Project Number: 5303-21220-002-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Oct 01, 2004
End Date: Oct 31, 2005

Objective:
The objective of the Western Integrated Cropping Patterns Research Unit is to develop new materials and methods for sustainable production of cotton and other crops grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of the US. Specifically, integrated management of insects, improving cotton germplasm, and detection and management of emerging diseases are the major objectives of the research. Research on Fusarium wilt of cotton will focus on creating rapid diagnostics and determining the epidemiology of the disease in the field.

Approach:
An interdisciplinary team consisting of two entomologists, a geneticist and a plant pathologist will work towards reducing costs of cotton production while increasing the fiber qualities and yield and protecting the crop against pests and diseases in the context of environmental stewardship. Entomologists conduct research on biological and cultural control of insects and examine the movement of insects and their natural enemies from crop to crop. This is facilitated by methods to identify likely hosts of the insects. Conventional breeding techniques in combination with modern molecular methods will be used to examine host plant resistance to insects and Fusarium wilt, in addition to fiber quality and yield. Rapid diagnostic tests for Fusarium wilt will be developed to define the scope of the Fusarium issue in California and other areas of cotton production. Replacing 5303-21220-001-00D (10/04).