PPI Spring Meeting 2001 - Abstract
Genomics to solve agricultural problems: nematodes as an example
David M. Bird
Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University
Plant breeders typically move single genes that give a desirable
trait to develop better crops. More elaborate breeding schemes
permit small sets of genes that collectively contribute to a trait
(quantitative loci), also to be moved into useful cultivars. Molecular
tools have been developed to assist breeders in following the
movement of genes (marker assisted breeding). The main advantage
of these techniques is that cultivar development can be more rapid.
In the last decade, genes conferring useful traits (especially
pest-resistance) have been isolated, and it is hoped that such
genes might be moved from crop-to-crop using transgenic technologies.
For example, efforts are underway to move the tomato Mi
gene (which confers nematode resistance) into other crops. Unfortunately,
this has not yet been successful. Recently, a new set of research
tools have been developed that permits the simultaneous study
of essentially all the genes in an organism (be it plant, animal,
or microbe). This new approach is termed Genomics, and
is beginning to revolutionize biology. Genomics allows scientists
to study very complex biological interactions (such as occur when
a pathogen attacks a plant) without having to make guesses about
what might be important. As a result, we can look at everything.
My group is using a genomics approach to study plant-parasitism
by root-knot nematodes.
Root knot is the most important disease of cucumber, and it is
likely to increase in importance as the use of methyl bromide
as a soil fumigant is phased out. The entire cucumber germplasm
collection has been searched for resistance to the major nematode
species (Meloidogyne incognita), and no resistance has
been found, hindering traditional breeding approaches. We are
attacking the problem on two fronts. We first wish to identify
every gene in the nematode as an approach to identify targets
for new, environmentally-safe, and affordable nematicides. Second,
we will identify every plant gene that responds to the nematode
to identify targets for transgenic intervention. In essence, we
hope to supply the breeders with novel forms of resistance that
can be used to develop the cultivars of the future.
For further information, contact:
- Dr. David M. Bird, Associate Professor
- Department of Plant Pathology
- North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7616
- Telephone: 919-515-6813; Fax: 919-515-9500
- E-mail: david_bird@ncsu.edu
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