Project Number: 5358-22000-030-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Mar 06, 2003
End Date: Mar 05, 2008

Objective:
Advance understanding of the etiology and epidemiology of foliar and fruit pathogens and develop regional disease forecasting systems. Determine the role of biofilms in the biological control of plant disease. Develop and implement strategies for enhancing the establishment and efficacy of BCAs on aerial plant surfaces. Expand research efforts in management practices that optimize (grape powdery mildew) in grapevines.

Approach:
Environmental factors affecting spore germination, infection, epiphytic growth, and quiescence or latency of B. cinerea and various powdery mildews will be identified. This information will be used to develop regional disease forecasting systems and enhance efforts in developing biological control agents. In order to further enhance establishment and efficacy of biological control agents the role of biofilms in the biological control of B. cinerea will be investigated using microscopic and molecular methods. This information will be used to develop end-user spray adjuvants that enhance establishment and efficacy of individual biological control agents as well as begin the development of beneficial microbial comminutes on plant surfaces. Formerly 5358-22000-024-00D (2/03).

Project Team

Mahaffee, Walter - Walt Loper, Joyce

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)

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