About This Project

Phlox is highly susceptible to powdery mildew, impacting plant health and increasing fungicide use. While resistance varies between varieties, the molecular mechanisms of age-related resistance are poorly understood due to a lack of affordable phenotyping tools. This research will develop open-source, scalable phenotyping platforms using Phlox as a model, integrating tools like FarmBot to create accessible methods for studying complex traits and advancing plant science.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Phlox is an important horticultural crop, but many cultivars are highly susceptible to the fungal pathogen, powdery mildew (Erysiphe cichoracearum)(https://archive.org/embed/herb... ). The disease manifests as powdery growth on leaves, flowers, and stems, diminishing photosynthesis and ornamental value. It is more common on the abaxial leaf surface, but leaf curling complicates high-throughput phenotyping (https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-1...). In spite of many cultivars having been assessed for resistance, the molecular mechanisms of ontogenic resistance remain poorly understood (https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO....). Additionally, relatively few wild species have been tested, leaving gaps in understanding the genetic basis of resistance across the genus.

What is the significance of this project?

This study will conduct the first genome-wide association study for powdery mildew resistance in Phlox, enabled by advancements in high-throughput phenotyping via our improvement of the FarmBot system. We will address challenges in agricultural production and more broadly, plant science research. Of equal importance in this project is the promotion of accessible science for underrepresented groups through collaboration with the Michigan State University 4-H Children's Garden and MSU extension. The developed technologies and methods will increase access to low-cost precision agriculture systems, empowering scientists worldwide with affordable tools to tackle new research questions.

What are the goals of the project?

We have identified three main goals for this project. First, the FarmBot platform will be enhanced with flexible protocols and imaging systems to enable automated monitoring of powdery mildew progression. This approach will allow reliable, reproducible, high-throughput phenotyping at the whole-plant level. Second, using a genome wide association study (GWAS) the genetic basis of powdery mildew resistance in Phlox paniculata will be elucidated. Last, rarely cultivated Phlox species will be assessed for resistance potential and using transcriptomics we will explore whether resistance genes identified in the GWAS are expressed. Taxa with resistance will be incorporated in future breeding efforts.