VERTIGEEN

INEXPENSIVE AND RELIABLE ON-SITE SOLUTION FOR OLIVE PRODUCERS TO CONTAIN VERTICILLIUM WILT

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

VERTIGEEN addresses a need identified by olive sector SME-Associations for the rapid and reliable on-site detection and quantification of the Verticillium dahliae fungus in soil and plant samples. The increasing frequency and severity of this pathogen in most EU olive growing areas has made it the most serious problem of commercial olive plantations. For an estimated commercial price of €1,000/device and €10/test, VERTIGEEN will allow olive producers to reduce losses caused by this pathogen by means of precise and efficient field interventions within an Integrated Pest Management Strategy. The system innovatively integrates in a single platform new but successfully demonstrated technologies: the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method and the original in-solution-DNA electrochemical detection, overcoming the limitations of the state of the art in terms of heterogeneity, portability, price, ease of use and time-to-result. VERTIGEEN will directly benefit the European olive sector by limiting disease spread and reducing its impact. Crop yield and profitability will increase, while production costs related to the systemic use of pesticides and the production of healthy olive trees will be reduced. Other benefits extend to olive nurseries being able to issue quality certificates of planting material, and for authorities monitoring disease occurrence. The SME-AGs who have a direct role in the production and distribution of olive oil will benefit from direct economic benefits of their IPR ownership, while their associated SMEs will increase their profit margins, preserve employment and maintain a competitive edge in the global market. Industrial SMEs, chosen by SME-AGS to guarantee the best exploitation route to the market, will benefit from an innovative portfolio product to generate new income sources and open new markets in Verticillium control.

Introduzione (Teaser)

A soil fungus blight threatens the European olive industry. An EU project developed a device for quick assessment of samples, using DNA amplification and electrochemical methods, which helps contain outbreaks.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The EU dominates the world's olive sector, both in production and consumption. Yet, the small businesses involved suffer from low profit margins, and are vulnerable to international competition and drops in productivity.

Verticillium dahliae (VD), a soil-borne pathogen, is the greatest threat to productivity. The disease affects yield in many crop species, including olives, and in recent years outbreaks have been occurring with increasing frequency.

Conventional methods of detection are complex and slow, plus require trained technicians. Thus, the EU has funded the project 'Inexpensive and reliable on-site solution for olive oil producers to contain Verticillium wilt' (http://www.vertigeen.eu (VERTIGEEN)). The goal is to develop a rapid, on-site system for VD detection, combining DNA amplification and electrochemical methods. The resulting device is affordable, easy to use and quick.

Progress to date is on track. The study team initially surveyed the European market's requirements for detection. The questionnaire-based information obtained from small and medium-sized enterprises in four countries helped tailor the device to the sector's needs. The information will also determine the business plan to be completed during the project's second half.

Protocols for sample collection and processing have been defined for soil and plant samples. Other processing methods were also compared, and the effects of seasonality have been studied. Initial primers for DNA amplification have been designed, yet further optimisation work will be needed.

The team prepared designs for hardware components, including a polymer reaction tube and screen-printed electrodes. Electrical diagrams for the detection unit have also been prepared, and the housing box has been designed and constructed. A user interface involving a seven-inch touchscreen is under development.

Substantial project efforts went into literature searches concerning how soil inocula levels affect disease incidence, disease risk and incidence factors. The information will yield a disease risk category system.

The VERTIGEEN project will yield a system allowing olive growers to quickly and simply test soil and plant samples for VD. The information will allow growers to minimise infection risks and outbreaks, and thus maximise yield and competitiveness.