MOLECULAR AND GENETIC APPROACHES TO SUPPRESSING FUNGAL PATHOGENS AND MYCOTOXIN CONTAMINATION

Objectives of the research 1) Release a promising insect resistant, premium quality almond variety, and evaluate other advanced breeding selections. 2) Characterize almond seed coat tannins at the genetic and biochemical levels and examine associaion of specific antioxidants with seed coat ink staining. 3) Identify and integrate multiple resistances into regionally adapted, high commercial quality breeding selections. Reduce mycotoxin contamination of agricultural commodities focusing on tree nuts (almonds, pistachios and walnuts) by identifying natural constituents or biocompetitive organisms that inhibit growth of fungi and aflatoxin production. Identify target genes in fungi that trigger mycotoxin biosynthesis focusing on stress response pathways.