Identification of pathotypes of Synchytrium endobioticum found in Georgia
Project Status: 3 Approved without Funding
Duration in months: 24 months
Objective
Synchytrium endobioticum, the causal agent of potato wart, is considered to be the most important quarantine pathogen of the cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum spp.) and occurs locally in almost all European Union (EU) countries. This soil-borne fungus remains viable in the soil for more than 30 years and can change its pathogenicity based on local environmental conditions (Matskiv et al., 1998).
Potato wart was first reported in Georgia in 2009. Potato samples from the villages of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara villages (Tabakhmela, Didajara, Ghorjomi, Tkhilvana, Danisparauli, and Diakonidzeebi) tested positive for S. endobioticum (Gorgiladze et al., 2014). In this rainy mountainous region potatoes are produced mainly for local consumption. But, risks for spread of spores could still be a problem from the point of quarantine and phytosanitary measures and includes a serious threat for the country.
While phytosanitary and quarantine measures is the only effective strategy to control potato wart, correct selection of resistant cultivars for planting is very crucial. Comprehensive monitoring and descheduling of fields requires also direct analysis of soil for the presence of viable winter sporangia, which in turn is accompanied by some problems such as selection of soil samples and extraction of sporangia, especially at low contamination.
Disease management can be achieved through the identificatin of most prevalent pathotypes in an area and cultivation of resistant varieties. More than 40 pathotypes of S. endobioticum are defined by their virulence worldwide. Among them, the pathotypes 1(D1), 2(G1), 6(O1) and 18(T1) are the most widespread in Europe (Baayen et al. 2006). Currently, there is not information about pathotype diversity of S. endobioticum in Georgia.
In proposed project, we aim to identify the pathotypes of S. endobioticum that exist in Georgia. We hypothesis that due to the geographical isolation and the environmental conditions local isolates are different from pathotypes which are widespread throughout the Western Europe. Confirmation of viability of the spores and characterization of pathotypes by the assessment of pattern of virulence will benefit regulatory control of infested lands. Additionally, outcomes from this project will provide knowledge of the potential for global disease spread.
For project implementation, we will use the phytopathology and molecular biology laboratories of plant pest diagnostic department of the Laboratory of Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia (LMA), which are well equipped to work on diagnosis and characterization of plant pathogens and also to support a wide range of research activities.
The scientists taking part in the project have considerable experience in phytopathology field proved by their publications. This information is available in Supporting Information. They have passed the Practical training on methods of laboratory analyzing of potato samples for quarantine organism Synchytrium endobioticum, financed by the the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument of the European Commission (TAIEX). Expected Results and Their Application
Expected results of proposed project which belongs to the category of basic research will be the identification of uniqueness of Georgian pathotype of Synchytrium endobioticum (Schilb.) and implementation of rapid and cost-effective methods for diagnosis.
Identification of S. endobioticum using rapid and cost-effective methods will be essential in order to determine the extent of the infestation and delineate the quarantine area. Confirmation of viability of the spores found on the contaminated plots and characterization of pathotypes by the assessment of pattern of virulence on different cultivars will also benefit regulatory control of infested lands.
