Molecular basis for pathogen recognition and resistance aimed to control bacterial diseases of citrus

Abstract

We propose to determine the molecular mechanims underlying pathogen recognition and immune reponse in citros. This research should facilitate genetic engineering to introduce resistance traits into susceptible citrus cultivars. This project will combine expertise on plant immunity (PI Melotto) and bacterial pathogenesis (PI Souza) to study a common problem in both countries. We propose to determine the molecular mechanims underlying bacterial recognition and immune response using a combination of genetic, microbiological, and physiological approaches. These research activities should ultimately facilitate genetic engineering to introduce resistence traits into suscetible, but high yielding, citrus cultuvars. To reach this goal, this project will combine complementary expertise on the immune response of model and crop plants (PI Melotto, UC Davis) as well as bacterial pathosenesis on citrus plants (PI Souza, São Paulo State) to comprehensively study a common problem in both countries. The PIs of this project will equally share the responsabilities for the research plan and have provided preliminary data that were the basis for the proposed specific aims. Two Brazilian doctoral students already working under the guidance of PI Souza at CCSM, as part of the FAPESP award 2013/17485-7, will be selected to visit UC Davis and perform the proposed experiments. These students will be working with the UC Davis graduate studant Logan DeMott. These activities will allow for the establishment of collaboration between the two institutions. Success for this collaborative research will be measured by submission of peer-review publications having students as co-authors as well as the ability of the PI's to submit future proposals togheter. Co-authorships between the group and continuation of the collaborative research are strong indicators of success. (AU)