Project Number: 3602-21220-008-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Apr 05, 2003
End Date: Oct 31, 2007

Objective:
The research objectives and experimental plans in this project are focused on obtaining basic knowledge of molecular genetic and biochemical processes in small grain cereals that control fungal and viral pathogens. Specific objectives are to integrate virus resistance genes from related plant species into wheat and oats, characterize these genes, and develop molecular markers for use in breeding programs. Identify and determine the function of plant genes whose pattern of expression changes in resistant compared to susceptible wheat lines when inoculated or uninoculated with virus or fungal pathogens. Identify biochemical and molecular processes involved in plant pathogen interactions. Develop new strategies for bioengineered virus resistance.

Approach:
Small grain cereals are among the world's most important food crops. Incorporating highly effective and stable resistance to important plant pathogens is a major component in reducing losses caused by plant diseases. Genes present in related wheatgrass species that provide resistance to barley and cereal yellow dwarf viruses (YDV) will be incorporated into wheat and oat and these genes characterized for the level and mechanism of resistance they provide. Identify and isolate genes whose expression pattern changes in virus and fungal susceptible and resistant wheat and oat genotypes using suppressive subtraction hybridization, differential expression, proteomics and functional genomic analyses. The role of these genes in resistance and/or susceptibility will be examined using a gene silencing approach that will provide a functional identification of genes required for disease resistance or susceptibility in cereal crops. In addition to utilizing resistance genes present in wheat, wheatgrass and oat germplasm, new strategies involving pathogen gene regulation will be developed for bioengineered disease resistance. BSL-2; Certified through November 9, 2005.

Project Team

Anderson, Joseph Scofield, Steven Dunkle, Larry

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Biological and Molecular Processes (302)   Plant Diseases (303)

Related Projects

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