Progress 03/20/07 to 03/19/12
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416): The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. We conducted several experiments to evaluate bacterial and yeast antagonists, selected in earlier studies, for biological control of latent and wound induced infections by M. fructicola on stone fruits. For controlling wound infections, we utilized a dip inoculation test which simulates commercial conditions and narrowed the choice of biocontrol agents down to two very effective antagonists. We improved our techniques for evaluating control of latent infections and increased the rate of successful induction of latent infections on control fruit from 10% to 80%. Field inoculations with conidia of M. fructicola were conducted at pit hardening stage and appressoria formation was observed under a microscope. More experiments with phage display for affinity of the recombinant antibody to the Penicillium expansum polygalacturonase (PG) antigen were conducted. Significant progress was made in finding better binders. The best binders will be sent to our collaborator for strawberry transformation and evaluation of the role of PG in pathogen virulence. Our study indicated that application of M. fructicola spores to the surface of peach flower petals resulted in an accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in the host by activating host nox and pod: genes that result in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS component, hydrogen peroxide, appears to play a prominent role in the infection of peach flower petals by M. fructicola. Suppression of ROS by the application of antioxidant compounds in a concentration that did not affect spore germination inhibited or prevented infection suggesting that M. fructicola utilizes the strong oxidative response as part of a virulence mechanism. Accomplishments 01 Biocontrol agents for controlling brown rot on peaches. Brown rot cause by Monilinia fructicola is the most important postharvest disease of sto fruits in the United States, and fungicides used for controlling this disease are under increasing scrutiny due to their potential negative effect on the environment and human health. Yeast and bacteria, natural occurring on plums and nectarines, were isolated from fruits by ARS researchers at Kearneysville, West Virginia, and screened for biological control activity against fungus causing brown rot. Two very effective antagonists protecting fruit from decays originating from wound infectio were identified. These antagonists offer a new approach to controlling brown rot on harvested peaches. This approach is especially beneficial organic producers who do not utilize synthetic, chemical fungicides. 02 Fungus utilizes hydrogen peroxide to infect fruit. Brown rot, caused by Monilinia fructicola, is a major disease of all stone fruit resulting in major losses to both growers and consumers after fruit is harvested and sold. A major source of host resistance has not been identified, therefore, increased knowledge about the host-pathogen relationship is needed to develop new approaches to control. ARS researchers at Kearneysville, West Virginia, working in collaboration with scientists i ARO, Israel, discovered that the brown rot spores induce their host to produce large amounts of hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Suppression of ROS greatly inhibited the ability of brow rot spores to cause infection of peach flower petals. This information can be used to develop new strategies for controlling brown rot disease stone fruit.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Droby, S., Wisniewski, M.E., Benkeblia, N. 2011. Postharvest pathology of tropical and subtropical fruit and strategies for decay control. In: Yahia, E., editor. Post-harvest biology and technology of tropical and sub- tropical fruits. Vol. 1. Cambridge, UK: Woodhead Publishing Limited. p. 194-223.
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Pimenta, R.S., Jurick Ii, W.M. 2011. A novel method for selecting antagonists against postharvest fruit decays originating from latent infections. Biological Control. 59:348-389.
- Liu, J., Sui, Y., Wisniewski, M.E., Droby, S., Tian, S., Norelli, J.L., Hershkovitz, V. 2011. Effect of heat treatment on inhibition of Monilinia fructicola and induction of disease resistance in peach fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 65:61-68.
- Jurick Ii, W.M., Vico, I., Gaskins, V.L., Peter, K.A., Park, E., Janisiewicz, W.J. 2012. Carbon, nitrogen and pH regulate the production and activity of a polygalacturonase isozyme produced by Penicillium expansum. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection. DOI:10. 1080/03235408.2012.657893.
- Hershkovitz, V., Droby, S., Wisniewski, M.E., Liu, J., Ben-Dayan, C., Raphael, G., Pasmanik-Chor, M., Aly, R., Tworkoski, T. 2012. Global changes in expression of grapefruit peel tissue in response to the yeast biocontrol agent, Metschnikowia fructicola. Molecular Plant Pathology. 13(4):338-349.
- Wisniewski, M.E., Norelli, J.L., Liu, J., Tian, S., Droby, S., Hershkovitz, V., Farrell, R. 2012. Increase in antioxidant-defense gene transcripts, stress tolerance and biocontrol efficacy of Candida oleophila following sublethal oxidative stress exposure. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 80:578-590.
- Sui, Y., Liu, U., Wisniewski, M.E., Droby, S., Norelli, J.L., Hershkovitz, V. 2012. Pretreatment of the yeast antagonist, Candida oleophila with glycine betaine increases oxidative stress tolerance in the microenvironment of apple wounds. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 157:45-51.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416) The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. We demonstrated that direct interactions between the fungus causing brown rot of stone fruits and potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast that occurs on the fruit surface can be studied on parafilm membranes. Many of the bacteria and yeasts that colonized fungus on the membranes provided control of brown rot when applied to fruit under laboratory conditions. The next step is to select those antagonists that are best adapted to conditions occurring during storage and handling of the fruit. Screening was continued on the apple germplasm collection maintained at the USDA-ARS-PGRU in Geneva, New York, for resistance to postharvest diseases. Two new accessions resistant to blue mold were identified: 1) an accession of Malus orientalis from the Caucus region of the former Soviet Union and 2) an accession of Malus sylvestris of an unknown origin. The identification of blue mold resistance in these accessions are in addition to the previously reported accessions of Malus sieversii. Brown rot disease (Monilinia fructicola Honey) is a major cause of Prunus spp. fruit losses in pre- and post-harvest settings. As part of an ongoing effort to develop biological approaches for managing diseases of temperate fruit crops, we are seeking to better understand the mechanisms by which M. fructicola suppresses or overcomes defense reactions in stone fruit. To identify genes specifically induced/repressed during stone fruit-postharvest pathogen interaction, a microarray analysis was conducted of peach fruit transcriptome response to compatible (M. fructicola) and non-compatible (Penicillium digitatum) pathogens. A recently developed apple microarray consisting of 40,000 70- mer-oligos was used to hybridize RNA extracted from fruit tissue 24 h after wound inoculation with a conidial suspension of M. fructicola, P. digitatum, or sterile water. Tissue from intact fruit was also analyzed. Statistical analysis of the data generated by a total of 16 microarrays showed that 1,048 genes are differently regulated in peach fruit in response to M. fructicola and P. digitatum inoculation. From those, 552 were uniquely regulated by brown rot pathogen, while P. digitatum specifically affected the expression of 493 peach genes within the first 24 h after inoculation. Genes associated with resistance responses were identified and categorized. Disruption of the resistance response was associated with a strong oxidative burst. Further understanding of how the pathogen interferes with host resistance is in progress. Accomplishments 01 Identified hydrogen peroxide as an effective indicator for biocontrol of postharvest rots. An increased understanding of how postharvest biocontrol systems work is essential to improve their effectiveness and commercial viability. ARS researchers at Kearneysville, WV, in collaboration with scientists at the Agricultural Research Organization (ARO), Israel, discovered that when yeast bicontrol agents are applied t wounded fruit, there is a large production of hydrogen peroxide by the yeast and the host. This burst of hydrogen peroxide, known as an oxidative burst, triggers resistance in the fruit making them less susceptible to pathogens that cause postharvest rots. This information will help in the selection of superior bicontrol agents that can be used to effectively replace the use of postharvest fungicides. 02 Identified apple germplasm with postharvest disease resistance. Postharvest decay of fruits and vegetables results in substantial econom losses to suppliers and consumers. Little postharvest disease resistanc exists in commercial varieties of apple. ARS researchers at Kearneysvil WV, and Beltsville, MD, have screened apple germplasm collected from around the world and maintained at USDA-ARS, Apple Germplasm Repository, Geneva, NY, and identified several novel sources of postharvest disease resistance. These selections can be used in apple breeding programs to conduct basic research on disease resistance and highlights the importan of the genetic diversity present in the germplasm collections.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Liu, J., Wisniewski, M.E., Droby, S., Tian, S., Tworkoski, T. 2011. Effect of heat shock treatment on stress tolerance and biocontrol efficacy of Metschnikowia fructicola. FEMS Microbiology Ecology. 76:145-155.
- Liu, J., Wisniewski, M.E., Droby, S., Vero, S., Tian, S., Hershkovitz, V. 2011. Glycine betaine improves oxidative stress tolerance and biocontrol efficacy of the antagonistic yeast Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum. International Journal of Food Microbiology. 146:76-83.
- Jurick Ii, W.M., Janisiewicz, W.J., Saftner, R.A., Vico, I., Gaskins, V.L., Park, E., Forsline, P.L., Fazio, G., Conway, W.S. 2011. Identification of wild apple germplasm (Malus spp.) with resistance to the postharvest decay pathogens Penicillium expansum and Colletotrichum acutatum. Plant Breeding. 130:481-486.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416) The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. Significant progress has been made in identifying bacterial and yeast that are capable of colonizing various structures of the fungus causing brown rot of stone fruits. These potentially beneficial microorganisms are being tested for their antagonistic activity against the brown rot fungus on nectarine and plum fruits. Polygalacturonases are enzymes that are produced by the brown rot pathogen of stone fruit and play a role in virulence. The development of antibodies directed against these enzymes produced by the pathogen is being pursued as a strategy to manage this major postharvest disease of stone fruit. Significant progress has been made in selecting clones expressing antibodies with good affinity to the polygalacturonases prouced by the brown rot pathogen, Monilinia fructicola. The simple compound, beta-aminobutyric acid (BABA), was demonstrated to induce resistance to brown rot infection in mature peach fruit. Both disease incidence and lesion diameter were reduced in treated samples by 50% compared to untreated, inoculated wounds. The ability to use BABA in combination with yeast antagonists to improve biocontrol efficacy is being evaluated. The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in plant defense responses against certain pathogens is well documented. There is some evidence that microbial biocontrol agents also induce a transient production of ROS in a host plant which triggers local and systemic defense responses to pathogens. Using laser scanning confocal microscopy, it was observed that the application of M. fructicola and Candida oleophila into citrus and apple fruit wounds correlated with an increase in H(2)O(2) accumulation in host tissue. Living yeast cells were detected in fruit wounds at this time point indicating the ability of M. fructicola to tolerate host ROS, which has been reported to be an intrinsic characteristic of efficient yeast antagonists. Results indicate that the yeast-induced oxidative response in fruit exocarp may be associated with the ability of specific yeast species to serve as biocontrol agents for the management of postharvest diseases. An apple germplasm collection is maintained at the USDA-ARS-PGRU in Geneva, New York. This collection represents a diverse apple gene pool and was evaluated for resistance to blue mold and bitter rot. Resistance to blue mold was confirmed in select accessions over multiple years. Maturation patterns and quality indices for soluble solids and acidity, which may also affect pathogenicity, were highly variable and reflect the genetic diversity of the germplasm collection. Resistance in four accessions to bitter rot (caused by fungus Colletotrichum acutatum) and two accessions resistant to both diseases are reported for the first time.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Buyer, J.S. 2010. Bacterial microflora of nectarines. Canadian Journal of Microbiology. 5:480-486.
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Conway, W.S. 2010. Combining biological control with physical and chemical treatments to control fruit decays after harvest. Stewart Postharvest Review. 6(1):1-16.
- Jurick II, W.M., Vico, I., Gaskins, V.L., Garrett, W.M., Whitaker, B.D., Janisiewicz, W.J., Conway, W.S. 2010. Purification and biochemical characterization of polygalacturonase produced by Penicillium expansum during postharvest decay of �Anjou� pear. Phytopathology. 100(1):42-48.
- Vero, S., Garmendia, G., Gonzalez, M., Garat, F., Wisniewski, M.E. 2009. Aureobasidium pullulans as a biocontrol agent of postharvest pathogens of apples in Uruguay. Biocontrol Science and Technology. 1-17, iFirst article.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416) The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The collection and identification of nectarine fruit have been completed and the majority of isolates have been identified using genotypic and phenotypic methods. These isolates are being evaluated for biocontrol activity using an in vitro membrane system. Significant progress has been made in developing an artificial membrane system to study the interaction between the resistant infection structure (appresoria) of the brown rot pathogen, M. fructicola, and biocontrol agents. This system is being utilized to identify bicontrol agents that may be effective against latent infections. An apple microarray, suitable for use in the study of apple, pear, peach, and other Rosaceae fruit crops, has been utilized to identify genes induced or suppressed in immature peach fruit inoculated with either a pathogen (M. fructicola) or a non-pathogen (P. digitatum). Characterization of these genes is in progress and will help to identify how the brown rot pathogen overcomes host resistance in peach fruit and what biochemical pathways are affected by the infection process. The development of antibodies directed against enzymes (polygalacturonases) produced by the pathogen and that play a role in virulence is being pursued as a strategy to manage postharvest diseases. Significant progress has been made in isolating genes responsible for the production of the antibodies in mice spleen tissues.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Droby, S., Wisniewski, M.E., Macarisin, D., Wilson, C. 2009. Twenty years of postharvest biocontrol research: Is it time for a new paradigm?. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 52:137-145.
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Pereira, I., Almeida, M.S., Roberts, D.P., Wisniewski, M.E., Kurtenbach, E. 2008. Improved biocontrol of fruit decay fungi with Pichia pastoris recombinant strains expressing Psd1 antifungal peptide. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 47:218-225.
- Conway, W.S., Janisiewicz, W.J., Leverentz, B., Saftner, R.A., Camp, M.J. 2007. Control of blue mold of apple by combining controlled atmosphere, antagonist mixtures and sodium bicarbonate. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 45:326-332.
- Jurick II, W.M., Vico, I., Mcevoy, J.L., Whitaker, B.D., Janisiewicz, W.J., Conway, W.S. 2009. Isolation, purification, and characterization of a polygalacturonase produced in Penicillium solitum-decayed 'Golden Delicious' apple fruit. Journal of Phytopathology. 99:636-641.
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Saftner, R.A., Conway, W.S., Yoder, K.S. 2008. Control of blue mold decay of apple during commercial controlled atmosphere storage with yeast antagonists and sodium bicarbonate. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 49:374-378.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416) The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations The microflora of nectarine fruit have been isolated over a two-year period and identification of yeast and bacterial isolates is near completion. Thirteen species of yeast have been identified using both genotypic and phenotypic methods. Bacterial strains are being identified using nutritional profiles and fatty acid composition. This research falls within NP 303 � Plant Diseases, Component 4B: Pathogen, Plant, and Antagonist Interactions. Some plant pathogens produce infection structures (appressoria) that are very resistant to chemical fungicides. An artificial membrane system composed of fruit waxes is being developed that will be used to study the interaction between the appressoria of the brown rot pathogen (Monilinia fructicola) and biocontrol agents. The system has been shown to be effective for studying pear and apple pathogens. This research falls within NP 303 � Plant Diseases, Component 4B: Pathogen, Plant, and Antagonist Interactions. In order to develop effective biocontrol strategies, more information is needed about how pathogens interact with their hosts and avoid innate resistance mechanisms. Tissue samples have been collected from peach fruit wounded, wounded-inoculated with a pathogen, and wounded-inoculated with a non-pathogen. Identification of the expressed genes (ESTs) in each of the samples is in progress. This research falls within NP 303 � Plant Diseases, Component 4B: Pathogen, Plant, and Antagonist Interactions. A fungal enzyme (polygalacturanase) involved in the breakdown and infection of fruit tissues has been isolated. Polyclonal antibodies directed against the enzyme have been developed and shown to inhibit the fungal enzyme in a test tube (in vitro). This research falls within NP 303 � Plant Diseases, Component 4B: Pathogen, Plant, and Antagonist Interactions.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Janisiewicz, W.J., Saftner, R.A., Conway, W.S., Forsline, P.L. 2008. Preliminary evaluation of apple germplasm from Kazakhstan for resistance to blue mold decay caused by Penicillium expansum after harvest. HortScience.43(2):420-426.
- Chen, Y.P., Siede, R. 2007. Honey Bee Viruses. Advances in Virus Research. 70:33-80.
- Macarisin, D., Cohen, L., Eick, A., Rafael, G., Belausov, E., Wisniewski, M.E., Droby, S. 2007. Penicillium digitatum suppresses production of hydrogen peroxide in host tissue during infection of citrus fruit. Phytopathology. 97(11):1491-1500.
- Droby, S., Eick, A., Macarisin, D., Cohen, L., Rafael, G., Stange Jr, R.R. , Mccollum, T.G., Dudai, N., Nasser, A., Wisniewski, M.E., Shapira, R. 2008. The role of citrus volatiles in germination and growth of Penicillium digitatum and Penicillium italicum. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 49:386-396.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this project is to develop novel, biologically-based disease-control strategies for temperate fruit crops in order to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. This will be done by identifying microbial antagonists that are effective against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit, determining the genetic factors that make the brown rot pathogen so virulent by comparing host response to pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms, and determining the role of fungal polygalacturonases as a virulence factor for postharvest infections of pear and peach. Approach (from AD-416) The project will utilize a broad range of approaches to develop new biologically-based methods of postharvest disease control. Naturally- occurring yeasts and bacteria will be isolated from stone fruit and screened for activity against latent and wound-induced infections of stone fruit caused by the brown-rot organism, Monolinia fructicola. As part of the evaluation, select microbes will be tested for their ability to degrade melanized fungal structures such as appressoria using a model membrane system. Subtractive-suppressive hybridization of cDNA libraries will also be utilized to better understand the genetic basis of resistance mechanisms in stone fruit. This will be done by comparing host response at different developmental stages to both pathogens and non- pathogens. Lastly, the role of fungal polygalacturonases (PGs) as a virulence factor will be studied by utilizing recombinant antibody technology. The effect of the recombinant antibodies on conidial germination and the infection process will be evaluated. Accomplishments New Project, initiated March, 2007. Technology Transfer Number of Web Sites managed: 2 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 5 Number of Newspaper Articles,Presentations for NonScience Audiences: 1
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Stevens, C., Khan, V.A., Wilson, C.L., Lu, J.Y., Pusey, P.L., Bassett, C.L. , Igwegbe, E., Wisniewski, M.E., Chalutz, E., Droby, S., El Ghaouth, A. 2006. The use of low dose UV-C light technology to control postharvest storage decay and delayed ripening and senescence of fruits and vegetables. In: Noureddine, B. and Norio, S., editors. Recent Advances in Postharvest Technologies of Horticultural Crops. Chapter 9. Kerala, India: Research Signpost. p. 195-237.
- Wisniewski, M.E., Wilson, C.L., Droby, S., Chalutz, E., El Ghaouth, A., Stevens, C. 2007. Postharvest biocontrol: New concepts and applications. In: Vincent, C., Goettel, M.S., and Lazarovits, G., editors. Biological Control: A Global Perspective. Boca Raton, FL: CAB International. p. 262- 273.
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