UC Riverside Researcher Receives $9 Million USDA Grant to Study Potato and Tomato Disease

The United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture has provided a $9 million five year grant to Howard Judelson, a professor of plant pathology at the University of California, Riverside. The grant will be used to provide growers with better tools and strategies in managing the disease caused by Phytophthora infestans, the most damaging pathogen of potato and tomato.

The dreaded disease has been found predominantly on potato in eastern states like Maine, New York, and Pennsylvania, and outbreaks have been recorded to occur in the Midwest and West. It has caused the United States more than $7 billion per year, driving potato and tomato farmers out of business and a consequent increase in food prices.

"In this research project, we will develop an integrated plan of research, education, and extension that includes developing diagnostic tools, resistant plants through breeding and biotechnology, and systems to provide improved management guidelines to growers," said Judelson.

For details, see the original article at http://newsroom.ucr.edu/news_item.html?action=page&id=2592.