Agrigenomics

Fusarium wilt is a plant disease caused by various species of Fusarium fungi. F. oxysporum f. sp. lini is a cause of a wilt disease in Linum usitatissimum (flax) limiting the crop cultivation in almost all flax and linseed growing countries.

The aforementioned duo presents a remarkable system to understand molecular mechanisms of interaction between the fungus and the host, including infection process, as well as co-evolution of host and pathogen as a factor of genetic diversity.

Plant scientists are aware of approximately 120 species of Fusarium, capable of infecting a wide spectrum of crops, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, cabbages, peas, corn, barley, wheat, and many other plants. We aim to contribute to the global efforts aimed at elimination of plant disease outbreaks by aiding in engineering of new resistant crops varieties