Oomycetes are some of the most devastating pathogens, causing upwards of billions of dollars of damage each year to plants. They also diminish ecological diversity and health through the destruction of trees and shrubs. The genome sequence of Pseudoperonospora cubensis, an obligate plant pathogen and causative agent of downy mildew...
The level of polymorphisms of many biochemical and DNA markers are low in
cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). The number of mapped public DNA
markers is limited. Molecular markers have not been developed for the most
important diseases of sunflower, such as downy mildew. The objectives of this
study were...
Molecular tools, coupled with unique germplasm stocks and rigorous phenotyping, are
useful for developing a better understanding of qualitative and quantitative disease resistance
genes in plants. The identification of molecular markers linked to all types of resistance
genes provides opportunities for implementing a range of resistance breeding strategies,
ranging from...
Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr) is the necrotrophic fungus responsible for tan spot of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Ptr causes disease on susceptible wheat cultivars through the production and secretion of host-selective toxins (HSTs). HSTs are compounds that are only known to be produced by fungi and considered to be primary determinants of...
Because of their small genomes, facile clonal propagation, fast growth, and
susceptibility to Agrobacterium transformation, poplars (genus Populus) are widely
considered model systems for the application of molecular genetics and biotechnology
in forestry. However, a major concern over commercial use of genetically engineered
trees is the release of transgenes into...
Ceratomyxa shasta infects salmonids in the Pacific Northwest (PNW) of North America, occasionally causing losses in wild and captive populations. Host-specific parasite genotypes (O, I, II, III) were previously characterized molecularly using markers in the ribosomal DNA and phenotypically by type host in the Klamath River, CA/OR. This thesis sough...
Understanding complex traits is a fundamental challenge in plant genetics and a prerequisite for molecular breeding. Tools for trait dissection are markers, maps, and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) is an application that integrates these tools. In this thesis research, a new sequence-based marker was evaluated, maps...
Gymnomyces is an ectomycorrhizal basidiomycete genus in the family Russulaceae estimated to contain less than 50 species worldwide, with 23 species known to occur in the Pacific Northwest. Gymnomyces species are common in Pacific Northwest forests that include Pseudotsuga, Abies, Tsuga, and Quercus. They produce sequestrate (truffle-like) sporocarps with ornamented...
Ribonucleotide reductase is an important enzyme in the control of
DNA replication within the cell. Ribonucleotide reductase exerts its
control through enzymatic reduction of nucleoside diphosphates. The
bacteriophage T4 enzyme is an example of the class of iron-requiring
reductases which also includes E. coli and mammalian ribonucleotide
reductases. The two...
Previous reports indicate the presence of multiple CYP1A sequences in rainbow
trout, but their functional differences are unknown. This report describes the cloning and partial characterization of four trout CYP1A cDNAs, which are given the tentative
designations CYP1A1v2, v3, v4, and v5. Comparison among these four and three
previously reported...