Maximum Yield USA 2009 June | Page 20

MAX facts hydroponic news, tips and trivia Bean Rust Fungus Deterrent Developed The detection of 3,000 plant proteins produced in common bean plants may help develop a resistance against the bean rust fungus, Uromyces appendiculatus, a major concern for growers throughout the continental United States. Until recently, disease resistance genes and their proteins were studied one at a time, but through a process known as high-throughput mass spectrometry, identification is completed at a much faster rate. More than 1,500 interactions between the fungus and the plant were revealed, leading to the identification of a potential set of master regulator proteins with a strong resistance response in the plant. This new information may help breeders improve bean varieties that are currently threatened by rust. 25th Anniversary CropKing Hydroponic Grower’s Conference Held in Dover, DE April 2 to 4, the 25th Annual 2009 CropKing Hydroponic Grower’s Conference was the perfect opportunity for the experienced grower with an interest in hydroponics as a business to enhance their knowledge. Attendees benefited from 60 years combined experience of