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Measures to control fungal infestation on garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) for production of pathogen-free seeds in organic farming

Project


Project code: 2810OE116
Contract period: 01.10.2011 - 31.12.2014
Budget: 88,775 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research

Garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.) is counted among the five most produced herbs with the highest sales in the domain of medicinal and spice plant production in Germany. Recently the ecological seed production is confronted with severe problems because of the occurrence of the downy mildew pathogens, Hyaloperonospora parasitica and Perofascia lepidii and the causal agent of white rust, Albugo lepidii. Hence, cress seed availability is suffering heavily. To ensure sustainable endemic ecological seed production it is a prerequisite to i) study pathogen infestation, ii) test seed lots, iii) find resistant varieties, iv) treat seeds physically and with ecological plant extracts and v) develop control methods on the field. In order to reach these aims, first of all it is important to make investigations on the biology and epidemiology of the pathogens. For examination of contaminated seeds and plant materials it is necessary to develop a molecular biological detection method. The establishment of a resistance-screening test method facilitates the screening for resistant cress varieties. Seed treatments serve primarily for reducing the initial infection in the field. Success control on all these procedures will finally be verified under controlled conditions (grow-out tests in pots) and under conditions of praxis. The purpose of this project is to compile a package of measures for producing healthy garden cress in organic farming. The essential parts are references for control of pathogens in organic farming, selection of resistant varieties and periodically screenings of seed lots and plants.

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