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Collaborative project: On-site molecular diagnosis of phytoplasmas in grapes and fruit trees. Subproject 1 (PhytoDiag)
Project
Project code: 28RZ4IP022, 2814IP020
Contract period: 01.04.2017
- 31.03.2019
Budget: 153,066 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Phytoplasmas are known as economically important diseases of a variety of crops causing losses of up to 100%. In grapes, phytoplasmas are causing the flavescence dorée or the bois noir disease, in apples symptoms known as apple proliferation, in peaches pear decline or in raspberries a disease referred to as Rubus stunt. Since phytoplasmas are transmitted by phloem-feeding, thermophilic insects, an increase of phytoplasma symptoms is recorded in a variety of crops as a result of climate change, since vector insects have either extended their geographic range or have a shorter generation cycle. A direct control of phytoplasmas in infected plants is not possible. Moreover, development of phytoplasma disease symptoms in infected plants can take up to several months. Accordingly, an early detection of phytoplasmas in plant nurseries is of great importance to minimize their future spread. Recently, a highly sensitive and rapid molecular method was developed to monitor the presence and distribution of Rubus stunt phytoplasmas in raspberries. The aim of the present project PhytoDiag is an extension of this assay for diagnosis of phytoplasmas in grapes, apples and pears in order to use it (1) as an on-site test system in nurseries or (2) as a tool for extension services or (3) as a service for screening motherplants offered by commercial companies. Project PhytoDiag will include five work packages, focusing on (1) an adaptation of DNA extraction protocols 'Bioreba extractionbag + CTAB” and 'QUIXX” to isolate phytoplasma DNA from grape, apple and pear leaves, (2) an on-site use of QUIXX DNA extraction method and (3) a LAMP-assay for phytoplasma diagnosis, as well as (4) an extension of a recently developed multiplex TaqMan® assay for diagnosis of other phytoplasmas besides Rubus stunt. In work package (5) technical manuals will be published for phytoplasma detection in different plant material.
Section overview
Subjects
- Crop Protection
- Arboriculture
- Viticulture
- Climate Change
