Download Understanding the Molecular Mechanism for Disease

California State University, Fresno
Department of Biology, Presents
“Understanding the Molecular Mechanism for
Disease Resistance and Improved Shelf Life Using
Rice as a Model System”
Dr. Moytri Roy-Chowdhury
Post-doctoral Researcher Texas A&M University
at USDA-ARS Crop Diseases, Pests, and Genetics Unit, Parlier, CA
Plant disease management has always been one of the main objectives of any crop improvement program. Plant disease
resistance (R) genes have the ability to detect a pathogen attack and facilitate a counter attack against the pathogen. This concept
triggered the marker assisted selection (MAS) strategy used in breeding programs for improved resistance. MAS, is based on
DNA markers closely linked to a R gene that confers resistance to a particular race of the pathogen, and can be used to screen
seeds or seedlings under laboratory conditions, which is much faster than traditional pathogenicity assays where accurate
selection can only be made during the later stages of plant growth. Accurate identification of a particular R gene in diverse elite
germplasm using DNA markers is an essential step. This ensures the accuracy of R gene utilization in MAS for different rice
breeding programs. Shelf life is another important factor when it comes to crop management. The marketability of any perishable
food is dependent on the extended shelf life. Keeping these two concerns in mind this presentation focuses on using molecular
methods to identify germplasm using SSR markers closely linked to R genes and to determine disease reactions of these
germplasm to differential pathogen races. It also focuses on strategies on improving the shelf life by understanding and
manipulating the enzymatic pathway involved in the process. The presentation uses rice as the model system.
Friday, November 1, 2013, @ 3 PM in Science 2, Room 109
If you need a disability-related accommodation or wheelchair access information, please contact Katie Williams at the
Department of Biology @ 278-2001 or e-mail [email protected] (at least one week in advance of the event).