Objectives
The main objective of this research focus is to develop an integrated virus and vector management strategy.
This strategy will include:
- Targeting the whitefly vector of begomoviruses, i.e. the Bemisia tabaci, in order to reduce the incidence of begomoviruses such as the Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV).
- Developing a vaccination strategy to combat the devastating non-vector transmitted tobamovirus Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV).
- Evaluating the performance of natural virus and vector resistances in practical conditions.
- Combining different strategies such as vector control, natural resistance and/or vaccination in an integrated virus management approach.
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Approach
As part of the approach of this integrated virus and vector management research focus, the VIRTIGATION project will test and combine existing and novel approaches to mitigate begomoviruses through the biorational control of the whitefly insect vector.
In parallel, a vaccination strategy based on the cross-protection mechanism will be developed and evaluated for its ability to control ToBRFV, and environmentally-friendly tobamovirus eradication methods will be optimized.
As a third management strategy, the project will evaluate the efficiency of natural virus and whitefly resistance under greenhouse and field trials across its consortium.
Finally, based on the outcome of the above, the project will assess the performance of different combinations of strategies to achieve an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control tobamoviruses and begomoviruses in practical agricultural conditions (i.e. in fields and greenhouses).
Key partners involved
DCM CORP – De Ceuster Meststoffen will be leading this research focus in VIRTIGATION, benefitting from its renowned expertise in controlling virus diseases through cross-protection. This is exemplified by its EU-wide registered tomato vaccine PMV®-01, which has proven very effective in controlling the damage caused by Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) in greenhouse tomato production.
DCM CORP will be closely supported in its efforts by a substantial part of the VIRTIGATION consortium, which will include the following partners: KU Leuven, TECNOVA, CSIC – the Spanish National Research Council, CRAG – the Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics, UNICT – the University of Catania, WR – Stichting Wageningen Research, VC: the Volcani Centre – Agricultural Research Organization of Israel, PCH – the Research Centre Hoogstraten, APREL – the Research and Experimentation Association on Vegetables in Provence, JKI – the Julius Kühn Institute (Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants in Germany), SYN – Syngenta France SAS, Scientia Terrae, Corteva agriscience, HVH2 – Huerta Valle Hibri2, and LNW – the plant protection service of the Chamber of Agriculture North Rhine-Westphalia.
