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ANNEX III : Basic Studies - Sample Proposais 1.
Biochemical approach to the development of a Striga-specific herbicide
Work carried by the Plant Stress Metabolism Group in the Biology Department, Birkbeck College, University of London, has been directed towards determining the key characteristics of Striga biochemistry. Studies of carbon and nitrogen
metabolism suggest the possibility of developing Striga-specific herbicides based on the occurrence of metabolic products not synthesized by the host plants. This work could be further developed through the selection and synthesis of mannitol analogues which would then be tested as control agents. Support in the form of a post-doctoral research associate, a technician and consumables would be essential (approximate cost $150,000 over 3 years). 2.
Mechanism of Striga resistance and the development of biochemical methods of resistance screening
The control of Striga would be considerably assisted by the development of methods which would permit rapid screening for resistance. An approach which the Plant Stress Metabolism Group at Birkbeck College is pursuing is the analysis of changes which occur in parasitized host plant metabolism in order to identify "markers" of Striga infection which would be absent in resistant plants; a second approach is to use the technique of molecular genetics to isolate resistance genes which could be used as probes to screen germ plasm and varieties. This work would be greatly assisted by the appointment of further staff such as a post graduate and technician with appropriate research funding (approximate cost $100,000 over 3 years). 3.
Development of Striga bioherbicide
Dr. Jane Nichlin and M. McQueen at Birkbeck College (PSM Group) are collaborating with Tate and Lyle Industries Ltd. in a project aimed at assessing the potential of fungi as biocontrol agents for Striga control. This work could readily be extended to assess the potential of bacteria and viruses. The easiest way in which this could be done would be to appoint one or two graduate students who could undertake this work as part of their Ph.D. programme. Ideally, such students should corne from countries with a Stria problem and would be trained as part of Birkbeck's Stria project.