions with trading partners. Formerly 5350-22000-009-00D (11/03).