On October 25-27, 2005, the Forage Improvement Division of the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc. will host a multidisciplinary conference to explore linkages and applications of genomics, cellular biology, and plant physiology and biochemistry, to plant-pest issues in the Medicago genus. This conference will be conducted on the Noble Foundation campus in Ardmore, Okla.

Conference Purpose
Medicago represents a genus of plants that is of great value in forage production and environmental restoration. Yet, these plants are subject to a wide range of pests, most notably from herbivorous insects and pathogenic fungi. Currently, several sets of researchers (NA and European) are describing and investigating the functional genomics of Medicago species. Since plant genotypes vary in their ability to tolerate pests, genomic function is related to the protection of Medicago species from pest-induced injury. As specialists in crop protection and physiology of Medicago, we propose to chair a multidisciplinary conference to identify linkages between genomic function, plant physiology and biochemistry, and plant-pest interactions, leading to increased awareness and greater collaboration among disciplines. The outcome of the conference will be a state-of-the-art review of tolerance of Medicago legumes to biotic stresses, as well as a list of specific research needs. The ultimate goal is to understand mechanisms of tolerance to pests within Medicago, and to produce new, improved varieties and germplasms that withstand pest attack.