Project Number: 5358-12220-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 10, 2003
End Date: Mar 09, 2008

Objective:
Evaluate the etiology and epidemiology of soilborne diseases of small fruit and nursery crops and the biology of causal pathogens and parasitic nematodes. Develop, evaluate, and enhance biologically-based strategies for the management of soilborne diseases and parasitic nematodes of small fruit and nursery crops. Evaluate mechanisms of biological control. Enhance and expand research in biology and control of nematode pests of small fruit crops. Expand research efforts in management practices that optimize mineral nutrient use and root development and function of grapevines.

Approach:
Studies will focus on root diseases of small fruit and nursery crops caused by species of Phytophthora, Pythium, Thielaviopsis, and Cylindrocladium. Special emphasis will be on Sudden Oak Death caused by Phytophthora ramorum relative to its potential impact on nursery and small fruit crops. Plant-parasitic nematodes that significantly impact the production of nursery and small fruit crops in the Pacific Northwest will be identified. Studies will focus on rhizosphere bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi that suppress root diseases of nursery and small fruit crops. Research will focus on development of biological and cultural control methods as alternative strategies to fumigation with methyl bromide, and the identification of host resistance. Research will focus on balancing the positive effects of soil treatments to suppress target organisms with the negative effects of suppressing beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Knowledge of the impact of alternative chemical fumigants on mycorrhizae is needed for crops like grapevines that are highly dependent on mycorrhizal fungi. Research will focus on Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf-5 because of its efficacy in biological control of soilborne diseases, its rhizosphere competence, the large spectrum of antibiotics and other secondary metabolites that it produces, and its status as model environmental strain for studies of gene regulation. Certain of the proposed studies will rely on knowledge of the complete genomic sequence of Pf-5, which is currently being determined. Replacing 5358-12220-001-00D (3/03). FY03 $73,538 Program Increase.

Project Team

Linderman, Robert - Bob Loper, Joyce Pinkerton, John - Jack Grunwald, Niklaus Schreiner, R - Paul

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)   Methyl Bromide Alternatives (308)

Related Projects

Epidemiology and Management of Plant-Parasitic Nematodes in Winegrapes    Soil Solarization Component of Integrated Program to Control Phytopthora Root Rot of Red Raspberry    Sudden Oak Death in Small Fruit and Nursery Crops: Evaluating the Potential for Disease, Detection, and Control    Cranberry Pest Management