Cercospora leaf blight, caused by Cercospora kikuchii, has become the number one fungal disease in Louisiana. C. kikuchii infects soybean leaves, stems and pods and causes purple seed stain and Cercospora leaf blight. A recent study has shown that Cercospora pathogens secrete an effector protein that suppresses the host defensive mechanism. This research project will study the production and activities of these proteins with the goal of using genetic overexpression of these proteins as a tool for improving soybean disease resistance.
Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents, soybean breeders, seed companies