Research project Verticillium dahliae: management through innovation in ornamental and vegetable cultivation
General introduction
Verticillium dahliae is a soil-borne fungus that causes wilting in various crops, with yield losses of up to more than 50%. With the VERDABI project, we want to apply an integrated approach to Verticillium in chrysanthemums, fruit vegetables, and tree nursery crops in Flanders by combining three IPM strategies: prevention, resistance, and biological control. We want to increase knowledge in each of these three areas, teach growers how to deal with Verticillium problems in their crops, and ultimately achieve effective control. The disease is currently difficult to control because the fungus has a broad host range, forms highly persistent survival structures that can survive in the soil for years, and curative control measures such as soil disinfection are virtually impossible, either economically or ecologically.
Research approach
We aim to increase knowledge about cultivation measures that can be taken to reduce disease pressure in the plots, the possible resistance/tolerance of varieties/species, and the potential of biological control with endophytic xylem fungi. For the cultivation measures, we aim to screen soil, plants, substrate, and compost preventively to identify risk plots and prevent the (further) introduction of the pathogen. We identify resistant or tolerant varieties and species through bioassays, after which they can be used directly or as rootstocks in infected plots. For biological control, the potential of newly identified Verticillium isaacii strains will be tested, among other things.
Relevance/Valorization
Due to the significant economic damage in multiple sectors, there is an urgent need for sustainable and effective solutions. Both conventional and organic growers are calling for pragmatic solutions, as current knowledge and tools are insufficient. The aim is to use these sustainable measures to reduce yield losses, improve soil health, and increase competitiveness. In the context of prevention, measures will be listed to prevent the introduction of Verticillium and to screen soils in advance so that appropriate plot choices, rotations, or choices for more tolerant crops can be made. Bioassays are being developed to test the sensitivity of species/cultivars, thus offering growers the choice of more resistant/tolerant cultivars or species. In addition, breeders will also be able to screen future cultivars or species at an early stage. In the context of biological control, the potential of endophytic xylem fungi as biological control agents for Verticillium dahliae will be investigated so that growers can use them to control Verticillium, provided they are commercialized.
Within the framework of prevention, measures will be identified to prevent the introduction of Verticillium and soils will be pre-screened to allow better field selection, rotations, or the selection of more tolerant crops. Bioassays will be developed to determine the susceptibility level of the plants, offering growers the option of selecting more resistant or tolerant cultivars or species, and allowing breeders to screen future cultivars or species at an early stage. Within the framework of biological control, the potential of endophytic xylem fungi as biological control agents will be investigated, so that growers can use them (if commercialized) to control Verticillium.
Financing
VLAIO - Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen
