IMPROVED MANAGEMENT OF FIELD CROP DISEASES FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF FOOD, FIBER, FEED AND ENERGY

The overall goal of the proposed research is to mitigate the impact of plant diseases on field crop production by developing short and long-term management solutions. Specific objectives include:Improve management of seedling, root rot and foliar diseases:Identify and characterize key seedling, root rot and foliar field crop pathogensDetermine sensitivity of key pathogens to fungicides and biological control agents, and monitor fungicide sensitivity levelsDetermine efficacy and profitability of seed and foliar treatmentsCharacterize key pathogen population structuresWork with breeders to identify and develop host resistance sourcesDevelop diagnostic assays for pathogen identification, quantification and trait determination (i.e. fungicide sensitivity)Address the recently introduced Phyllachora maydis the causal agent of corn tar spot:Improve our understanding of the epidemiology and biology of Phyllachora maydis to inform disease management strategiesConduct fungicide efficacy and timing trials to provide independent data to farmers and agribusiness professionals for improved tar spot managementModel the disease to improve risk forecasting to improve fungicide timing and understanding of yield lossScreen corn germplasm and hybrids for resistance to tar spotImprove management of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS):Identify SDS causal species present in Michigan, the U.S. and worldStudy the population genetics of Fusarium virguliforme to ultimately improve managementDetermine the distribution and impact of SDS on soybean, dry bean and other hostsDetermine the impact of chemical, biological and cultural management practices on SDSCharacterize the Fusarium virguliforme infection mechanism and host response of soybean and alternative hostsDevelop an SDS pre-plant risk prediction tool with DNA based assaysWork with breeders to identify resistant germplasm and resistance genesImprove management of white mold:Improve our forecasting ability of white mold in soybean and dry beanDetermine additional cultural factors that contribute to white mold severityDetermine efficacy, optimal rates and timings for fungicide and biological material applicationsEstablish baseline fungicide sensitivity levels and monitor for fungicide resistanceIdentify host resistance genes for white mold in collaboration with plant breeders