Host Resistance Against Root-Knot Nematodes

USDA-ARS research plant pathologist William Rutter will speak on "Investigating the Mechanisms that Underlie Host Plant Resistance Against Root-Knot Nematodes" at a seminar hosted by the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology on Monday, May 12.

Rutter's seminar is at 4:10 p.m. in Room 122 of Briggs Hall, and also will be on Zoom. The Zoom link:  https://ucdavis.zoom.us/j/95882849672

"Managing root-knot nematodes in the Southeast has become more challenging in recent years due to the phasing out of the most efficacious nematicides, increasing demand for organically grown produce, and the spread of more virulent nematode species," Rutter says in his abstract. "There is a growing need for new root-knot nematode resistant vegetable varieties that can help growers manage these pests. I will provide a brief introduction on the current status of root-knot nematodes in the Southeast and present results from my ongoing research projects including the identification and characterization of root-knot nematode resistance genes in different vegetable crops, and the development of new tools to help accelerate breeding pipelines for root-knot nematode resistance."

Of his research focus, Rutter says on his website: "Our long-term goal is to elucidate the genetic control of disease and nematode resistance in economically important vegetable crops in the Cucurbitaceae and Solanaceae families. Specifically, we will work on watermelon, cucumber, and pepper. Resistance to diseases and nematodes has been identified in some of these crops; however, gaining a better understanding of the genetics of resistance will aid commercial and public breeders in transferring these putative resistance genes into improved breeding lines and cultivars."

Rutter, who joined USDA-ARS in February 2017,  was formerly a postdoctoral research associate at Kansas State University where he studied the molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction between wheat stem rust fungi and bread wheat.

He holds a doctorate in molecular genetics from Iowa State University (2013), Ames, and a bachelor's degree in biology/biochemistry from Knox College (2008), Galesburg, Ill.

Coordinator of the seminars is nematologist Amanda Hodson, assistant professor. She may be reached at akhodson@ucdavis.edu for any technical issues with Zoom.