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Funded Project |
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Funding Program:
Integrated Pest Management Competitive Grants Program |
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Project Title:
Discovery and Evaluation of Potential Biocontrol Agents to Reduce Ergot in Cool-Season Grass Seed Crops of the Pacific Northwest |
Project Directors (PDs):
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Lead State: OR Lead Organization: Oregon State University |
| Undesignated Funding: $29,707 |
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Start Date: Mar-01-2016 End Date: Feb-28-2017 |
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Pests Involved: Ergot Disease |
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Site/Commodity: Pacific Northwest/Grass Seed Crops |
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Area of Emphasis: Biological Control |
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Summary:
This is a Project Initiation proposal requesting $29,707 to identify and evaluate prospective biocontrol against ergot disease of cool-season turf grasses in the Pacific Northwest. Ergot, caused by the fungus Claviceps purpurea, results in the seed replacement with fungal structures called sclerotia, which overwinter and produce ascospores that serve as primary inoculum during the following season. Fungal species like Clonostachys rosea, Trichoderma spp., and Fusarium heterosporum are reported to parasitize ergot sclerotia naturally in the soil and several commercial biocontrol products are registered for use on other sclerotia-forming fungi. The objectives of this project are to: 1) collect naturally-occurring fungi and bacteria from the surface of ergot sclerotia and identify those with antagonistic activity against sclerotia germination; and 2) evaluate the efficacy of commercially available biocontrol products to reduce sclerotia viability in vitro. Laboratory assays will be conducted to isolate predominant microbial communities associated with field collected sclerotia followed by the assessment of their parasitic potential. Spore suspensions of commercial formulations will be prepared and their capacity to inhibit sclerotial germination will be evaluated. The long-term goal of this project is to increase the industrys knowledge base, provide growers with biocontrol options, and reduce the risk of chemical resistance development. This project addresses the following W-IPM priorities: 1) invasive, resistant or emerging pest problems that are disrupting effective IPM programs in agriculture, natural lands or community settings; and 2) pest issues and concerns previously identified as priorities by stakeholder groups.
Objectives: 1) Collect naturally-occurring fungi and bacteria from the surface of ergot sclerotia and identify those with antagonistic activity against sclerotia germination; and 2) Evaluate the efficacy of commercially available biocontrol products to reduce sclerotia viability in vitro. |
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