Project Number: 1915-62660-003-02
Start Date: Jun 01, 2012
End Date: Apr 30, 2014
Improved management practices are needed to control soilborne potato diseases while also helping to enhance sustainability and crop yield. Biological control is a promising alternative to conventional practices, but more assessments are needed to determine how to optimize and best utilize and implement biological control for greatest efficacy. In particular, the use of hypovirulent isolates of Rhizoctonia solani, which may reduce disease through multiple mechanisms including induction of plant defense responses, contains promise, but little is known regarding the mechanism and genetics of hypovirulence-mediated disease control. In this research, we will conduct greenhouse and field assays evaluating two hypovirulent strains of Rhizoctonia solani (Rhs1A1 and Bs69) alone and in combination with a bacterial biocontrol agent (Bacillus subtilis strain GB03) for control of multiple different soilborne disease problems, including stem canker and black scurf (caused by R. solani AG-3), common scab (caused by Streptomyces scabiei), and late blight (caused by Phythphthora infestans). Tuber yield will also be compared among treatments. In addition, we will examine the underlying genetic basis of hypovirulence-mediated disease control in these biocontrol isolates in order to more fully understand the relationship between hypovirulence and biological control and to more firmly establish the biocontrol potential of this approach. To identify genes involved in hypovirulence and biological control, we will construct RNA-Seq libraries for the hypovirulent isolates Rhs1A1 and Bs69 and the virulent R. solani Rhs1AP, and apply the RNA-Seq technology to profile changes in transcriptomes. Each transciptome library will be sequenced in an Illumina HiSeq 2000 at a depth sufficient to monitor differential expression of virtually every single gene in the genomes of these fungi. The genes involved in hypovirulence will be identified through comparisons of the three libraries. Identification of these genes will provide us with a powerful tool to understanding the genetic basis of hypovirulence-mediated control.