NEXT-GENERATION SEQUENCING FOR DIAGNOSTICS OF TOMATO AND PEPPER BACTERIAL PATHOGENS

The major goalof this project isto develop whole-genome sequencing (WGS)and metagenome sequencing (MGS) based plant disease diagnostics, incorporating farmers, extension agents, and diagnosticians in the process. This project will provide the foundation for the adoption of WGS and MGS into plant diagnostic clinics across the country.Project Objectives:Research: Develop a WGS and MGS platform for tomato and pepper pathogen diagnosticsExperiment 1: Determine the limit of detection for Xanthomonas spp. bacteria in leaf tissue of tomato and pepperExperiment 2: Create bacterial gene database associated with target phenotypes (e.g. development of plant and chemical resistance in Ohio, specifically on tomato and pepper; virulence genes) and evaluate genetic pathogen diversity in OhioExperiment 3: Compare the Illumina iSeq100 and Oxford Nanopore Technologies minION sequencers for diagnostic effectivenessExtension: Collaborate with Ohio vegetable farmers to field test WGS and MGS for diagnosticsExperiment 1: Collect and evaluate farmer's plant samplesExperiment 2: Educate farmers about sequencing for diagnostics and bacterial spot management recommendations