Development of Multiple Resistance Strategies to [Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum] in Soybean ([Glycine Max])


Book Description

Soybean resistance to the necrotrophic pathogen [Sclerotinia sclerotiorum] is incomplete, and yield losses from Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) can surmount to over 300 kg/ha for every 10% increase in SSR severity. Through this work, I aimed to enhance resistance to SSR through novel breeding methods and RNAi. Germplasm identified through our selections in the greenhouse and disease nurseries have served as valuable sources of high physiological resistance to SSR and resulted in a food grade soybean. Subsequent crosses integrating this germplasm aimed to enhance the agronomics of resistant parents and have been expediated through winter selections in the greenhouse and Chile. Additionally, the pathogenic success of [S. sclerotiorum] requires the secretion key virulence factors such as oxalic acid (OA). Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) using Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) was used to target OA biogenesis in [S. sclerotiorum]. A sequence of 366 bp, corresponding to the fungal [oxaloacetate acetylhydrolase] ([Ssoah1]), was cloned into a BPMV vector and biolistically introduced into [Glycine max]. Plants containing BPMV vectors targeting [Ssoah1] substantially enhanced resistance to [S. sclerotiorum] and lowered expression of [Ssoah1] compared to empty-vector control plants in three replicated experiments (P




Sclerotinia Diseases of Crop Plants: Biology, Ecology and Disease Management


Book Description

The fungus Sclerotinia has always been a fancy and interesting subject of research both for the mycologists and pathologists. More than 250 species of the fungus have been reported in different host plants all over the world that cause heavy economic losses. It was a challenge to discover weak links in the disease cycle to manage Sclerotinia diseases of large number of crops. For researchers and s- dents, it has been a matter of concern, how to access voluminous literature on Sclerotinia scattered in different journals, reviews, proceedings of symposia, workshops, books, abstracts etc. to get a comprehensive picture. With the pub- cation of book on ‘Sclerotinia’, it has now become quite clear that now only three species of Sclerotinia viz. , S. sclerotiorum, S. minor and S. trifoliorum are valid. The authors have made an excellent attempt to compile all the available infor- tion on various aspects of the fungus Sclerotinia. The information generated so far has been presented in different chapters. After introducing the subject various aspects viz. , the diseases, symptomatology, disease assessment, its distribution, economic importance, the pathogen, its taxonomy, nomenclature, reproduction, reproductive structures with fine details, variability, perpetuation, infection and pathogenesis, biochemical, molecular and physiological aspects of host-pathogen interaction, seed infection, disease cycle, epidemiology and forecasting, host resistance with sources of resistance, mechanism of resistance and other mana- ment strategies have been covered.




The Soybean Genome


Book Description

This book examines the application of soybean genome sequences to comparative, structural, and functional genomics. Since the availability of the soybean genome sequence has revolutionized molecular research on this important crop species, the book also describes how the genome sequence has shaped research on transposon biology and applications for gene identification, tilling and positional gene cloning. Further, the book shows how the genome sequence influences research in the areas of genetic mapping, marker development, and genome-wide association mapping for identifying important trait genes and soybean breeding. In closing, the economic and botanical aspects of the soybean are also addressed.




Trichoderma


Book Description

Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that are present in all soils, where they are the most prevalent culturable fungi. They are also the most successful biofungicides used in today's agriculture. These green-colored fungi are well known for their antifungal and plant-growth-stimulating effects. This book provides comprehensive information on Trichoderma and its use in medical, agricultural and industrial applications. Section I focuses mainly on identification of Trichoderma species, and Section II is concerned with Trichoderma as a biological control agent. Chapters in these sections cover topics ranging from taxonomic status and biodiversity to biochemical analysis and bio-control application.




Diseases in Legume Crops


Book Description

The edited book covers all major and minor diseases in grain legumes (chickpea, pigeon pea, lentil, mung bean, common bean, groundnut, and soybean) and forages legumes (including Medicago, rice bean, and faba bean) and their control measures by using various breeding approaches. Grain legumes are versatile nutritionally rich crops, and are one of the important components of global food security. However, grain legumes are severely challenged by various major and emerging minor diseases causing serious limitations in grain yield and production. Thus, to minimize the negative impact of the growing yield loss caused by these diseases, several approaches have been developed and embraced. This book covers all the latest development in genetics, breeding, genomics, and molecular biology tools for combating various major and minor emerging diseases in all the grain legumes from expert authors. Chapters in this title contain all the relevant illustrations and statistical data detailing the present scenario and identifying the gap for meeting the future demand for sustaining global protein security by developing disease-resistant cultivars. This book is of interest to graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and policymakers to understand the impacts of various diseases on yield loss in legume crops.




Botrytis – the Fungus, the Pathogen and its Management in Agricultural Systems


Book Description

The fungal genus Botrytis is the focus of intensive scientific research worldwide. The complex interactions between this pathogen and the plants it infects and the economic importance of the diseases caused by Botrytis (principally grey mould) on more than 1400 species of cultivated plants pre- and post-harvest, render this pathogen of particular interest to farmers, advisers, students and researchers in many fields worldwide. This 20-chapter book is a comprehensive treatise covering the rapidly developing science of Botrytis and reflecting the major developments in studies of this fungus. It will serve as a source of general information for specialists in agriculture and horticulture, and also for students and scientists interested in the biology of this fascinating, multifaceted phytopathogenic fungal species.




Plant Programmed Cell Death


Book Description

Programmed cell death (PCD) is a genetically encoded, active process which results in the death of individual cells, tissues, or whole organs. PCD plays an essential role in plant development and defense, and occurs throughout a plant’s lifecycle from the death of the embryonic suspensor to leaf and floral organ senescence. In plant biology, PCD is a relatively new research area, however, as its fundamental importance is further recognized, publications in the area are beginning to increase significantly. The field currently has few foundational reference books and there is a critical need for books that summarizes recent findings in this important area. This book contains chapters written by several of the world’s leading researchers in PCD. This book will be invaluable for PhD or graduate students, or for scientists and researchers entering the field. Established researchers will also find this timely work useful as an up-to-date overview of this fascinating research area.







Trichoderma: Agricultural Applications and Beyond


Book Description

This book gives a comprehensive overview on the various aspects of Trichoderma, a filamentous fungus ubiquitously present in soil. Topics addressed are the biology, diversity, taxonomy, ecology, biotechnology and cultivation of Trichoderma, to just name a few. Basic as well as applied aspects are covered and a special focus is given on use of Trichoderma in agriculture and beyond. Trichoderma species are widely distributed throughout the world in soil, rotting plant material, and wood. Although they are often considered as a contaminants, Trichoderma species are also known for their ability to act as biocontrol agents against various plant pathogens and plant diseases, and also as biostimulants promoting plant growth. The contents of this book will be of particular interest to, agricultural scientists, biotechnologists, plant pathologists, mycologists, and microbiologists, students, extension workers, policy makers and other stakeholders.