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<OL> <LI> Identify novel candidate plant and fungal genes important in virulence and mycotoxin
production. <LI>Validate gene function by gene disruption and expression analyses.<LI>
Develop Arabidopsis thaliana as a model system for identification of novel plant
genes for mycotoxin resistance and sensitivity. <LI>Provide the scientific basis for
assessing potential impact of foreign nivalenol-producing lineages of Fusarium
graminearum on U.S. agriculture.
Genes involved in mycotoxin production and virulence will be identified from mRNA populations isolated from fungal-infected and non-infected plants. Such genes will be cloned and expressed in representative test organisms to determine the gene product and the effect on virulence. Genes that degrade mycotoxins will be tested against numerous types of mycotoxins to determine their method of degradation and effectiveness. Using the model plant system Arabidopsis, ecotypes will be screened for the ability to degrade, modify, or tolerate mycotoxins. Promising genes will be isolated and tested for toxin modification. The potential impact of foreign nivalenol-producing lines of Fusarium on U.S. agriculture will be assessed by measuring the level of virulence on a short-maturing corn under greenhouse conditions. BSL-1 and risk group RG1 recertified September 3, 2009.