'Suicide Response' Gives Colorado State Researchers Important Clues On Preventing Bacterial Invasion In Crops...( e. The next phase of researc...)

The next phase of research at Colorado State will investigate the cues gram-positive bacteria give off that activates the suicide response and why plants do not express the suicide response when they are exposed to bacteria for which they are hosts.

"This has led to the identification of genes in gram-negative bacteria that are required for the bacteria to cause disease," Ishimaru said. "We hope there will be features in the ring rot bacteria that are common to gram-negative bacteria as well. If we find common traits, we may be able to develop ways to prevent disease in crops affected by forms of gram-positive bacteria."

Ishimaru has collaborated on the research with a number of other Colorado State faculty, including Dennis Knudson, Susan Knudson, and Penelope Bauer, all of the department of bioagricultural sciences and pest management; and Nora Lapitan, professor of soil and crop sciences.

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Contact: Carrie Schafer
CSchafer@vines.colostate.edu
(970) 491-6432
Colorado State University
6-Jan-1998