EXPLORING THE MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATED WITH TABLE BEET TO ENHANCE THE RESILIENCE OF SOILBORNE DISEASE CONTROL

The goals of the project are to explore the microbiomes associated with table beet (Beta vulgarisspp.vulgaris) and investigate the interactions between these microbial communitities, the fungicide azoxystrobin, and table beet susceptibility toRhizoctonia solani, a soilborne plant pathogen.Objectives:1. Characterize the microbial communities associated with seeds, roots, and leaves of table beets across New York.2. Assess the impact of azoxystrobin on the structure and diversity of the rhizosphere microbiome in table beet and determine whether these changes are associated with susceptibility to Rhizoctonia root rot3. Provide research and outreach in the form of presentations and publications to growers and other stakeholders to encourage sustainable and effective management ofR. solani, while protecting soil health and decreasing dependence on azoxystrobin.4. Support the graduate education of PD Branch in plant pathology, providing the basis for a successful career in research and extension.