Pulse-Downy Mildew Pathosystem: deploying disease resistance, pathogenomics and microbial biocontrol
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Worcester
Department Name: School of Science & the Environment
Abstract
Pulses, in particular peas and broad beans, are important crops both in the UK and worldwide and they are grown as extensive monocultures. Even with long rotations, the crops are vulnerable to major epidemics of economically important pests and diseases, of which downy mildews (caused by the oomycete biotrophic pathogens Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi (Pvp) and P. viciae f. sp. fabae (Pvf) in peas and beans, respectively) are the most serious. Breeding companies are challenged to produce cultivars with new resistance genes and will benefit from access to crop wild relatives carrying new resistance genes. The disease is managed through deployment of resistant varieties and chemical controls; however a lack of information on prevalent isolates can lead to serious yield losses in crops grown on contaminated sites through uninformed variety selection. Although a differential set of plant cultivars is available to identify the virulence genes in pathotypes of Pvp/Pvf, the test is too time-consuming to be of immediate use to commercial growers and does not allow rapid monitoring of the prevailing isolates. In addition, generating a model for pathogen spread is impossible using current methods. The problem is exacerbated by reports of resistance of oomycete pathogens to pesticides such as metelaxhyl.
Without adequate control regimes, pea and broad bean production will incur greater crop wastage and it is therefore imperative that methods are developed to decrease growers' reliance on pesticides for the control of downy mildew. Deployment of pulse cultivars resistant to prevailing isolates is the most promising approach. Use of appropriate molecular tools will enable breeders, epidemiologists, modellers and growers to: a) identify the prevailing virulent isolate; b) investigate the epidemics of disease; c) monitor pathogen movement and d) deploy the appropriate cultivar(s) resistant to the prevailing isolate rapidly and thus control the disease in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Accurate advice to growers about resistant cultivars requires correct information on the virulence of Pvp/Pvf races within the locality. However, diagnosing the pathogen at the isolate level requires the right tools.
The innovative approach described in this project focuses on the development of molecular tools for accurate identification of Pvp/Pvf isolates as well as for breeding for resistance. We aim to identify new resistance sources to include in breeding programmes and develop molecular markers to enable rapid identification and monitoring of pathogen isolates. We will use next generation sequencing to identify polymorphisms in several isolates. These polymorphisms will then be utilised to generate isolate-specific markers. Once identified, markers will be tested under laboratory conditions and subsequently will also be checked in commercial fields. In addition, we will use biological control agents to control downy mildew disease. These will lead to increased crop productivity, reduced reliance on pesticides and less wastage from diseased plants.
Without adequate control regimes, pea and broad bean production will incur greater crop wastage and it is therefore imperative that methods are developed to decrease growers' reliance on pesticides for the control of downy mildew. Deployment of pulse cultivars resistant to prevailing isolates is the most promising approach. Use of appropriate molecular tools will enable breeders, epidemiologists, modellers and growers to: a) identify the prevailing virulent isolate; b) investigate the epidemics of disease; c) monitor pathogen movement and d) deploy the appropriate cultivar(s) resistant to the prevailing isolate rapidly and thus control the disease in an environmentally friendly and sustainable manner. Accurate advice to growers about resistant cultivars requires correct information on the virulence of Pvp/Pvf races within the locality. However, diagnosing the pathogen at the isolate level requires the right tools.
The innovative approach described in this project focuses on the development of molecular tools for accurate identification of Pvp/Pvf isolates as well as for breeding for resistance. We aim to identify new resistance sources to include in breeding programmes and develop molecular markers to enable rapid identification and monitoring of pathogen isolates. We will use next generation sequencing to identify polymorphisms in several isolates. These polymorphisms will then be utilised to generate isolate-specific markers. Once identified, markers will be tested under laboratory conditions and subsequently will also be checked in commercial fields. In addition, we will use biological control agents to control downy mildew disease. These will lead to increased crop productivity, reduced reliance on pesticides and less wastage from diseased plants.
Technical Summary
Accessing adequate amounts of nutritious, safe, and culturally appropriate foods in an environmentally sustainable manner is important for a growing population. Producing enough food in the future is possible but care must be taken not to damage the ecosystem and biodiversity. The current recommended approach promotes sustainable intensification: using less water, fertilizer and pesticides to obtain greater yield. Many pesticides may leave residues in or on treated fruits, vegetables, and grains as well as in soil even if they are used according to the manufacturer's instructions.
We hypothesise that identifying new sources of disease resistance, coupled with the identification and proper monitoring of the prevailing pathogen isolate, and selection and use of a beneficial microorganism could in combination control downy mildew on pulses, enabling more effective control of disease while reducing pesticide use.
In current predictive breeding programmes, identifying the prevailing isolates is imperative for the efficient use of gene pools. This project focuses on the identification of new disease resistance sources and development of tools for accurate detection and diagnostics of pea and broad bean downy mildew isolates, Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi (Pvp) and P. viciae f. sp. fabae (Pvf), respectively. Specifically, we aim to: 1) Characterise the genetic basis of resistance in pea and broad bean to Pvp and Pvf, respectively; 2) Construct annotated genomes of Pvp/Pvf to enable pathogenomics to generate molecular markers for monitoring DM races; 3) Develop isolate-specific diagnostic tools to increase speed/accuracy of detection of Pvp/Pvf and decrease reliance on lengthy differential testing; 4) Identify effectors that differentiate Pvp and Pvf races; and 5) Explore microbial biological control agents to suppress Pvp/Pvf.
We hypothesise that identifying new sources of disease resistance, coupled with the identification and proper monitoring of the prevailing pathogen isolate, and selection and use of a beneficial microorganism could in combination control downy mildew on pulses, enabling more effective control of disease while reducing pesticide use.
In current predictive breeding programmes, identifying the prevailing isolates is imperative for the efficient use of gene pools. This project focuses on the identification of new disease resistance sources and development of tools for accurate detection and diagnostics of pea and broad bean downy mildew isolates, Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi (Pvp) and P. viciae f. sp. fabae (Pvf), respectively. Specifically, we aim to: 1) Characterise the genetic basis of resistance in pea and broad bean to Pvp and Pvf, respectively; 2) Construct annotated genomes of Pvp/Pvf to enable pathogenomics to generate molecular markers for monitoring DM races; 3) Develop isolate-specific diagnostic tools to increase speed/accuracy of detection of Pvp/Pvf and decrease reliance on lengthy differential testing; 4) Identify effectors that differentiate Pvp and Pvf races; and 5) Explore microbial biological control agents to suppress Pvp/Pvf.
Planned Impact
The proposed research will impact on one of the most critical global challenges faced today: food security. The growing world population and the current climate changes are placing heavy demands upon our agricultural systems. Microbial diseases and pests cause major constraints to food production and agriculture and have significant economic and social impacts. This was demonstrated recently with the increase in global wheat prices due to the spread of a highly virulent strain of Puccinia graminis tritici, Ug99, as well as the emergence of a new strain (A2-Blue13) of the devastating potato pathogen Phytophthora infestans in the UK. Repeated agrochemical applications are the most common means of controlling such pathogens. Inappropriate use of pesticides, on the other hand, leads to similar problems including: the occurrence of new isolates insensitive to the pesticide used, and residue being left in soils as well as in crops, thus creating environmental pollution. Accurate and robust detection and quantification of pathogenic microorganisms to a strain level is essential for diagnosis, modelling, surveillance and implementing effective disease management strategies. In addition, unculturable and non-sporulating fungi or oomycetes remain a major challenge when studying biotrophic groups.
Pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) are the principal legume crops cultivated in the UK, with areas of 50 K Ha for combining pea (marrowfat and blue), 34 K Ha for vining pea and 170 K Ha for field bean grown reported in 2018. Peas and beans command a price of £240-£350/t depending on quality, variety and purpose, generating revenues in excess of £220 M trade in dried pulse and fresh vegetable sectors, with increasing quantities of the crop now utilised for human consumption. Despite their high value, pulse crops are difficult to grow, compared to cereals, and effective control of diseases can often limit productivity. This is particularly true of downy mildew (DM), caused by Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi and P. viciae f. sp. fabae, which can cause yield losses of up to 45-75 % in pea and 35-50% in field bean. This project focuses on the identification of new R-genes for breeding purposes, the development of tools for accurate detection and diagnostics of Pvp/Pvf isolates and the evaluation of microbial biological control agents to suppress downy mildew pathogens. Using next generation sequencing technology, isolate-specific molecular markers will be developed and converted into kits so that growers, breeders, epidemiologists and modellers can use them in their investigations.
The knowledge generated from this work has implications beyond this pathosystem to other obligate oomycete crop pathogens, including Peronospora parasitica (brassica downy mildew), Peronospora destructor (onion downy mildew), Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) and Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew). Similarly, the research would also benefit other study systems, including obligate fungal pathogens such as rusts and powdery mildews. Ultimately, the results of this research will help design better solutions to tackle plant disease and to improve world agriculture whilst reducing agrochemical inputs.
Pea (Pisum sativum) and faba bean (Vicia faba) are the principal legume crops cultivated in the UK, with areas of 50 K Ha for combining pea (marrowfat and blue), 34 K Ha for vining pea and 170 K Ha for field bean grown reported in 2018. Peas and beans command a price of £240-£350/t depending on quality, variety and purpose, generating revenues in excess of £220 M trade in dried pulse and fresh vegetable sectors, with increasing quantities of the crop now utilised for human consumption. Despite their high value, pulse crops are difficult to grow, compared to cereals, and effective control of diseases can often limit productivity. This is particularly true of downy mildew (DM), caused by Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi and P. viciae f. sp. fabae, which can cause yield losses of up to 45-75 % in pea and 35-50% in field bean. This project focuses on the identification of new R-genes for breeding purposes, the development of tools for accurate detection and diagnostics of Pvp/Pvf isolates and the evaluation of microbial biological control agents to suppress downy mildew pathogens. Using next generation sequencing technology, isolate-specific molecular markers will be developed and converted into kits so that growers, breeders, epidemiologists and modellers can use them in their investigations.
The knowledge generated from this work has implications beyond this pathosystem to other obligate oomycete crop pathogens, including Peronospora parasitica (brassica downy mildew), Peronospora destructor (onion downy mildew), Bremia lactucae (lettuce downy mildew) and Plasmopara viticola (grapevine downy mildew). Similarly, the research would also benefit other study systems, including obligate fungal pathogens such as rusts and powdery mildews. Ultimately, the results of this research will help design better solutions to tackle plant disease and to improve world agriculture whilst reducing agrochemical inputs.
Organisations
- University of Worcester (Lead Research Organisation)
- Virginia Tech (Collaboration)
- Cukurova University (Collaboration)
- Agro Seed Service (Storm Seeds) (Collaboration)
- LS Plant Breeding (Collaboration)
- John Innes Centre (Collaboration)
- Elsoms Seeds (Collaboration)
- Senova Ltd (Collaboration, Project Partner)
- Bird's Eye (Collaboration)
- Limagrain (Collaboration)
- Velcourt Ltd (Collaboration)
- Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board (Collaboration)
- Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) (Collaboration)
- Syngenta International AG (Collaboration)
- National Institute of Agronomy and Botany (NIAB) (Collaboration)
- Processors and Growers Research Organisation (Project Partner)
- Limagrin UK (Project Partner)
- Syngenta (Switzerland) (Project Partner)
- LS Plant Breeding (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (Project Partner)
- Storm Seeds (Project Partner)
- Elsoms (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Birds Eye/Walls Ltd (Project Partner)
- IAR AGRI Ltd (Project Partner)
- Private Address (Project Partner)
- Velcourt (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Pulses UK (Project Partner)
- KWS Saat (Germany) (Project Partner)
Publications
Jimenez-Quiros C
(2022)
Comparison of Antifungal Activity of Bacillus Strains against Fusarium graminearum In Vitro and In Planta.
in Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
Tör M
(2023)
Recent developments in plant-downy mildew interactions
in Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
Description | 1-We have identified 2 resistance genes in pea germplasm and a couple in faba beans. We generated molecular markers to identify these genes and provided them to breeders in the consortium so they can generate downy mildew resistant pea lines. We wanted to clone these genes and submitted further grant proposal. Objective 1 achieved 2-We have produced draft genome sequences for pea and faba bean downy mildews. Objective 2 achieved 3-We collected 40 pea downy mildew isolates from different regions in the UK and 20 of their genomes were re-sequenced to produce isolate specific markers so we can find out prevailing isolates. Objective 3 partially achieved as we are currently performing marker development. 4-We have identified effectors from Pvp and Pvf and made comaparison. Objective 4 achieved. 5- We have explored 23 different microbial biological control agents and identified 4 that can be successfully used in downy mildew control.Objective 5 achieved. |
Exploitation Route | 1-Biological control agents can be taken further to produce biopesticides. Currently we are negotiating with RussellBio and AgriScience. 2-A centre can be established to provide service to growers/breeders for isolate diagnostics. Currently we are considering this either at NIAB or PGRO. 3-Pathogenomic studies can be used for population studies and this will be explored under future grant proposal. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | 1-Identified resistance genes and their markers have been provided to breeding companies to generate new resistant lines. This is at the early stage as the work has recently been done. 2-Our results on microbial biological controls have altered thinking of several biopesticide companies |
First Year Of Impact | 2022 |
Sector | Agriculture, Food and Drink,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology |
Description | Genome wide transcriptomic/genomics analysis to reveal interactions between pea downy mildew and Bacillus bacteria |
Amount | £5,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | The British Society of Plant Pathology |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2022 |
End | 09/2022 |
Title | Developing isolate specific KASP markers for downy mildew diagnostics |
Description | SNP data generated in this project were used to develop molecular markers and established KASP assays in our laboratory to distinguish homozygous and heterozygous alleles. This will be useful to distinguish downy mildew isolates. |
Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
Year Produced | 2023 |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | As the method is established, this will be used as a diagnostic tools where growers and breeders can benefit. We collaborate with colleagues from NIAB, they should be able to use this information to establish a service. A joint proposal for a follow-on-fund on this has been submitted. |
Description | Data collection |
Organisation | Bird's Eye |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be testing plant lines, collect data and perform field trials |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Downy mildew Resistance |
Organisation | John Innes Centre |
Department | Department of Crop Genetics |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and we have joint aims for the collaborations. My research team is responsible to carry out work described in WP2, WP3 and WP4 |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be carrying out the WP1: Identifying pea and faba bean genes conferring resistance to downy mildew (JIC/NIAB). |
Impact | As the collaboration started recently, no outputs yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Field screen |
Organisation | Limagrain |
Country | France |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be helping in the multiplication of seed lines and field screening |
Impact | As the collaboration is new, no outcome yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Field trials |
Organisation | Syngenta International AG |
Department | Syngenta Crop Protection |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | The partner team will be carrying out field screening trials every year and share the outcomes with the project partners. |
Impact | As the collaboration is new, there is no outcome yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Field work |
Organisation | Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be performing field trials for the consortium. |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Genotyping |
Organisation | Elsoms Seeds |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be setting up trials, genotyping plants and assess the infection. |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Mutant population |
Organisation | Senova Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be providing mutant plant populations, sample plant lines and assess resistance. |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Pathogen Sample |
Organisation | Velcourt Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be assess our biocontrol agents, and collect pathogen samples from the field. |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Pathotyping |
Organisation | Agro Seed Service (Storm Seeds) |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be genotyping plant lines, pathotyping with the pathogens and screen lines the filed. |
Impact | As the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Pea and broad beans down mildew pathology |
Organisation | National Institute of Agronomy and Botany (NIAB) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | They are academic partners for the award |
Collaborator Contribution | They will contribute to WP1, WP2 and WP3 WP1: Identifying pea and faba bean genes conferring resistance to downy mildew (JIC/NIAB). WP2: Pathogenomics of Pvp and Pvf (NIAB/UoW) WP3: Developing isolate-specific diagnostic toolkits (NIAB/UoW) |
Impact | No outputs yet, as the work started a couple of months ago. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Pulse output delivery |
Organisation | Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI for the grant and will will be carrying out the work described in the Workpackages |
Collaborator Contribution | AHDB will help us to disseminate the outcome of the research to growers and farmers. |
Impact | As the collaboration is new, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Seed production |
Organisation | LS Plant Breeding |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | I am the lead PI on the grant and my research team will be carrying out the work described in the work packages. |
Collaborator Contribution | They will be producing seeds, and perform pathotype testing. |
Impact | AS the project started recently, there is no output yet. |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Use of Bacillus strains |
Organisation | Cukurova University |
Country | Turkey |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We will be screening the 20 Bacillus strains provided by the collaborator on Pea downy mildew to identify the best suitable strain. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborator, Professor Burhan Arikan, has provided 20 different Bacillus strains that grows well in low temperatures (5-20 C), which can be very suitable for the UK environment. |
Impact | As the collaboration has just started, we only have abstracts for talks/posters at the conferences. |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | siRNA mediated reverse genetics |
Organisation | Virginia Tech |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We initiated whining review papers |
Collaborator Contribution | He brought his expertise to the review paper we wrote |
Impact | PMID: 36670035, PMID: 36061762 |
Start Year | 2022 |
Description | Biocontrol of downy mildew pathogens |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | This was Pulse Crop Genetic Improvement network where academics, students, industry and growers come and discuss the recent developments. The research Fellow working on the project described our work on the pulse-downy mildew system. The talk attracted a good discussion, and a possible further collaboration with the industry became clear. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.jic.ac.uk/pulse-crop-genetic-improvement-network-pcgin/ |
Description | Controlling downy mildews using microbial products and ds RNA. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This talk was presented at BSPP Plant Pathology 2023, 6-8 September, Birmingham, UK. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Downy mildew control using biocontrol agents |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | This talk was presented by the postdoctoral researcher working on the project at an online conference, MPMI, which is well known in the field and provides platform for the Early Career Researchers. This was a kind of staff training aspect of the project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Exploring Bacillus species to control downy mildew pathogens in pulses |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This was a poster presentation at the BSPP Presidential Meeting 6-8 December, Birmingham, UK. Okechukwu, E.C., Baysal, O., Kocamaz., S., Arikan, B., Thomas, J., Wood, T., Domoney, C. and Tör, M. (2021). As a result of this, a couple of meeting have been held with representatives from CHAP to apply for funding together to take the work to the next level; Take the biological control agents to large scale production for growers. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.bspp.org.uk/conferences/bspp2021/ |
Description | Exploring commercial activities with companies |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | We want to take the use of our microbial control agents further to develop a new biopesticide. We had several meetings with CHAP, RusselBio and AgriScience. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022,2023 |
Description | Fundamental and translational research on downy mildews: Reverse genetics, pathogenomics and biologics |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | This was in 21st Annual Meeting of the Oomycete Molecular Genetics Network. August, Brno, Czech Republic. Intended purpose was to give a kind of progress report on the projects to the learned society. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | http://www.phytophthora.org/coajdfadlf/uploads/2022/03/omgn2022.jpg |
Description | Fundamental and translational research on plant-downy mildew interactions. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Postgraduate students |
Results and Impact | This was a talk at the Warwick University Departmental Seminar Series |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Legumes-downy mildew pathosystem |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | This was a presentation to the British Society of Plant Breeders (BSPB). The talk described the project aim, progress till now and current activities. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Organic farming and pulses |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Head of an organic farming, The Fold, has learnt about our Pulse-downy mildew project and wanted to find out more on the project. We had a talk and explored interactions especially in the use of microbial control agents to suppress plant diseases. When the Covid-19 eases off, there will be reciprocal visits. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.thefold.org.uk/farm/ |
Description | Pathogenomic-assisted plant breeding for disease resistance. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | This was an online talk delivered to 1st International Congress on Biotech Studies. Intention was to publicise our work on Tony mildew pathogens and how it can be used for industry. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
URL | https://icbios.org |
Description | Press release- NEW WAYS OF PROTECTING CROPS FROM PESTS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | We wanted to let industry/academia know that we have been doing research on food security and a reduction in the use of pesticides. We articulated what we want to achieve in pulse-downy mildew work; develop new faster methods for identifying different strains of downy mildew, so that commercial crop growers will be able to swiftly identify the specific strain that is prevalent in their area, enabling them to plant the correct, pathogen-resistant crop variety, and thus ensure a greater yield, improved food security, and decreased use of costly pesticides, which are also becoming more and more restricted in use through regulatory issues. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://www.businessinnovationmag.co.uk/worcester-uni-secures-funding-to-research-new-ways-of-protec... |
Description | Translational research on pulse downy mildews: Deploying resistance genes, pathogenomics and microbial biocontrol. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | This talk was presented at the 2nd Molecular Plant Protection Congress, May 15-18, Bursa, Turkey. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Visiting Bransfords Webbs |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | This company is a regional nursery produces ornamental plants for garden centres. They heard about our downy mildew project and contacted me to get info on how we deal with downy mildews as they have been having downy mildew problem on Hebe plants. I visited the company and talked to the team, obtained infected plant materials. We propagated the pathogen in our lab, and exchange the results. We wanted to go further to do research together on the use of biological control agents to solve downy mildew problem. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |