This program supports research on processes mediating beneficial and antagonistic interactions between plants and their viral, bacterial, oomycete, fungal, plant, and invertebrate symbionts, pathogens, and pests. It funds projects from fundamental mechanisms to translational efforts applying insights to agriculture. Research may address molecular, genomic, metabolic, cellular, network, and organismal processes, emphasizing hypothesis-driven or discovery approaches. Strictly ecological studies without mechanistic focus are excluded. Quantitative modeling combined with experiments is encouraged.
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based non-profit research organizations, USDA/NIFA eligible institutions such as state agricultural experiment stations, colleges, universities, federal agencies, private organizations, and individuals who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. International organ
