CALS Receives Federal Grant to Protect the Food Supply
NC State researchers will develop rapid-response strategies to mitigate the impact of an emerging invasive fungal pathogen in strawberry production systems, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Project Details
- Funding: USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded nearly $3.4 million through the Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Diseases Events Across Food and Agriculture Systems program.
- Scope: Seven projects are being supported, focusing on various pests and diseases affecting food systems, including strawberry production.
- NC State's Role: The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) received $500,000 to develop rapid response strategies for an emerging invasive fungal pathogen in strawberries.
Key Activities
- Genomic Diagnostics: Conducting rapid genomic diagnostics to identify genetic markers in horticultural plants and strawberry production systems.
- Cultivar and Control Advancements: Advancing strawberry cultivars, fungicides, and biological control agents to identify effective components for integrated management of the Neopestalotiopsis disease.
- Field Surveillance: Investigating the potential spread and transmission pathways associated with planting material, production systems, and other relevant environments.
Importance of Food Security
"Food security is national security," emphasizes Amy Grunden, associate dean for research and director of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service. "Rapid responses to pest and disease events are critical to maintaining a secure, accessible, safe, nutritious, affordable, and abundant food supply."