Pavan Methsuka Silva
Graduate Student
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado, United States
Grace E. Ganter
MS student from Dr. Jane Stewarts Lab at Colorado State University
Colorado State University
FORT COLLINS, Colorado, United States
Sean Toporek
Assistant professor of Specialty Crops Pathology at South Dakota State University
South Dakota State University
Brookings, South Dakota, United States
Jane E. Stewart, Colorado State University, Department of Agricultural Biology, Fort Collins, CO, United States
Associate Professor
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO, USA
Peach canker caused by Cytospora plurivora threatens peach orchards in western Colorado, causing significant economic losses and reduced orchard longevity. Despite its impact, the population biology and genetic structure of C. plurivora remain poorly understood, limiting effective disease management. This study aims to investigate the genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow among C. plurivora isolates collected from different geographic locations in western Colorado. We will use Restriction-site Associated DNA (RAD) sequencing to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in isolates, which will help clarify population differentiation. Isolates will be collected from infected branches and stems across regions where large-scale peach cultivation occurs. By analyzing the population structure and genetic relationships of these isolates, the research will provide valuable insights into the epidemiology of peach canker. These findings will contribute to developing targeted management strategies to help peach growers in the region mitigate disease spread and enhance orchard health, ultimately improving sustainability in peach production.