Yield Enhancement Through Gene Discovery for Disease Control--Paradigm Genetics, Inc., P.O. 14528, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-4528; (919) 544-5578
Dr. Scott Uknes, Principal Investigator
Dr. John Ryals, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82633
Amount: $75,000

Diseases of major crop plants significantly reduce yield and increase the amount of fuel and chemical resources expended by farmers. The development of disease resistant transgenic plants and safer, more effective fungicides could help address this problem. This project will utilize cloning, sequencing, and gene expression profiling of novel genes involved in disease and resistance. In Phase I, gene sets will be isolated from one important cropspecies and one filamentous fungal pathogen for use in gene expression profiling arrays. These arrays will be used to identify novel plant and fungal genes induced in plant resistance and disease interactions.

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The development of disease tolerant monocot crops and safer, more effective fungicides could generate revenues of more than $20 million/year from the seeds and chemical industries.