Protecting tomato crops from Fusarium wilt through the efficient application of new genetic resources

This research will use the latest DNA sequencing technology to generate information about the signalling pathways and genes activated by the tomato I-7 gene for Fusarium wilt resistance and to develop molecular genetic markers for the mapping and marker-assisted breeding of I-7. This research will also examine the timing and effectiveness of resistance conferred by I-7 using a strain of the Fusarium wilt fungus tagged with green fluorescent protein to visualise fungal development inside the plant root. The information gained about I-7 will improve the breeding and durability of resistance to Fusarium wilt in tomato. It will also improve our understanding of the mechanisms used by plants to defend themselves against vascular wilt diseases.