b'INDUSTRY NEWS have received US$6.8 million from aThe researchers plan to target twoThe researchers want to be able to United States Department of Agriculturespecies of potato cyst nematodestheidentify a gene responsible for nematode (USDA) award to develop new diagnosticpale cyst nematode, which is knownresistance within litchi tomato, which is a tools, management practices andin the U.S. to exist only in a smallplant in the nightshade family known to resources for controlling nematodes inarea of eastern Idaho, and the goldenstimulate nematode cysts to hatch in the potato fields, a website post said. nematode, found in New York. Potatoabsence of a viable host, the release said. The four-year project is being fundedcyst nematodes, which produce cystsPotato breeders would then introduce the through the USDA National Instituteharbouring eggs that can remain viabletrait into popular potato varieties using of Food and Agricultures Specialtyfor decades in the absence of a host, arebiotechnology. Conventional breeding Crop Research Initiative. Goals for theespecially concerning to the industry andefforts to develop resistant varieties are project include developing supportkeeping them from spreading is vital foralso underway.models to guide growers managementtrade. The team will also evaluate otherAs part of the project researchers will decisions, identifying molecular assaysnematodes important to the industry suchevaluate how crop rotations involving to differentiate nematode pathotypes,as the Columbia and northern root-knotresistant potato varieties affect nematode developing resistant potato varieties andnematodes, the release said. populations. They will use infested creating a smart chemical for nematode- To date there has been little researchcommercial fields in New York, the specific control, the post said. on nematode population thresholdsrelease said.The post noted that nematodes are tinythat warrant fumigation. The releaseThe project is being backed by more roundworms with unsegmented bodies.noted that having the ability to identifythan 70 letters of support from packers, Most nematodes are beneficial to soil, butnematodes by pathotype or race wouldprocessors, farmers, regulators, and large plant-parasitic nematodes attack plantallow potato farmers to select appropriateagricultural businesses. roots and may kill entire plants. resistant varieties to plant.Take advantage of the force of FLUAZINAMDownforcedelivers quick rain fastness with the powerful diseasecontrol of Fluazinam.62SPUDSMART.COM Spring 2023WWW.UAP.CA'