|
|
Currently, our research is focused on Phytophthora ramorum, a recently-described plant pathogen. It is
the causal agent of Sudden Oak Death. On many of these projects we collaborate with other research groups
including the Rizzo Lab at UC Davis.
-
Diagnosis of P. ramorum using specific molecular probes, both from culture and from plant tissue extracts.
-
Survey of plant species infected by P. ramorum, in the field and on the UC Berkeley campus and Arboretum.
-
Population genetics and phylogenetics of P. ramorum -- techniques include AFLPs, microsatellite analysis,
genomic sequencing, and Real-Time PCR. We are interested in determining the genetic variability and sub-structuring of
this pathogen isolated from different hosts, locations, and populations in North American and Europe.
-
Use of biological and chemical controls to manage P. ramorum growth, in vitro and in situ.
-
Use of composting as a way to dispose of infected plant material.
-
Resistance of California bay laurel to P. ramorum infection, with particular attention to variation in
resistance by geographic area.
-
Phenotypic variation among P. ramorum isolates.
-
Susceptibility of various plant species to P. ramorum infection.
-
The effects of P. ramorum on community diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi associated
with tanoak or tanbark (Lithocarpus densiflora)
Our interests spread beyond SOD. Other projects include:
-
Studies on the spreading of Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of the Pitch Canker Disease on Monterey Pine
(Pinus radiata) in California. The disease spreads through insect vectors, through the movement of infested material
(seeds and seedlings) for commercial purposes and possibly also through airborne spores. Using state-of-the-art molecular
diagnostic methods we will provide quantitative information, which is necessary for an analyses of relative abundance of inoculum present.
-
Infection by the bluestain fungus Leptographium wagneri, a close relative of the Dutch Elm disease fungi Ophiostoma ulmi and
O. novo-ulmi, causes a vascular wilt in several coniferous hosts, e.g. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and Douglas fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) in Northwestern US. The pathogen is associated with several root-feeding beetles (e.g. Hylastes nigrinus,
Steremnius carinatus) which act as vectors for long distances spreading. We will try to establish molecular markers for the
quantification of the fungal spores directly from the insect vectors to get a clearer view on the epidemiology of these forest diseases.
|
