FAMINE · Fusarium ear blight and mycotoxin control in europe's cereal crops

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Project objective

The research discipline is molecular genetics and the studies involve interactions between pathogenic fungal species and cereal plant species. The projects will give each Fellow a thorough training in either wheat genomics or microbial genomics, proficiency in the use of numerous bioinformatics tools, the molecular skills necessary to prepare vector constructs for either plant or fungal transfonnation, and a thorough appreciation of how GM organisms are evaluated. Both Fellows will be trained in how to link specific gene expression profiles to critical aspects of biology. Through directed scientific reading and scientific team discussions, both Fellows will be able to recognize how this increased understanding of a host -pathogen interaction can be commercially exploited. In addition, the Fellows will gain knowledge and experience in a research area that is under funded in the academic community: Although knowledge on the molecular basis of plant defense and resistance to microbial attack is increasing most data comes from model pathosystems involving Arabidopsis These studies are currently of limited value to the solving of disease problems in cereal crops. There is a paucity of molecular knowledge on host-pathogen interactions controlled by race non-specific resistance mechanisms. Even fewer molecular groups study flower/ear/fruit-attacking pathogens, where the consequences of disease can affect end -user quality and product safety. Both Fellows research projects will identify many novel-underlying principles applicable to cereal attacking pathogens.

Original text from CORDIS.

Participants

• MONSANTO UK LTD · CAMBRIDGECoordinatorUnited Kingdom

Links

• View on CORDIS