Award details

202h: Identification, characterisation and ecology of plant disease biocontrol agents

Reference	BBS/E/H/00031422
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Michael Whipps
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	Warwick HRI
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	274,173
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Discovery, characterisation and further development of biocontrol agents for plant diseases is required for sustainable production systems in horticulture. Micro- organisms antagonistic to plant pathogens which form sclerotia and cause damping-off are being characterised with the long-term aim of achieving the rational design and use of biological control agents. The survival and spread of biocontrol agents in soil, the rhizosphere and the phylloplane is also being evaluated and their effect on plant growth determined. Extension and exploitation of this work will lead to a better understanding of mechanisms of microbial interactions relevant to pathogen control in general. Work has focused on the mechanisms of control of Sclerotinia by Coniothyrium minitans and ecology and modes of action of Pseudomonas species. Signalling between tomato powdery mildew and its host during early developmental stages is also being examined as a prelude to examining biocontrol opportunities. Development of biocontrol agents for plant pathogens through selection, elucidation of mechanisms and genetic manipulation will result in enhanced efficiency of control and reduction in reliance on chemical pesticides. Further development of products will be funded through strategic programmes funded nationally and internationally. The research underpins a strategic programme of development of microbial biocontrol agents for plant diseases. It addresses the Technology Foresight Priorities which call for greater investment in microbial biotechnology to underpin new products, and also themes within the BBSRC Plant and Microbial Sciences Committee and the BBSRC/NERC Soil Science Advisory Committee..

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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