CHARACTERIZING THE RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIOME OF WINTER WHEAT PHENOTYPES TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF THE ROOT LESION NEMATODES.

To determine the changesin the rhizosphere microbiome as shaped by plant phenotype and its interaction with the root lesion nematode, Pratylenchus neglectus. Objectives:1) Determine the influences nematode resistance has on overall crop performance; and plantand soil health.2) Determine the changes in rhizosphere microbiome associated with differentnematode pathotypesand their interactions with nematode susceptible and resistant wheat phenotypes.