Projects / Programmes
Development of technologies for preventing new viroid diseases of hop
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.05 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
Phytomedicine |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B006 |
Biomedical sciences |
Agronomics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
viroids, Humulus lupulus, epidemiology, composting, diagnostics
Researchers (13)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
In 2007, a severe and highly aggressive viroid disease was found and latter identified in hop garden in the Savinja valley, which caused stunting and death of infected plants. Diagnostic analysis of symptomatic plants identified two viroids as casual agents: Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) and Citrus bark cracking viroid (CBCVd). Both newly discovered viroids on hop plants were here found for the first time in Europe and, in the case of CBCVd, it was also the first known report of this viroid in hop plants. This new viroid disease, called »Hop stunt disease«, affected more than 70 ha of hop gardens in the period 2007-2013, and it is still spreading despite performing state eradication program, systematic disease monitoring and preventive control measures. The disease management is currently based on eradication of diseased plants and sanitary measures. Completely unexplored and undeveloped are still solutions and measures in the frame of hop production technology, which will identify and omit critical points that have influence on disease spreading. In the case of CBCVd is unexplored the role of weed population and potential vectors for disease spreading in hop gardens, and the danger for spreading to other cultural plants like are grapevine and fruit trees. The presence of two new casual agents opens the question of the role of the individual viroid in disease development and in epidemiology. This is important for defining the status of each viroid and for risk assessments. Crucial is also following the development in diagnostics, and introducing new diagnostics techniques which manage fast, sensitive and reliable detections, what is important also for epidemiological studies. The project deliverables will also enable development of new application techniques of disinfection agents in hop production and upgrade of all current control measurements.
Significance for science
Results of project activities have important contribution for science since we study epidemiology of new disease named severe hop stunt disease which is until now present only in Slovenia. By using new research approaches we clarify the role of main casual agents what is important for implementation of disease management actions. In the frame of the project we developed techniques which manage epidemiological studies in different technological processes and manage development of control strategies. We develop a new application prototype for disinfection of machinery and equipment which could be used for viroid control in hop gardens. The results will have impact in implementation of new knowledge in current technological process in Slovenia and also worldwide.
Significance for the country
Results of the project are important for long-term stability of hop production in Slovenia. New technological approaches will significantly contribute in preventing disease spreading and eradication. The developed techniques will be in future important part of epidemiological studies of viroid diseases and in the control programs of harmful organisms. The results of the project increased recognition of Slovene science and expertise from plant protection. We intensify international cooperation and in the same time we become more interesting for foreign institutions and participation in international programs. Important part of projects results is seen also in implementation of knowledge in education processes. In the project we include bachelor and doctoral students, what is important for knowledge transferring and contribution of new added value.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2015,
final report
