Grant Information
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 - Biological Control of Pests Affecting Plants | 110 - Soil | 1040 - Molecular biology | 100% |
Our studies of pathogen and replant suppressive soils will lead to the development of new and more sustainable management strategies. Our current research is focused on controlling sugarbeet cyst nematodes (Heterodera schachtii), root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), and Prunus replant disease. New methods for managing these pathogens and diseases are needed, because chemicals to control them have been or are being phased out, crop rotations are ineffective, and/or resistant cultivars are not available. Annual losses due to sugarbeet cyst nematodes are estimated to be $60 million in California alone (Koennig et al. 1999). Annual losses due to root-knot nematodes are estimated to be $8 billion for US growers and $78 billion worldwide (Barker et al. 1994). Concerning Prunus replant diseases, losses due the phase-out of methyl bromide are also estimated to be in the billions (McKenry, 1999; Trout et al. 2004).The long-term goal of this research is to develop more sustainable strategies to manage soil-borne plant pathogens. To accomplish this, we are endeavoring to understand soils that naturally inhibit plant pests and disease, termed suppressive soils. Key steps in realizing the potential of these soils are to identify the causal organisms and then understand the agronomic and environmental factors that enable them to function. Armed with such knowledge, it should be possible to develop effective and sustainable pest management strategies through the application of the organisms and through agronomic practices that influence their populations. Overall, this research project will enhance the sustainability of U.S. agriculture, food safety, and the exportability of agricultural products by leading to the development of new and more sustainable strategies to manage soil-borne pathogens.References:Barker, K.R., R.S. Hussey, and L.R. Krusberg. 1994. Plant and soil nematodes: Societal impact and focus for the future. Journal of Nematology 26:127-137.Koenning SR, Overstreet C, Noling JW, Donald PA, Becker JO, Fortnum BA. 1999. Survey of crop losses in response to phytoparasitic nematodes in the United States for 1994. Journal of Nematology 31:587-618.McKenry, M.V. 1999. The replant problem and its management. Catalina Publishing Co., Fresno, CA. 126 p.Trout, T., K. Klonsky and R. De Moura. 2004 Economics of methyl bromide alternatives for orchard replant in California. Ann. International Research Conf on MeBr Alt and Emissions Reductions. 9-1 to 9-5.
This project has three interrelated objectives. Below, I list the Methods by these objectives.Objective 1. Elucidate the interactions among the beneficial microorganisms, pathogens and crops that lead to the development and stability of the pathogen suppressiveness.Our current and future research is focused on understanding how population dynamics of Dactylella oviparasitic subtypes can be used to enhance cropping decisions. We posit that planting decision models for sugar beets will be enhanced by incorporating population densities of D. oviparasitica and related fungi. Factors supporting this statement include D. oviparasitica's wide distribution in sugar beet growing regions and its abilities to reduce H. schachtii populations in field conditions and in soils with different chemical and physical characteristics (Olatinwo et al., 2006a,b,c). In our most recent study, results from greenhouse experiments showed an inverse relationship between the amounts of D. oviparasitica and H. schachtii (Yang et al. 2012b). To develop effective planting decision models, this line of investigation will be expanded to include field-based experiments delineating D. oviparasitica-H. schachtii associations in relation to cropping regimens and time. For example, if two soils with high amounts of H. schachtii are compared, with one containing high amounts of D. oviparasitica while the other contains low amounts, we would predict that the soil with higher D. oviparasitica populations would have lower H. schachtii populations within two nematode generations if both were planted with a host crop. Future investigations should test such predictions.Implementing more effective planting decision models also will require biologically meaningful measurements of D. oviparasitica population densities. In our most recent study, we detected huge differences in the amounts of D. oviparasitica in field-collected cysts and root box-obtained H. schachtii females (Yang et al. 2012b). We speculate that parasitism of D. oviparasitica is initiated at the late juvenile stages or at the young female stage when the developing nematode first breaks through the root surface, exposing its posterior end to the rhizosphere. In the cysts, other microorganisms compete with D. oviparasitica and eventually replace this fungus, resulting in a drop of its detectable rRNA gene levels. Consequently, we find D. oviparasitica at very low levels in cysts from the suppressive field soil. In the context of taking measurements for a cropping decision model, these results suggest that D. oviparasitica populations will need to be measured in a host plant bioassay in which sedentary juveniles and females serve as semi-selective baits.In addition, the shared characteristics of D. oviparasitica and related fungi including ARF-L suggest that other members of a recently identified Dactylella clade may have similar nematophagous capabilities (Yang et al. 2012b). Dactylella oviparasitica strain 50 shares many similarities with ARF-L, which was identified as a parasite of the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) by University of Arkansas researchers in the 1990s (Kim and Riggs, 1991). Both D. oviparasitica and ARF-L are capable of parasitizing species of root-knot nematodes and cyst nematodes (Kim and Riggs, 1991; Stirling, 1991). Variation in parasitism rates of different ARF strains have been reported on soybean cyst nematodes (Timper and Riggs, 1998). Both D. oviparasitica strain 50 and ARF-L are filamentous, non-sporulating fungi with thin hyphae. Both fungi infected white females of H. schachtii, yet neither was able to parasitize viable eggs in vitro (Smith Becker et al,, 2011). Future research should assess the abilities of the different fungal subtypes from our newly identified Dactylella clade to parasitize and reduce populations of various cyst and root-knot nematodes. Sequence-selective qPCR assays will be developed and used to enumerate the population densities of the subtypes, which could then be incorporated into planting models.More broadly, given that D. oviparasitica and related organisms comprise a clade of fungi containing effective biological control agents targeting several economically important nematodes, and that similar fungi have been identified on several continents, this general approach may prove to be useful for a wide range of crops in other geographical locations.Objective 2. Identify the microorganisms that cause Prunus replant disease.In the prior work, we describe investigations that have identified numerous microorganisms associated with peach replant symptoms, some of which have been previously identified while others represent new candidates. In our future research, Koch's postulates investigations in greenhouse-based studies will assess their possible roles in this replant disease.Objective 3. Develop new methods that enable a greater understanding of the roles microorganisms play in processes such as pathogen and replant disease.PCR Primer Software. In prior research, we developed PRImer Selector (PRISE), a new software package that implements several features that improve and streamline the design of sequence-selective PCR primers (Fu et al. 2008). In our future research, we will provide additional functionalities enabling probe design and Taqman PCR assay development.Statistical Methods to Examine Host Microbe Interactions. To further develop our co-clustering methods that facilitate a greater understanding of host-microbe interactions, we will adapt the clustering methods to examine both linear and non-linear relationships in a nonparametric manner, which are attributes that more accurately reflect the varied types of data and relationships that exist in biological systems.References:Fu, Q., P. Ruegger, E. Bent, M. Chrobak, and J. Borneman. 2008. PRISE (PRImer SElector): Software for designing sequence-selective PCR primers. Journal of Microbiological Methods 72:263-267.Kim, D. G., and Riggs, R. D. 1991. Characteristics and efficacy of a sterile hyphomycete (ARF18), a new biocontrol agent for Heterodera glycines and other nematodes. Journal of Nematology 23:275-282.Olatinwo R, Becker JO, Borneman J. 2006a. Suppression of Heterodera schachtii populations by Dactylella oviparasitica in four soils. Journal of Nematology 38:345-48.Olatinwo R. Borneman J, Becker JO. 2006b. Induction of beet-cyst nematode suppressiveness by Dactylella oviparasitica and Fusarium oxysporum in field microplots. Phytopathology 96:855-59.Olatinwo R, Yin B, Becker JO, Borneman J. 2006c. Suppression of the plant-parasitic nematode Heterodera schachtii by the fungus Dactylella oviparasitica. Phytopathology 96:111-14.Smith Becker, Jennifer, James Borneman, and J. Ole Becker. 2013. Dactylella oviparasitica parasitism of the sugar beet cyst nematode observed in trixenic culture plates. Journal of Biological Control 64:51-56.Stirling, G. R. 1991. Biological control of plant parasitic nematodes: progress, problems and prospects. Wallingford, Oxon, UK: C.A.B International.Timper, P., and Riggs, R. D. 1998. Variation in efficacy of isolates of the fungus ARF against the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines. Journal of Nematology 30:461- 467.Yang, Jiue-in, Scott Benecke, Daniel R. Jeske, Fernando Rocha, Jennifer Smith-Becker, Patricia Timper, J. Ole Becker, James Borneman. 2012b. Population Dynamics of Dactylella oviparasitica and Heterodera schachtii: Toward a Decision Model for Sugar Beet Planting. Journal of Nematology 44:67-71.
Target Audience
This project has four interrelated objectives listed below. The target audiences for this project are (i) scientists endeavoring to perform similar studies targeting both similar and different pathogens, (ii) scientists performing molecular based studies that would benefit from the tools we have and are developing and (iii) stakeholders that could benefit from the solutions that are developed both directly and indirectly from our research. In addition, James Borneman integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which has been: MCBL 121L, an undergraduate microbiology laboratory course, MCBL 126, an undergraduate microbiology course in microbiomes, MCBL 211, a graduate microbial ecology course, and MCBL 226, a graduate microbiology course in microbiomes. OBJECTIVE 1. To discover, identify, and characterize microbes, biological control agents, biorational compounds, pathogen-suppressive microbiomes, as well as cultural practices and organic amendments that reduce plant diseases and damage caused by soilborne plant pathogens and improve plant health. OBJECTIVE 2. To determine how microbial populations function to suppress disease and how plants and the environment relate to this function. OBJECTIVE 3. Develop, assess, and promote sustainable management strategies and practices for soilborne pathogens that are IPM-based and are compatible with soil health management practices. OBJECTIVE 4. Provide outreach, education, extension and technology transfer to growers, stakeholders, students and other scientists. This is covered in the OUTREACH section.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
James Borneman trained 1 MS student, 3 Ph.D. students and 3 undergraduate students, 1 Postdoc, and 1 Project Scientist
Dissemination Streams
Presentation: Annual Meeting of Western Regional Project W-3147 on Biological Control, October 24, 2014, Mission Inn, "Utilizing the Endophytic Phytobiome to Develop Effective and Sustainable HLB Management Strategies" Invited Presentation: 17th Annual Loma Linda University Basic Science Research Symposium, November 13, 2014. Title, "Identifying Functionally Important Bacteria By Examining Host-Associated Microorganisms." Invited Presentation: Plant Pathology and Microbiology Seminar, March 11 2015. Title, "Identifying Functionally Important Bacteria By Examining Host-Associated Microorganisms." Invited Presentation: 61st Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens, March 25, 2015. Title, "Improving the Sugar Beet Cropping Decision Model in the Imperial Valley." Presentation by James Borneman: Sugarbeet Work Group Meeting, February 3 2016, Holtville CA, Title: Improving Sugar Beet Economics, Productivity & Sustainability by Modifying the Cropping Decision Model. Invited Presentation by James Borneman: Foundation for Food and Agriculture Phytobiomes Meeting, May 29, 2016, Tampa Florida, Title: Managing Indigenous Populations of Dactylella oviparasitica to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode. Presentation by James Borneman: A Microbe-Based Strategy to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode. December 2, 2016. W3147 Meeting at MI in Riverside CA. Presentation by James Borneman titled "A Microbe-Based Strategy to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode." Annual Meeting of Western Regional Project W-3147 on Biological Control, December 2, 2016, Mission Inn. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Improving Sugar Beet Economics, Productivity & Sustainability by Modifying the Cropping Decision Model." Sugarbeet Work Group Meeting, February 8, 2017, Holtville CA. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Creating Cyst Nematode Suppressive Soils Using a Cropping Decision Model." Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens. Davis California, March 29, 2017. Invited presentation by James Borneman titled "Statistical Analysis of Microbiome Data When Samples Have Unequal Sequence Counts." UCR Department of Statistics, May 2, 2017. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Culture to Management - An Approach to Cultivate and Eradicate the HLB-Associated Bacterium," Citrus Research Board HLB External Review Panel Meetings in Davis on August 16, 2017. Invited Presentation by James Borneman for UCR Microbiome Datablitz. October 27, 2017. Invited Presentation by James Borneman titled, Development of Biologically Based Strategies to Control Cyst Nematodes and Huanglongbing. for BASF (Research Triangle Park, NC) October 4, 2017. Invited Presentation by James Borneman for Sugarbeet Work Group Meeting, January 31 2018, Holtville CA, Title: Improving Sugar Beet Economics, Productivity & Sustainability by Modifying the Cropping Decision Model. Invited Presentation by James Borneman titled, Indigenous Populations of Dactylella oviparasitica Suppress Nematodes in Several Regions & Crops. Joint Meeting of Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens and APS Pacific Division. Portland Oregon, June 27, 2018. James Borneman integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which includes: MCBL 121L, an undergraduate microbiology laboratory course, MCBL 126, an undergraduate microbiology course in microbiomes, MCBL 211, a graduate microbial ecology course, and MCBL 226, a graduate microbiology course in microbiomes.
Next Reporting Steps
We will continue with the abovementioned research. We are also developing new strategies to manage the Huanglongbing (HLB), which is a devastating disease of citrus that is associated with an uncultured bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.), and which currently has no effective treatments. Our approaches are several including (i) using the citrus microbiome to inhibit the bacterial pathogen, (ii) using the citrus microbiome to deter feeding of the vector (Asian Citrus Psyllid) (iii) deploying the Bt toxin in phloem inhabiting bacteria (iv) and using metabolic modeling of the HLB-associated pathogen to identify peptides to kill this pathogen and that can be delivered by the CTV virus and (v) using metabolic modeling of the HLB-associated pathogen to identify the necessary reagents and conditions to cultivate the HLB-associated pathogen in vitro.
Target Audience
This project has four interrelated objectives listed below. The target audiences for this project are (i) scientists endeavoring to perform similar studies targeting both similar and different pathogens, (ii) scientists performing molecular based studies that would benefit from the tools we have and are developing and (iii) stakeholders that could benefit from the solutions that are developed both directly and indirectly from our research. In addition, James Borneman integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which he teaches every year: MCBL 126, an undergraduate microbiology course in microbiomes and MCBL 226, a graduate microbiology course in microbiomes. OBJECTIVE 1. To discover, identify, and characterize microbes, biological control agents, biorational compounds, pathogen-suppressive microbiomes, as well as cultural practices and organic amendments that reduce plant diseases and damage caused by soilborne plant pathogens and improve plant health. OBJECTIVE 2. To determine how microbial populations function to suppress disease and how plants and the environment relate to this function. OBJECTIVE 3. Develop, assess, and promote sustainable management strategies and practices for soilborne pathogens that are IPM-based and are compatible with soil health management practices. OBJECTIVE 4. Provide outreach, education, extension and technology transfer to growers, stakeholders, students and other scientists. This is covered in the OUTREACH section.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
James Borneman trained 1 Project Scientist 2 Ph.D. students and 1 undergraduate student.
Dissemination Streams
Presentation by James Borneman titled "A Microbe-Based Strategy to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode." Annual Meeting of Western Regional Project W-3147 on Biological Control, December 2, 2016, Mission Inn. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Improving Sugar Beet Economics, Productivity & Sustainability by Modifying the Cropping Decision Model." Sugarbeet Work Group Meeting, February 8, 2017, Holtville CA. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Creating Cyst Nematode Suppressive Soils Using a Cropping Decision Model." Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens. Davis California, March 29, 2017. Invited presentation by James Borneman titled "Statistical Analysis of Microbiome Data When Samples Have Unequal Sequence Counts." UCR Department of Statistics, May 2, 2017. Presentation by James Borneman titled "Culture to Management - An Approach to Cultivate and Eradicate the HLB-Associated Bacterium," Citrus Research Board HLB External Review Panel Meetings in Davis on August 16, 2017. James Borneman integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which he teaches every year: MCBL 126, an undergraduate microbiology course in microbiomes and MCBL 226, a graduate microbiology course in microbiomes.
Next Reporting Steps
We will continue with the abovementioned research. We are also developing new strategies to manage the Huanglongbing (HLB), which is a devastating disease of citrus that is associated with an uncultured bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.), and which currently has no effective treatments. Our approaches are several including (i) using the citrus microbiome to inhibit the bacterial pathogen, (ii) using the citrus microbiome to deter feeding of the vector (Asian Citrus Psyllid) (iii) deploying the Bt toxin in phloem inhabiting bacteria (iv) and using metabolic modeling of the HLB-associated pathogen to identify peptides to kill this pathogen and that can be delivered by the CTV virus and (v) using metabolic modeling of the HLB-associated pathogen to identify the necessary reagents and conditions to cultivate the HLB-associated pathogen in vitro. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? We used probit regression models to show that there was a strong relationship between pre-planting population levels of the fungus Dactylella oviparasitica in sugar beet soils in the Imperial Valley (CA) and post-planting levels of the nematode Heterodera schachtii. We expect that this will lead to the development of new cropping decision models that will enable growers to be create and maintain soils that suppress H. schachtii, which we anticipate will lead to higher crop yields and profitability for the growers. We are currently performing similar experiments as described just above to examine soils used to grow members of the Brassicaceae along the west coast of California between Los Angeles and San Francisco, toward the same goal of developing new cropping decision models that will enable growers to be create and maintain soils that suppress H. schachtii, which we anticipate will lead to higher crop yields and profitability for the growers. We have examined the bacteria and fungi of HLB survivor trees in Florida. This has led to the identification of microbes that negatively correlate with HLB disease severity. We have isolated several of these organisms and shown that they inhibit the growth of Liberibacter crescens, a culturable relative of the HLB-associated pathogen. We are working with Daniel Jeske to develop new methods to statistically examine microbial communities using Illumina-based next generation sequencing data. These methods endeavor to deal with the problem of unequal numbers of sequences per sample. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
This project has one main objective listed below. The target audiences for this project are (i) scientists endeavoring to perform similar studies targeting both similar and different pathogens and (ii) stakeholders that could benefit from the solutions that are developed both directly and indirectly from our research. In addition, the PI integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which he teaches every year: MCBL 121L, a microbiology laboratory course and MCBL 211, a microbial ecology course. Objective 1. To identify and characterize new biological agents, microbial community structure and function, naturally suppressive soils, cultural practices, and organic amendments that provide management of diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
James Borneman trained 1 Project Scientist.
Dissemination Streams
Presentation by James Borneman: Sugarbeet Work Group Meeting, February 3 2016, Holtville CA, Title: Improving Sugar Beet Economics, Productivity & Sustainability by Modifying the Cropping Decision Model. Invited Presentation by James Borneman: Foundation for Food and Agriculture Phytobiomes Meeting, May 29, 2016, Tampa Florida, Title: Managing Indigenous Populations of Dactylella oviparasitica to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode. Presentation by James Borneman: A Microbe-Based Strategy to Suppress the Sugarbeet Cyst Nematode. December 2, 2016. W3147 Meeting at MI in Riverside CA.
Next Reporting Steps
We will continue with the abovementioned research. We are also developing new strategies to manage the Huanglongbing (HLB), which is a devastating disease of citrus that is associated with an uncultured bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.), and which currently has no effective treatments. Our approaches are several including (i) using the citrus microbiome to inhibit the bacterial pathogen, (ii) using the citrus microbiome to deter feeding of the vector (Asian Citrus Psyllid) and (iii) deploying the Bt toxin in phloem inhabiting bacteria. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? We obtained new data that will facilitate our adding the population densities of the nematophagous fungus Dactylella oviparasitica to cropping decision model of sugar beets, which we anticipate will lead to higher crop yields and profitability for the growers. This will be accomplished by managing cropping decisions such that the sugarbeet cyst nematode populations will be controlled. Our new data came from experiments where we examine soils from the Imperial Valley CA, where we showed that there was a predicable relationship between the initial levels of Dactylella oviparasitica and final populations of Heterodera schachtii using probit regression analyses. We have also determined that this general principle will likely be applicable to other crops, as the nematophagous fungus Dactylella oviparasitica can also effectively parasitize root-knot nematodes, the soybean cyst nematode, and most recently, the cereal cyst nematodes. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
This project has one main objective listed below. The target audiences for this project are (i) scientists endeavoring to perform similar studies targeting both similar and different pathogens and (ii) stakeholders that could benefit from the solutions that are developed both directly and indirectly from our research. In addition, the PI integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which he teaches every year: MCBL 121L, a microbiology laboratory course and MCBL 211, a microbial ecology course. Objective 1. To identify and characterize new biological agents, microbial community structure and function, naturally suppressive soils, cultural practices, and organic amendments that provide management of diseases caused by soilborne plant pathogens.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
Trained 1 postdoc and 1 graduate student who did a summer rotation in my lab.
Dissemination Streams
Presentation: Annual Meeting of Western Regional Project W-3147 on Biological Control, October 24, 2014, Mission Inn, "Utilizing the Endophytic Phytobiome to Develop Effective and Sustainable HLB Management Strategies" Invited Presentation: 17th Annual Loma Linda University Basic Science Research Symposium, November 13, 2014. Title, "Identifying Functionally Important Bacteria By Examining Host-Associated Microorganisms." Invited Presentation: Plant Pathology and Microbiology Seminar, March 11 2015. Title, "Identifying Functionally Important Bacteria By Examining Host-Associated Microorganisms." Invited Presentation: 61st Conference on Soilborne Plant Pathogens, March 25, 2015. Title, "Improving the Sugar Beet Cropping Decision Model in the Imperial Valley."
Next Reporting Steps
We will continue with the abovementioned research. We are also developing new strategies to manage the Huanglongbing (HLB), which is a devastating disease of citrus that is associated with an uncultured bacterium (Candidatus Liberibacter spp.), and which currently has no effective treatments. Our approaches are several including (i) using the citrus microbiome to inhibit the bacterial pathogen, (ii) using the citrus microbiome to deter feeding of the vector (Asian Citrus Psyllid) and (iii) deploying the Bt toxin in phloem inhabiting bacteria. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? We obtained new data that will facilitate our adding the population densities of the nematophagous fungus Dactylella oviparasitica to cropping decision model of sugar beets, which we anticipate will lead to higher crop yields and profitability for the growers. This will be accomplished by managing cropping decisions such that the sugarbeet cyst nematode populations will be controlled. We have also determined that this general principle will likely be applicable to other crops, as the nematophagous fungus Dactylella oviparasitica can also effectively parasitize root-knot nematodes, the soybean cyst nematode, and most recently, the cereal cyst nematodes. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>
Target Audience
This project has three interrelated objectives listed below. The target audience for this project is scientists endeavoring to perform similar studies targeting both similar and different pathogens. In addition, the PI integrates his research findings and related concepts into his undergraduate and graduate level microbiology courses, which he teaches every year: MCBL 121L, a microbiology laboratory course and MCBL 211, a microbial ecology course. Objective 1. Elucidate the interactions among the beneficial microorganisms, pathogens and crops that lead to the development and stability of the pathogen suppressiveness. Objective 2. Identify the microorganisms that cause Prunus replant disease. Objective 3. Develop new methods that enable a greater understanding of the roles microorganisms play in processes such as pathogen and replant disease.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
Nothing Reported
Dissemination Streams
Title: "Utilizing the Endophytic Phytobiome to Develop Effective and Sustainable HLB Management Strategies." Presented at the W3147 Annual Meeting, October 24, 2014, Mission Inn, Riverside, CA.
Next Reporting Steps
We anticipate further developing the use of Dactylella oviparasitica in the control of the sugarbeet cyst nematode. <br><br>
<br>What was accomplished under these goals? We obtained data for adding the population levels of the fungus Dactylella oviparasitica to cropping decision models, which we anticipate will lead to higher crop yields and profitability for the growers. We developed PRISE2, a software program enabling the design of sequence-selective PCR primers and probes. This program has several features not present in any other program, enabling us to design tools to track and quantify specific bacteria that co-exist with thousands of other bacteria, which is a capability that has been lacking in this type of experimentation. This tool will enable us to track microorganisms in soil, which will allow us to identify and understand microorganisms involved in plant pathogen suppression. We developed a new state-of-the-art DNA sequencing method for identifying bacteria at a much higher level of taxonomic resolution. All prior methods typically enable genus level assignments while our new method enables species and sometimes strain level assignments. This tool will enable us to identify and understand microorganisms involved in plant pathogen suppression. We developed a new statistical approach for classifying soils (or other entities) into discrete categories. Classification methods often endeavor to examine a set of variables to place entities into categories, for example, pathogen suppressive and non-pathogen suppressive soils. One considerable limitation of such methods is their inability to effectively handle entities that cannot be confidently placed into discrete groups, and thus should be placed into a third classification (undetermined). To address this limitation, Dr. Daniel Jeske and I have developed a new method, which could have broad impact. <br><br><b>Publications</b><br>