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<OL> <LI> Establish a molecular evolutionary framework for understanding the genetic diversity,
pathogenicity and mycotoxin potential of fusarial pathogens that cause Fusarium head
blight (FHB) of wheat and barley and sudden death syndrome (SDS) of soybeans.
<LI>Determine from multilocus sequence analysis the genetic diversity of Aspergillus and
Pencillium species that produce ochratoxin-A, and develop rapid detection methods for
these fungi using oligonucleotide probes. <LI>Develop molecular genetic methods, based
on analysis of multilocus gene sequences, for rapid detection and identification of
yeasts responsible for food and beverage spoilage as well as for biocontrol yeasts
that are applied to fruit, vegetables and grains to ensure species safety and to
determine the fate of these species in the environment.
Multiple diagnostic gene sequences will be developed for phytopathogenic and
toxigenic species for molds in the genera Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and
their relatives, and for food spoilage and biocontrol yeasts. The gene sequences
will be used to develop population- and species- specific molecular probes for rapid
detection and for understanding the genetic diversity and relationships of each group
of pathogens, food spoilage and biocontrol yeasts.