Developing Strawberry Resistance to Fusarium Wilt
Dr. Mitchell Feldmann
University of California, Davis
Year Awarded 2024
FFAR award amount $149,662
Total award amount $299,323
Location Davis, CA
Program Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research
Matching Funders University of California, Davis
A Dangerous Pathogen Grows More Virulent
Strawberries in California are threatened by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae (Fof), a fungus that causes Fusarium wilt. Evidence of the disease includes wilting, chlorosis, necrosis, premature leaf drop and browning of the vascular system, as well as other symptoms that stunt healthy plant growth and ultimately lead to plant death and yield loss.
While strawberries have some genetic resistance to the pathogen, a new type of Fof, known as Fof Race 2, has emerged that can overcome this resistance. Also troubling, researchers have discovered that Fof Race 1 and Race 2 can produce virulent airborne spores on infected plants, making containment of the pathogen extremely difficult.
Researchers led by Dr. Mitchell Feldmann, assistant professor and director of the Strawberry Breeding program at the University of California, Davis, are using a grant from FFAR’s Rapid Outcomes from Agricultural Research program to identify and promote in strawberries potential sources of genetic resistance to Fof Race 2. They will also study the mobility and virulence of airborne Fof Race 2 to better combat the pathogen.
Fusarium Wilt Threatens Livelihoods & Market Supply
California is the largest producer of strawberries in the U.S., accounting for 90% of the country’s fresh strawberry market. The potential spread of Fof Race 2 across the state will harm growers’ incomes through lower yields or crop loss while also reducing the fruit’s availability and increasing its cost.
Because chemical sprays and fungicides have limited effectiveness against Fof and their use is becoming more tightly restricted in some areas, the need to find, promote and use genetic sources of Fof resistance to develop resistant strawberry varieties is urgent. By better understanding airborne Fof and uncovering new pathways of resistance to the pathogen in the strawberry genome, the researchers hope to mitigate the spread and effects of Fof and ensure a stable supply of the popular fruit.
Details About This Research
A Two-Pronged Strategy to Protect Strawberries
This research is tackling the threat of Fof on two fronts: developing genetic resistance in strawberries and building knowledge about the mobility of airborne Fof. The results will equip growers with precise risk management guidelines to protect their crops.
Objectives
To identify potential sources of stronger genetic resistance to Fof Race 2, researchers are:
- Studying Fof Race 2 resistance in diverse strawberry varieties to identify breeding candidates that can transfer resistance traits to new strawberry varieties.
- Conducting genome-wide mapping of strawberries to understand the genetic basis for resistance.
- Circulating genetic resources and strategies to facilitate breeding for Fof resistance in strawberries.
To develop knowledge about airborne Fof Race 2 to better contain it, researchers are:
- Studying the mobility and harmfulness of the pathogen’s airborne spores.
- Monitoring airborne Fof spores in Fusarium wilt-infected strawberry fields to evaluate the pathogen’s potential to spread long distances.
- Developing tools for identifying and distinguishing the new pathogen from other types of Fof.
How This Research is Responding to an Emerging Threat
Researchers are providing knowledge and tools to breeders and growers to mitigate the spread of a dangerous pathogen and build genetic resistance in strawberries. This will provide economic security to strawberry growers and prevent higher costs and fruit shortages for consumers.
Matching Funders
University of California, Davis
array(1) {
["latest"]=>
array(3) {
["tax"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(3) "194"
}
["research"]=>
array(3) {
["title"]=>
string(0) ""
["image"]=>
bool(false)
["promo_text"]=>
string(37) "Read the latest project breakthroughs"
}
["latest"]=>
array(3) {
["title"]=>
string(10) "The Latest"
["sections_show"]=>
array(4) {
[0]=>
string(8) "insights"
[1]=>
string(4) "news"
[2]=>
string(6) "events"
[3]=>
string(13) "breakthroughs"
}
["additional_past_events"]=>
string(0) ""
}
}
}
The Latest
News
The latest news and updates from FFAR.
See all News
ROAR Funding Protects Strawberries from Dangerous Pathogen
FFAR’s Rapid Response Program Welcomes Avian Flu Research Proposals
FFAR Grant Addresses Emerging Pine Needle Diseases
FFAR Grant Develops Mitigation Tactics for Cocoa Frosty Pod Rot
FFAR Grant Protects Wheat Yields from Wheat Stem Sawfly
FFAR Grant Combats Disease in Lettuce Crops
FFAR Grant Protects Coffee From Leaf Rust Disease
FFAR and National Pork Board Develop Tools to Detect and Understand Spread of African Swine Fever Virus
FFAR-Funded Research Finds Feed Additives Stop the Spread of Viral Diseases
FFAR Combats Deadly, Costly Swine Viruses in Contaminated Feed
FFAR Awards Emergency Funds to Combat Lettuce Disease in Florida
FFAR Awards Emergency Funds to Develop Tool to Mitigate Bird Flu
FFAR Awards Emergency Funds to Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation and Kansas State University Researchers to Protect Wheat Yields in Kansas
FFAR Awards Emergency Funds to Combat Invasive Weevil Threatening California’s Palm Trees and Date Industry
FFAR Awards Funds to Researchers at University of Wyoming to Develop Test for Brucellosis in Swine and Cattle
FFAR Awards Emergency Funds to Researchers at Colorado State University to Combat Bacterial Leaf Streak of Corn
Michigan State University Researchers Awarded Grant to Combat Invasive Pest in Tart Cherry Trees
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Offers Matching Funds to Accelerate First Response to Future Agricultural Emergencies
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Aims to Mitigate Potential Threats to Food Safety and Supply by Funding First Responders
Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research Announces Inaugural Initiatives
Breakthroughs
Tools, technologies and strategies from the research we fund.
See all Breakthroughs
Diagnosing Coffee Leaf Rust & Slowing Its Spread
Breakthrough for Protecting Coffee from Leaf Rust Disease