Identification and characterisation of Phytophthora pathogenicity and sporulation genes: potential targets for the development of novel control strategies

The aim of this project is to identify and characterise Phytophthora genes which function in the production of infective spores. Species of Phytophthora cause widespread, destructive diseases in many important agricultural crops and forest plants. Currently control methods are limited, and new and sustainable methods of control are urgently needed. Phytophthora genes that are specifically required for sporulation are targets for the development of novel methods of controlling Phytophthora diseases. Once identified, the activity of these targeted proteins could be inhibited either by chemical fungicides or by the products of transgenes introduced into crop plants.