Biology, Ecology, and Genomics of Pathogenic and Beneficial Microorganisms of Wheat, Barley, and Biofuel Brassicas

The long-term objective of this project is to develop biologically based technologies for controlling soilborne pathogens of wheat, barley and brassica crops grown as part of cereal-based production systems. Three specific objectives will be addressed over the next five years. Objective 1: Define the pathogen diversity, host range, and geographical distribution of fungal and nematode root pathogens, especially those causing emerging diseases in cereal-based cropping systems in the Pacific Northwest. Subobjective 1A: Using conventional and molecular techniques, determine the biogeographical distribution and risk of emerging and chronic pathogens and diseases. Subobjective 1B: Examine the genetic and pathogenic diversity of emerging and chronic pathogens. Subobjective 1C: Develop and evaluate agronomic, genetic and cultural methods of root disease management. Objective 2: Determine the soil microorganisms, microbial communities, and molecular mechanisms that promote or reduce plant health in wheat, barley and canola in the Pacific Northwest. Subobjective 2A: Determine how cultural practices and chemical inputs affect the plant and soil microbiomes in wheat cropping systems. Subobjective 2B: Characterize the rhizosphere microbiome of wheat in take-all decline soils. Subobjective 2C: Evaluate the effect of the wheat cultivar on the robustness of biological control by Pseudomonas spp. and in take-all decline soils. Objective 3: Identify and characterize molecular mechanisms of host-microbe interactions, including the action of host genes governing disease resistance and biological control against soilborne pathogens of wheat, barley and canola. Subobjective 3A: Identify host responses to soilborne pathogens, biocontrol bacteria and bacterial metabolites. Subobjective 3B: Identify and characterize germplasm with resistance to soilborne pathogens.