VIRTIGATION
Project Results
Key outputs of the VIRTIGATION project
Discover some of the key public project outputs, like public deliverables, guidance materials and scientific publications. Join the VIRTIGATION network to gather access to even more hands-on materials (e.g. training manuals). Learn more about the project by watching videos on key project findings and their relevance for future research & innovation activities in the field of emerging viral diseases in tomatoes and cucurbits.
Main expected results in the multi-actor approach research focus:
- Creation and consolidation of the VIRTIGATION network: multi-stakeholder network to ensure effective communication and cooperation between stakeholders in the plant virus detection, prevention and treatment in the long-term as well as co-design for VIRTIGATION research & development activities
- Provide Guidelines and best practises of multiactor approach perspective
- 200 people trained on emerging plant viruses and mitigation approaches, and 500 stakeholders reached
with communication and dissemination material through NKB in the network
Main expected results in the viral genome sequencing and monitor virus outbreaks research focus:
- Sampling strategies and protocols for rapid and cost-effective nanopore sequencing of full-length viral genomes
- Online analysis tools for analysis and monitoring of virus sequence diversity and virus evolution
- Online tools for ‘tracking and tracing’ of virus spread
- Tools for risk assessment of possible virus outbreaks
Main expected results in the plant-virus-vector interactions research focus:
- Development of ToBRFV-resistant tomato varieties
- Development of ToLCNDV-resistant tomato and cucurbit varieties
- Development of whitefly-resistant tomato varieties
- Identification of virus-vector interacting molecules involved in transmission.
- Identifying begomovirus proteins interacting with plant resistance genes.
- Understanding the regulatory pathways involved in plant response to ToBRFV.
Main expected results in the spread of emerging viral diseases under climate change research focus:
- Impact of climate change on the biology of the host plant (phenology, architecture and trichomes), arthropods (population, life cycle etc.) and their viruses (transmission, titre, etc.)
- Stability of resistant traits in host plants under current and future environmental conditions
- Role of seed-borne virus infection in disease spread
- Role of alternative host plants (weeds) in disease perseverance and spread
- Identification of virus and host factors contributing to host jump from old (tomato) to new (cucurbits) host
- Role of mixed viral infections in modulating host resistances and virus transmission
Main expected results in the integrated virus and vector management research focus:
- New biorational whitefly control strategies to prevent spread of begomoviruses
- Proof-of-concept of a cross-protection strategy to control ToBRFV
- Toolbox for growers to eradicate ToBRFV after infection, with focus on soil, substrates and plant materials
- Practical performance data on natural resistances that are in the final development phase in controlled and semi-commercial conditions
- Integrated strategy for virus and vector management
