Disease resistance

Tomato Virus Resistance:

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is large problem in tomato production around the world and can cause complete crop losses in sub-tropic and mild temperate zone areas. Natural resistance identified in wild relatives of tomato has been identified and introgressed into the cultivated tomato here at BYU. Our present objectives are to identify and genetically map the genes responsible for TSWV resistance. Along with develop pathogen derived resistance to the same disease through plant transformation

C. quinoa Downy Mildew:

Downy mildew (Peronospora farinosa) is a major pathogen problem encountered in quinoa cultivation. During seasons that are cool and moist, the pathogen can cause 100% crop loss. Quinoa varieties display differing degrees of resistance. The resistance also various according to the isolate that it is inoculated with. Our project is to validate a resistance screening technique that correlates to other locations and field work. We will also produce genetic fingerprints using AFLP analysis of the different isolates to facilitate identification for research and control purposes.