Numero del progetto: 26.29.13.10.04_DETECT
DETECT: strumento per sementi e cereali sani
Without proper management, seed- and soilborne diseases pose a significant threat to cereal crop production. To strengthen disease prevention and support management decisions, DETECT will further develop molecular tools for the detection of problematic seed- and soilborne diseases in Swiss agriculture. Such diseases are especially critical in organic production or if certain active ingredients in seed treatments are disallowed. We will validate previously designed qPCR-based tests and develop new molecular tools to detect and identify additional seed- and soilborne cereal pathogens. By integrating molecular detection methods, empirical experiments, and seed health testing data, this work will assess disease risk factors and contribute to integrative control strategies. We will also focus on the biological meaning of our test results in diverse environments by investigating the impact of environmental factors on pathogen transmission and disease manifestation. Through synergies with agricultural stakeholders, the outcomes of this research will promote informed decision-making, reduce reliance on synthetic chemical seed treatments, and improve sustainability in cereal production.
