All Conference Presentations, Performances and Exhibits
Host range studies and molecular identification of Phytophthora fallax, a new invasive plant pathogen in California
Location
Guzman Lecture Hall
Start Date
4-15-2016 2:30 PM
End Date
4-15-2016 3:30 PM
Student Type
Undergraduate
Faculty Mentor(s)
Wolfgang Schweigkofler, Ph.D.
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
In 2013, the plant pathogen Phytophthora fallax was isolated from Eucalyptus leaves (E. globulus) at the National Ornamentals Research Site at the Dominican University of California (NORS-DUC, San Rafael, Marin Co.). This was the first report of P. fallax from the USA. Previously, P. fallax was only known to occur in New Zealand and Australia, where infected plants did exhibit symptoms of leaf spots, foliage loss, and dieback. In order to study the potential impact of P. fallax on ornamental and native plants, we initiated a series of experiments to determine host range and optimal growth temperatures. Growth of P. fallax at temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C will be measured in both solid and liquid selective media. Detached leaves of Rhododendron, Eucalyptus, Camellia, and California Bay Laurel will be infected with mycelia plugs of P. fallax and symptom development will be observed after incubation at 20 °C for several weeks. Molecular analysis will be conducted using ITS sequencing to authenticate and compare against sequences already stored in GenBank database. With this research, we hope to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of P. fallax on ornamental and native plants in California, and eventually lay the groundwork to establish effective control strategies.
Host range studies and molecular identification of Phytophthora fallax, a new invasive plant pathogen in California
Guzman Lecture Hall
In 2013, the plant pathogen Phytophthora fallax was isolated from Eucalyptus leaves (E. globulus) at the National Ornamentals Research Site at the Dominican University of California (NORS-DUC, San Rafael, Marin Co.). This was the first report of P. fallax from the USA. Previously, P. fallax was only known to occur in New Zealand and Australia, where infected plants did exhibit symptoms of leaf spots, foliage loss, and dieback. In order to study the potential impact of P. fallax on ornamental and native plants, we initiated a series of experiments to determine host range and optimal growth temperatures. Growth of P. fallax at temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30°C will be measured in both solid and liquid selective media. Detached leaves of Rhododendron, Eucalyptus, Camellia, and California Bay Laurel will be infected with mycelia plugs of P. fallax and symptom development will be observed after incubation at 20 °C for several weeks. Molecular analysis will be conducted using ITS sequencing to authenticate and compare against sequences already stored in GenBank database. With this research, we hope to gain a better understanding of the potential impact of P. fallax on ornamental and native plants in California, and eventually lay the groundwork to establish effective control strategies.