Plant Pathology Professor Awarded Grant to Study the Involvement of Blue Light in Plant Immunity
Jim Alfano, professor in the Department of Plant Pathology has been awarded a two-year, $264,889 grant from the National Science Foundation for a project entitled EAGER: The Involvement of Blue Light in Plant Immunity.
University grad student authors published paper indicating how effector dampens plant immunity
Lincoln, Neb. — In a paper published Oct. 12 in the scientific journal, Cell Host & Microbe, University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate student and co-first author, Panya Kim, concludes that destruction of a plant immune co-receptor by an effector injected into plant cells by the pathogen Pseudomonas syringaedampens plant immunity.
The study reveals a virulence strategy by which a plant pathogen effector suppresses the plant immune system by attacking the receptors that are needed to turn on the plant immune response.
Bacterial leaf streak disease confirmed in corn
Lincoln, Neb. — Bacterial leaf streak disease of corn, caused by Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum, has been confirmed in some Nebraska corn fields. The disease had not been previously identified in the United States, but had been reported on corn in South Africa. The bacterium also causes gumming disease in sugarcane in numerous other countries. The species has undergone name changes and is recognized by several other synonyms.
UNL researchers identify target of disease-causing plant pathogens
Lincoln, Neb. — A new study from a University of Nebraska-Lincoln research team led by plant pathologist Jim Alfano found that a bacterial plant pathogen suppresses a plant's immune system through the action of a protein called HopE1.
While most bacteria are harmless, some inject weapons called type III effectors into plant cells to suppress a plant's immune system. Through millions of years of co-evolution, pathogens identify weak links in the immune system of the plant to target, making the plant more susceptible to disease.
Job Opening: Plant Pathology Technologist, WCREC
Plant Pathology Technologist: The candidate will conduct lab and field research on soilborne pathogens on multiple field crops to study pathogen biology in relation to plant health. View requisition S_170651 at https://employment.unl.edu for additional details and to apply. Applicant review begins October 23.
Grants Recieved: Dr. Lirong Zeng
Lirong Zeng was awarded a grant from the NSF Plant Biotic Interaction Program. The grant was awarded May 1, 2017 for 4 years in the amount of $685,000.
University earns $20M for partnership to improve crop productivity
by Gillian Klucas | Research and Economic Development
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will lead a $20 million, Nebraska-based research effort to improve crop productivity.
The Plant Diseases Across Nebraska 2017
The Plant Diseases Across Nebraska (PLPT 891) course took place June 5-9 with 14 enrolled students and was led by Tamra Jackson-Ziems and Sydney Everhart. This year’s class spent the week traveling to stops, such as Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha, the UNL Plant & Pest Diagnostic Clinic, wheat diseases with Stephen Wegulo, UNL South Central Ag Lab near Clay Center, Schindler Ag Flying Service, O’Neill Ventures hydroponic tomatoes, Shamrock Nursery, Ziems Farm near Ewing, Lambert Melons near Chambers, and Rasmussen Christmas Tree Farm near Plainview.
Suzana Fernandes receives Masters Degree
Farewell to Suzana Fernandes. She is moving home to Mozambique. She received her Masters Degree August 2017. Her thesis title: Molecular and culture-based methodologies to pathogen in fungal/oomycete complex associated with root/crown rot of beans in Mozambique. Congratulations, Suzana!
Her advisor: James R. Steadman.
Dr. James Steadman received the Meritorious Achievement Award
Dr. James Steadman received the Meritorious Achievement Award presented by the Feed the Future Legume Innovation Lab at the Grain Legume Research Conference in Ouogadowgou, Burkina Faso. It is sponsored by USAID and The Gates Foundation.