Biology, Epidemiology, and Detection of Emerging Plant Pathogenic Oomycetes

Objective 1: Develop immuno-diagnostic assays for detection of Phytophthora ramorum and other emerging Phytophthora species in host plants as well as nursery irrigation and aquatic environmental samples. [NP303, C1, PS1] Subobjective 1A: Develop a molecular detection assay for Phytophthora ramorum based on cell wall-specific proteins. Objective 2: Develop formulations of antagonistic microorganisms including Trichoderma spp. that can be used as a management tool to reduce soil and leaf populations of Phytophthora ramorum and other emerging Phytophthora species. [NP303, C2, PS2] Subobjective 2A. Investigate the use of biocontrol agents against selected Phytophthora species, seek to enhance their effectiveness, and identify new biocontrol agents. Objective 3: Characterize the biology and epidemiology of emerging plant diseases caused by oomycetes such as Plasmopara obducens (Impatiens downy mildew) as the basis for improved disease management strategies. [NP303, C2, PS2C] Subobjective 3A: Determine key characteristics of epidemiology of emerging oomycete plant pathogens. Subobjective 3B: Determine the risk potential posed by exotic oomycete species to US agricultural plant species.