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The long-term goal of the project is to develop and implement the use of highly sensitive, rapid and accurate plant pathogen detection technologies. <P>
The objectives of the project are: <OL> <LI> To refine and implement the use of an array for the detection of pathogens of solanaceous crops in cooperating labs and diagnostic clinics across North America<LI> To develop a rapid and ultrasensitive nanomechanical resonator array system for the diagnostic detection of plant pathogens; the proof of principle will be established for the detection of high consequence pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa, and Phytophthora capsici<LI> To broaden extension and education efforts to K-12 students, undergraduates, and growers about agricultural pests and the future use of nanobiotechnology to monitor and detect pathogens. </ol> The outputs of the project will be: <OL type="a"> <LI> experiments to refine a macroarray for pathogen detection<LI>experiments to improve array sensitivity<LI> experiments to test the efficacy of detection for soil and water samples<LI>distribution to and testing of the array in cooperating laboratories<LI>cooperation for disease testing of National Plant Diagnostic Network samples<LI>experiments to optimize a nanomechanical resonator<LI>testing of mass labeling in detection with the nanomechanical resonator<LI>nanotechnology-based lesson integration into K-12 eductional programs<LI> undergraduate and graduate education on plant biosecurity and nanobiotechnology for plant pathogen detection through coursework and summer research<LI>research training in a Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates Program.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The long-term goal of the project is to develop and implement the use of highly sensitive and rapid plant pathogen detection technologies. Integral to the project are education and extension outreach activities to inform the public about the importance to our food supply of disease monitoring and control practices. One objective is to refine and implement the use of an array for the detection of pathogens of potato, tomato, pepper and eggplant. The ten cooperators represent governmental, industry, and academic institutions, including the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Another objective is to develop a rapid and ultrasensitive nanomechanical resonator system for the diagnostic detection of plant pathogens; the proof of principle will be established for the detection of high consequence pathogens including Xylella fastidiosa, and Phytophthora capsici. A third objective is to broaden extension and education efforts to K-12 students, undergraduates, and growers about agricultural pests and the future use of nanobiotechnology to monitor and detect pathogens. The methods will primarily focus on DNA-based technologies. The outcomes/impacts will include an improvement in the detection of plant pathogens and an increase science literacy and citizenship in grades three and four.
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APPROACH: The project will be conducted through two key experimental approaches. The first is to perform hybridization analyses for the detection of plant pathogens. A membrane based macroarray will be employed the oligonucleotide probes for specific pathogens. A nanobiotechnological approach for pathogen detection will involve the use on nanomechanical resonators. Results will be analyzed by quantifying the extent of hyrbridization of nucleic acids from plant and environmental samples. Efforts will include a delivery of science-based knowledge to K-12 students through innovative curricula and in class presentations. An undergraduate training program in research will be implemented. Outputs will be evaluated through a comparison of methods and experimental sensitivities in pathogen detection. Science literacy and citizenship in student grades three to four will be increased.