Citrus-Phytophthora Interaction: a metabolomic approach and chemical response to epigenetic

• Grant number: 24/01375-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Maria Fátima das Graças Fernandes da Silva
• Grantee: Felipe Hilário
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50918-7 - INCT 2014: for the Biorational Control of Pest-Insect and Phytopathogens, AP.TEM

Abstract

In this study, we investigate gummosis, a disease that affects citrus plantations worldwide, caused by the pathogen Phytophthora citrophthora. Despite its relevance, knowledge about defense mechanisms in citrus plants is limited. To address this gap, we employ an advanced approach that combines mass spectrometry and metabolomics to analyze changes in the chemical profile in response to P. citrophthora infection and DNA methylation modifications in scion plants grafted onto different rootstocks. This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between research teams from UFSCar, EMBRAPA, and UFV/MG, utilizing chromatographic techniques and multivariate analyses. We aim to gain a deeper understanding of citrus plant responses to biotic stress caused by the pathogen, highlighting the importance of plant-pathogen interactions and the need to identify key compounds in various citrus combinations to develop control strategies and strengthen resistance against gummosis. This will contribute to more effective gummosis management in the citrus industry.