This project supports the participation of Dr. F. C. Adetuyi of the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria, in an ongoing study led by Dr. Jon Y. Takemoto of Utah State University, (NSF Grant DCB-9003398), of the properties and chemical structure of the Syringae toxin. This collaborative component will expand the work to investigate an antifungal toxin produced by Pseudomonas syringae isolated from wheat seed coats. The toxin's structure will be determined and its mode of action on yeasts studied. The cooperation could lead to methods for controlling fungal deterioration of stored cereal grains. This has implications for the use of wheat seeds for genetic stock as well as for food uses. The project is consistent with the criteria for the Science in Developing Countries (SDC) program in that it strengthens collaboration between U.S. scientists and engineers and their counterparts in developing countries, and increases the capacity of scientists and engineers in developing countries to address constraints to development.
