DOES INFECTION BY A FUNGAL PATHOGEN INFLUENCE HOST-PLANT RESPONSE AND VECTOR BEHAVIOR TO ENHANCE TRANSMISSION?

The major goal of this project is to evaluate how an insect-vectored fungal plant pathogen manipulates its insect vector and host plant in order to enhance its own transmission. There is significant evidence of host and vector manipulation by viral plant pathogens which led to the development of a predictive framework describing the likely outcome of certain pathogen-host-vector interactions. However fungal pathogens, despite being a dominant and economically significant class of pathogen, are rarely studied in the context of this framework and host/vector manipulation by fungal plant pathogens remains understudied. Using a focal fungal pathogen (Eremothecium coryli), this project outlines three objectives to address the proposed goal: 1) to describe the mechanism of insect-vectored transmission and develop a model identifying significant factors influencing pathogen transmission; 2) examine direct and indirect effects of the fungal pathogen on insect vector attraction to host plants; and 3) examine the changes in host plant quality and palatability after infection by the fungal pathogen. The objectives are delineated in well-defined and logical aspects and are obtainable within the project's duration. The expertise of the personnel, their FTEs, as well as described instrumentation, equipment, and laboratory resources are suited to achieve the project's objectives.