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Soil-borne diseases (Fusarium oxysporum wilts, Sclerotium cepivorum, Rhizoctonia (AG discrimination))

(Fusarium wilt agents, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium spp., Meloidogyne spp., Sclerotium cepivorum) cause serious losses in vegetable crops from the initial stages, at the nursery level, of the production process up to harvest. Vegetable crops are particularly exposed to the risk of diseases as a consequence of their dynamism, the wide range of products, continual innovation in procedures or in products and the use of intensive cultivation techniques. After the phase out of methyl bromide, a very effective soil fumigant, some phytopathological problems became difficult to be managed. The new regulatory framework together with the requirements driven by market and consumer trends, have prompted the need to adopt new approaches, based on high quality problem identification and on strategies with lower environmental impact.

Management approach

For Targeted monitoring: Develop EPPO standard (PM 7/98) validated LAMP assays and commercial kits for species level detection and identification by non-experts for pests/ pathogens

For biological control agents: Screen microbials isolated from suppressive composts.

For improved chemical control: Conventional control means will be tested in combination with resistance inducers and/or biological plant strengtheners, physical methods, resistance sources and BCAs to design IPM protocols.

Solution proposed by EMPHASIS

For Targeted monitoring: Automated result calling algorithms for LAMP assays (CO) and 20 validated LAMP assay kits for species level detection/ identification (PU) Ready to use platform + specific assays for identification of several pests/pathogens on the spot
Impact (on uptake): More targeted (time, chemical) control; less resistance; less env. Impacts?

For biological control agents: Output: New BC agents available (bugs) Output: Increasing the efficacy of BCA’s (biorational insecticides to synergise the impact of microbial biopesticides)

For improved chemical control: Guidelines for IPM strategies for vegetable crops (PU) Availability of BCA’s
Impact (upon uptake): reduced effect on environment

Contact person/organisation

Massimo Pugliese (ANT), Giovanna Gilardi (UNITO)