PLANT-PATHOGEN INTERACTIONS: IDENTIFYING KEY PLAYERS IN CUCUMBER RESISTANCE AND PATHOGENESIS OF BACTERIAL WILT

1. Identification of genes and QTL for bacterial wilt (BW) resistance in cucumber in both biparental and natural populations. 2. Development of molecular tools for the genetic manipulation of the BW pathogen (Erwinia tracheiphila, Et) and identification of key pathogenesis players in Et that will interact with cucumber host. 3. Leveraging and strengthening existing research collaboration in the area of molecular plant-pathogen interactions between ARS and 1890 LGU labs.