Implication of sustainable and genomic tools for date palm improvement to black scorch disease
Fatima Ammar Al-Naemi
Qatar University, Qatar
: J Plant Physiol Pathol
Abstract
Date palm is an important subsistence crop in arid regions due to its ability to grow under harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature. Nevertheless, the ideal conditions for its growth and production are also favorable to fungal diseases such as black scorch disease which is caused by Ceratocystis radicicola. Our study aims to improve date palm to black scorch disease using different sustainable and genomics tools. Here, we reported for the first time that C. radicicola is the causal agent of black scorch disease in Qatar. The whole genome of the causal agent was sequenced; de novo assembled and annotated using the next generation sequencing and bioinformatics tools. The resulting draft genome was 28.1 Mb in length, comprised of 5480 genes. The annotated genome of C. radicicola will provide a basis for understanding fundamental biological mechanisms in this pathogen which will eventually help in designing an effective genetic control of black scorch disease. Towards a sustainable agricultural control of this disease, we developed an eco-friendly method of biological control through isolation, identification and examination the effectiveness of bio-agents in controlling black scorch disease. Results from both in vitro and in vivo demonstrated the efficacy and utility of using bio-agents to control black scorch disease in date palm. Additionally, RNAsequencing approach is being employed to profile the transcripts of date palm genome in response to C. radicicola infection to identify genes that might involve in resistance. Altogether, results from this study will help in improving date palm yield and increase the sustainable food supply
Biography
