38th Annual Student Research Conference
Identification of Novel Pathogenic Fusarium Species in Soybean and Evaluation of Biocontrol Methods
Cameron J. McKenzie*, Claire Morris, Sam Padilla, and Byeonguk (Tony) Choi
Dr. Hajeewaka Mendis, Faculty Mentor
Fusarium is a genus of fungi that includes several plant pathogens with a global impact on agriculture. Farmers in the US lose millions of dollars annually due to Fusarium wilt. Therefore, it is important to survey new pathogenic Fusarium species and find biocontrol methods to control spread of pathogenic Fusarium species. The aim of this study is to isolate new Fusarium species from diseased soybean plants and associated soil in Missouri, identify isolated Fusarium species by DNA sequencing, and evaluate biocontrol methods for pathogenic Fusarium species using antagonistic non-pathogenic Fusarium species. We have isolated 13 putative Fusarium species and identified 7 different Fusarium species using DNA sequencing. Four non-pathogenic Fusarium species showed antagonistic effects on two pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum species in antagonistic tests performed on potato dextrose agar plates.
Keywords: PCR, Fungi, Fusarium, DNA Sequencing, Biocontrol, Plant Pathogens, Soybean, Agriculture
Topic(s):Biology
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation
Session: 207-1
Location: MG 2001
Time: 10:15