Eucalyptus Pine Pathogen Interactions
Research leader:
Background
The Eucalyptus Pine Pathogen Interactions (EPPI) Programme was initiated in 2007 with the aim of investigating the genomics and molecular biology of defense responses of forest trees to
various pathogens. Arabidopsis thaliana is used to model plant-pathogen interactions in Eucalyptus or Pinus in order to understand and identify resistance mechanisms that can be manipulated
in trees in future. We undertake a genomics approach to perform gene discovery in Arabidopsis, Eucalyptus and Pinus. The technology platforms employed (and planned) include microarrays,
quantitative RT-PCR profiling, Illumina digital gene expression profiling (DGE), quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and expression QTL mapping (eQTLs). Reverse genetics approaches are
undertaken to investigate the functional role of candidate defense genes in Arabidopsis using RNAi knockdown technology, T-DNA knockouts and over-expression strategies. Our focus is on
broad-spectrum resistance, which would provide resistance to various pathogens. In the forestry industry, horizontal resistance of forest trees to several pathogens may be desirable as the
same tree species is often attacked by various pathogens in different geographic locations during its life span. The ultimate objective of EPPI is to identify candidate genes and regulatory
sequences that can be used to improve the resistance of forest trees to threatening pathogens in future.
Eucalyptus Pine Pathogen Interactions Poster - click here to view pdf.
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Figure 1. Pinus patula seedlings 6 months old (K. Fitza 2010) |
Figure 2. E. grandis tissue culture plantlets in magenta jar. (R. Nidoo 2010) |
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Figure 3. The Eucalyptus gall wasp, Leptocybe invasa (c. Oats 2011) |
Figure 4. Flower-like morphology typical of some Phytophthora spp. |
