Research Collaboration to Tackle Late Blight
May 8, 2009| |
Late blight is one of the most feared diseases in potatoes. Caused by the fungal pathogen, Phytophthora infestans, the disease is responsible for the Irish Potato Famine that led to emigration of more than 1.5 million Irishmen during mid-19th century. It cost potato growers some £3billion (USD 4.5 billion) a year in crop loss and pesticide cost. Cousin species Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae were recently found infecting native trees and shrubs.
Scientists from the University of Dundee, the University of Warwick, and the Scottish Crop Research Institute are teaming up to examine the molecular mechanism of Phytophthora infection. The collaboration will be supported by £3.5million (USD 5.25 million) grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). The researchers will specifically focus on effectors, or protein-binding molecules, triggered by Phytophthora attack.
For more information, visit http://www.scri.ac.uk/news/blightproject
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