H2020 POnTE Project: Pest organisms threatening Europe
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2015 -2019
- Assigned Budget 6.850.000,00 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website Proyecto POnTE
Xf – POnTE research demonstrated that Xf is the causal agent of olive rapid decline syndrome in Southern Italy and provided evidence on the molecular mechanisms that characterize the response of olive cultivars to infections, identifying those that could be resistant or tolerant to Xf. This finding led to the repeal of the ban on planting new olive trees in the infected area of Puglia, giving new hope to the olive sector in the region. Essential information was gathered on the vectors, a wide range of control strategies, and the pattern of disease spread in olive trees. Scientists demonstrated the robustness of early detection of the airborne disease, even before symptoms became visible, thanks to sophisticated hyperspectral cameras.
Epidemiological and economic models were developed to indicate which areas of Europe are most threatened by Xf, with an estimate of economic losses for producers and consumers. Innovative new approaches were tested to propose sustainable and environmentally friendly strategies for pathogen control in olive trees. CaLsol – Activities developed within PonTE allowed mapping the geographical distribution of CaLsol variants in Europe; meanwhile, the pathogen was found for the first time in novel psyllid vectors, as well as in hosts not previously known to be infected (i.e., parsley, fennel, chervil, parsnip, and other weeds).
New diagnostic assays were designed to rapidly identify important psyllid vectors. These will be important tools in preventing and detecting potential introductions of psyllids such as Bactericera cockerelli into the EU. A remotely controlled robot was developed to inspect horticultural crops for the presence of CaLsol using remote sensing devices. Researchers disseminated the use of integrated pest management approaches, including mechanical tools such as nets, "natural" insecticidal products (e.g., kaolin), and technologies such as drip irrigation, to a wide audience of stakeholders. Forest pathogens: Researchers detected Hf in ash for the first time in Serbia and in different non-ash species (e.g., Phillyrea and Chionanthus).
The role of ash pericarps, seeds, or embryos as a source of disease spread was investigated. Hot water treatment was successfully tested as a control measure for the eradication of Hf in seeds. In the search for tolerant trees, symptomless ash seedlings and trees were identified. Phytophthora species damaging conifers and other forest species have been identified, associated with the decline of specific trees in Europe. These studies demonstrated that Southeast Asia is the center of origin of highly invasive, broad-host-range Phytophthora species currently causing devastating forest epidemics in Europe and North America. POnTE has invested considerable effort in disseminating relevant achievements to the entire community, including non-experts, farmers, stakeholders, and the general public affected or threatened by the spread of diseases caused by the target pathogens. This was a small but significant first step in bridging the gap between science and end users and contributed to strengthening the potential utilization of the Project's results.
This proposal, aligned with SFS-03a-2014, focuses on minimizing the risk of introduction or impact of emerging pests that threaten EU agriculture and forestry.
The objectives are:
- Xylella fastidiosa and its vectors in olive trees, vines, citrus trees, stone fruit trees, ornamental trees and ornamental trees of great socioeconomic importance.
- 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum' and its vectors, which affect a range of strategic crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and carrots; and
- Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anomorph. Chalara fraxinea)
- Phytophtora spp. that severely affect broadleaf and coniferous species in forest ecosystems.
Target pests, their vectors, and host responses will be explored using innovative approaches (NGS, transcriptomics). Disease surveillance and epidemiology provided by current methods will integrate improved study protocols and remote sensing. Innovative IPM will include microbiome studies to develop sustainable solutions in line with EU plant health legislation.
The new knowledge gained through POnTE will be translated into a results-based pest prevention and management work plan to: implement area-wide pest risk assessments; prevent entry and develop surveillance and early detection tools (diagnostic kits, lab-on-chip, new biomarkers); mitigate spread and reduce socioeconomic impact; implement IPM based on disease resistance, disease-free seeds, environmentally friendly cultural practices, and physical treatments; and support knowledge-based decision-making at EU level.
The proposal encourages and promotes a multi-stakeholder approach and transnational research collaborations among 25 partners at the forefront of research in plant protection, agricultural engineering, and economics. It involves key industries/SMEs developing diagnostic kits and services, agrochemical and seed companies, and stakeholders. End users will participate in project development and immediately implement practical solutions derived from the results to address these serious emerging diseases.
Before the outbreak of olive tree decline syndrome in Puglia, the Xylella bacterium had never been detected in Europe. Researchers on the POnTE project have optimized surveillance and prevention programs to help manage future emerging agricultural diseases. The stark statistics reflect the severity of the impact of plant pathogens on agricultural production. According to research statistics from the EU-funded POnTE project, olive growers could suffer production losses of up to €7.5 billion over 50 years due to the Xylella bacterium. Italy’s olive trees: the first major research mission to rescue them Donato Boscia, POnTE coordinator and head of the operational unit at the National Research Council in Bari, Italy, describes the situation at the start of the project in 2015. “Following the first detection of Xylella in 2013 and several scattered outbreaks in Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, POnTE contributed to disease awareness and surveillance by developing tools and protocols for the efficient detection of the bacteria.” “Genomic studies determined the approximate time and route of introduction of Xylella strains into Europe—all the information needed to reduce the risk of future introductions,” notes Boscia. Comprehensive transcriptome analyses and the identification of potential differentially expressed genes shed light on host plant responses and potential resistance pathways.
The search for sources of developed resistance to Xylella has revealed encouraging preliminary results and the identification of resistant or tolerant olive cultivars. The meadow spittlebug is the main vector of this bacterium. POnTE identified the most relevant vectors in the EU and their preferred host plants in numerous crops, using mark-recapture techniques to track their potential natural spread. The data supported the design of specific studies on spittlebugs, field trials for the control of vector populations, and the development of important short-distance spread models. Aerial pre-visual identification of Xylella-infected olive trees was achieved using high-resolution hyperspectral and thermal imagery. Notably, indicators for the early or asymptomatic detection of Xylella infection were developed, aiming to achieve a method for the automatic classification of disease severity over large areas. Expanding the research network to other threatened crops and ecosystems Other pests, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CaLsol), which affects vegetable crops, and Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, a fungus responsible for ash dieback disease in European forests, received attention from POnTE researchers. Adopting the same multidisciplinary approach, they aimed to characterize the biological aspects of the pests and propose strategies to control their spread within the EU.
The characterization of haplotypes from different CaLsol-infected samples from Europe and other Mediterranean countries allowed for the mapping of their geographical distribution. Inherited jointly from a single parent, haplotypes are important indicators of ancestry and mutation that can be traced to monitor the spread of the pathogen and its evolution. Automated traps have been developed that acquire and send images of the CaLsol vector, a jumping aphid (of the Psyllid family), to a remote server. The feeding behavior of psyllids was also studied using the electrical penetration graph technique and correlated with the transmission of CaLsol disease. Agricultural Impact and Future Research Boscia summarizes, focusing on the economic health of EU agriculture and the livelihoods of European farmers: “The data and dissemination from POnTE will undoubtedly be of great help in the future management of these plant health emergencies, and as a result, public awareness has also been increased.” The research effort won't end with POnTE, as it continues under the complementary XF-ACTORS project. The enhanced surveillance and prevention programs currently being developed will be sustainable and coexist with agricultural practices to manage exotic pests, both new and old, in Europe.
POnTE provided in-depth knowledge of the genetics and pathogenicity of the target pests, for which limited scientific information was available at the EU level, their introduction pathways were unproven, and their behavior under EU conditions was still unknown at the start of the action. The research developed through POnTE made it possible to simultaneously analyze a large number of ash fruits. This will allow any diagnostic laboratory to efficiently detect H. fraxineus in seed lots. In addition, a double hot water treatment was developed and tested to eradicate H. fraxineus from seed lots.
This is a low-tech, cost-effective method that is easily scalable and used by forestry companies and nursery growers, while also being safe for both the operator and the environment. The identification of Xf-resistant olive cultivars in Puglia helped mitigate the negative socioeconomic impact of the disease. The discovery of sources of Xf resistance has allowed authorities to lift the ban on planting host plants in the infected area, restoring confidence in the preservation of the olive oil sector in an area severely affected by the disease. The protocols for CaLsol detection, validated during the project, are currently implemented in seed companies and used to secure the global trade of carrot seeds.
Surveys conducted during the POnTE project improved knowledge about the presence of CaLsol in European and Mediterranean areas and highlighted its coexistence with other pathogens. This allowed for the selection of CaLsol-free areas for seed production and increased awareness of the benefits of testing innovative strategies for controlling the psyllid vector, with a direct impact on commercial plantations and small farms.
- CONSIGLIO NAZIONALE DELLE RICERCHE (CNR)
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