Integrated Management of Fungal Pathogens in Peanut to Reduce Mycotoxin Contamination and Yield Losses

1. Evaluate pathogen-host interactions, including enzyme production by host and pathogen during aflatoxin accumulation, and identify potential resistance genes for aflatoxin control. 2. Mine the diploid Arachis germplasm collections in peanut to identify resistance to various pathogens, characterize novel sources of resistance to important fungal pathogens, and introgress genes into cultivated peanuts. 2a. Screen wild peanut germplasm collection to identify useful germplsm for resistance to important fungal pathogens (e.g. Aspergillus, Cercospora, Cercosporidium, and Sclerotinia spp.). 2b. Transfer economically important genetic traits from wild Arachis species to cultivated peanuts. 3. Develop integrated strategies for management of fungus-associated peanut diseases.