These data will be incorporated into a computer simulation model to evaluate the resistance management strategies. The results from these simulations can be used as a guide in the design of resistance management strategies in conventional and transgenic crops, as well as guide the development, breeding, and implementation of transgenic crops. The transition to more sustainable systems is inhibited, in part, by a lack of understanding of how pest and beneficial organisms respond to production system changes, and the economics of more sustainable systems. However, this project encompasses years 3 and 4, a period of time when biological systems of the sustainable treatments have become established and when benefits to crop productivity are expected to become apparent. Vegetables are an essential component of a healthful human diet.
Consumers are concerned about food safety and often focus on pesticide usage.
Farmers are concerned about profitably producing a safe, high-quality product that will meet demanding market requirements and be accepted by the consumer. Vegetables are very susceptible to diseases that can destroy the farmers' profit and disrupt the continued supply and quality expected by the consumer. Consistent achievement of these farmer and consumer goals require the integrated use of multiple tactics for controlling plant diseases. When available, host resistance is the desired strategy for disease control. Finding and incorporating disease resistance into high-quality vegetables can require years of research and significant economic investment, but, when successful, has the benefit of preventing disease losses while limiting or eliminating pesticide usage.