New Mexico Chile Association Competitive Grants Program

Transcriptome analysis of Phytophthora blight (Phytophthora capsici) interaction and identifying genes involved in the infection process for early detection of infected plants

Principal Investigator: Efren Delgado, Family and Consumer Sciences
Co-PI: Patricia Cabrales-Arellano, Family and Consumer Sciences

Project Summary:
The project is focused on identifying genes in chili (Capsicum spp.) that respond to infection by the fungus Phytophthora capsici with next-generation sequencing. This methodology will open a window to explore and identify different gene isoforms which are currently unknown. Furthermore, up-regulated genes will be validated by real-time PCR. This information will help us understand the mechanisms and pathways involved in the pathogenic process in the plant response under this biotic interaction. Furthermore, the active genes as a response to this process will be evaluated and considered molecular markers to be proposed for use in an early detection biotechnological kit.