A metabolomics resistance test

This research is aimed at developing a metabolomic resistance test, based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), facilitating a high throughput screening of chemical host plant resistance. We will use chrysanthemum one of the most important ornamentals grown in the Netherlands and its three main pests: western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis), celery leafminer (Liriomyza trifolii), and two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) as a model. The metabolomic profiles of resistant and susceptible varieties will be compared to identify candidate compounds involved in resistance. The candidate compounds will then be validated with in-vitro bioassays. Using multivariate statistic, models will be developed to predict resistance based on the secondary metabolite patterns. The end results of this project is a high throughput resistance test, based on NMR to substitute time consuming and costly in -vivo resistance bioassays.