SYSTEMS-LEVEL CHARACTERIZATION OF PYTHIUM PATHOGENESIS, AN EMERGING THREAT TO MAIZE PRODUCTION.

The goal of this project is to providea foundation to develop effectivePythium mitigation and management strategies for growers. Our central hypothesis is that load and distribution of differentPythiumspp. within the soil alters the severity of disease, which is mediated by a reduction in root growth and changes in plant mechanics that can be used to predict yield impacts. We have defined the following objectives to address the central hypothesis and answer open questions regarding howPythiumspp. are concentrated and distributed within fields, howPythiumspp. impact maize root growth, and if early season plant metrics froPythiuminfected plants can be used to predicts end of season yield impacts.Objective 1: Characterize load and distribution of Pythium spp. in field soilObjective 2: Quantify the impact of Pythium infection on maize root-type specific growthObjective 3: Assess Pythium impact on early season plant biomechanics to predict yield impacts