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Genomics of the Botrytis cinerea grapevine interaction

Objective

The training objective of the proposed research is to complete the researcher’s existing knowledge in mycology and molecular biology by an interdisciplinary experience in infection physiology, genomics and modern bioinformatics, thus providing a boost for her career development and independence. The research objective of the project is to investigate fungal pathogenicity at the genomic level. The chosen model is the interaction between grapevine and grey mould because wine production plays an important role in European agriculture (several billion € market value), because grey mould is a major pathogen of this crop and because the high amounts of fungicides used to control the pathogen each year increase production cost and raise environmental issues. The genomes of the fungus B. cinerea and the plant V. vinifera have recently been sequenced, and the new available genomic tools should, for the first time, allow the drawing of an integrated view of the interaction between the pathogen and its host, and the deciphering of the largely unknown molecular mechanisms that support the fungus attack or the plant defence. As part of an effort to fully characterise the infection process, the aims of this project are 1) to identify the major fungal molecular players at work in the interaction between grapevine and B. cinerea and 2) the validation of these players in search of new targets for fungicides. Transcriptomic analyses of the infection will be performed using micro arrays, and a global profiling of the fungal genes will be obtained. Gene replacement will then be used to disrupt cellular functions highlighted by the genomics data, and analysis of the mutants will reveal the genes important in the infection process. This project should help develop control strategies that are novel, more efficient and/or environmentally safer. This project is lastly in harmony with the aims of the Community to structure EU research and to promote the participation of women in science.

Call for proposal

FP7-PEOPLE-2007-2-1-IEF
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITE LYON 1 CLAUDE BERNARD
EU contribution
€ 224 640,41
Address
BOULEVARD DU 11 NOVEMBRE 1918 NUM43
69622 Villeurbanne Cedex
France

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Region
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Rhône-Alpes Rhône
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Administrative Contact
Christophe Bruel (Prof.)
Links
Total cost
No data