Purpose

Phytopthora sojae, which causes Phytopthora seedling and root rot, costs millions of dollars for farmers in the North central United States. Traditionally, disease control has been through use of resistance and chemicals. Results have been mixed.

The researchers are integrating new technologies in combinatorial and protein biochemistry, plant transformation, and molecular biology to develop alternative control strategies.

Focus of the research will be on peptides. Drs English and Schmidt have discovered peptides that bind to specific life stage structures of P. sojae and disrupt pathogenesis.

Project

Initial peptide carrier constructs based on cytokinin oxidase have a demonstrated ability to disrupt normal zoospore biology. The researchers will enhance this carrier construct for improved binding affinity with the pathogen. Development of carrier molecules will finalize the researchers' defense peptide delivery system in soybean.

Impact

The impact will be to lessen the multi-million dollar losses caused by P. sojae.