Latest Projects
Summaries of the current and most recent projects undertaken by Plant Health Solutions
Bacterial diseases of herbaceous perennials
2010 - 2013Bacterial diseases have caused sporadic but significant (e.g. 100% crop loss) problems in a number of HNS herbaceous subjects for a number of years. There is a general lack of knowledge amongst growers about how to identify diseases caused by bacteria; and except for well known diseases with clear symptoms, the only reliable way of diagnosis is by laboratory examination and culturing, thus accurate information is difficult to obtain.
During the first year nurseries will be surveyed for bacterial diseases. The results will be used to inform and direct the work in subsequent years which will comprise trials work and detailed epidemiological investigations in years 2 and 3. The project aims to benefit herbaceous HNS growers by providing information which will assist in the identification of bacterial diseases and identify practical management strategies for their effective control. This is expected to lead to a reduction in the use of ineffective spray treatments, and reduction in losses and ultimately increased profitability.
Funded by: AHDB - Horticulture
Management of Bacterial Canker in Prunus spp.
2010 - 2013Bacterial canker has been an on-going problem for HNS growers for many years and also causes losses to stone fruit growers. Bacterial canker may be caused by two distinct pathovars of Pseudomonas syringae: pv. morsprunorum (Psm)and pv. syringae (Pss). Psm is host specific to Prunus spp., whereas pv. syringae has a much wider host range, with the potential for cross infection between a number of different species and genera. Although the stem canker phase is the most economically important, these pathogens may also cause leaf spots/shot-holes, shoot die-back and flower blights. The overall aim of the project will be to identify management options which will be of benefit in the control of bacterial canker of Prunus spp. To achieve this the project will: aim to identify the main sources of primary inoculum on propagation nurseries; examine the potential of targeted treatments to reduce/eliminate inoculum; examine the relative merit of different practical approaches for cleaning/disinfection of pruning knives/secateurs; and critically review relevant scientific and advisory literature and draw together with the new experimental work to produce a factsheet with clear practical recommendations.
Funded by: AHDB - Horticulture
Disease management in organic brassica seed and transplants
2009 - 2011Funded by: AHDB - Horticulture
Evaluation of disinfectants, biological and natural products for control of brassica black rot
2008 - 2009Black rot, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) continues to cause sporadic problems in brassica production. The disease is seedborne, so control is mainly through the use of 'clean' seed. Building on the results of an earlier EC-funded project (STOVE) which identified biological control agents and a natural product with activity against Xcc, and using methods developed in previous Defra-funded projects, these BCA?s and the natural product will be investigated for their potential as either seed and/or foliar treatments for the management of black rot in vegetable brassicas. Additional disinfectant compounds identified in a previous HDC project (FV 314) will also be evaluated.
Funded by: HDC
A review of the literature on bacterial diseases of lettuce
2007 - 2008Bacterial breakdown has been causing severe problems in outdoor crisphead lettuce for the last couple of years. As a first step in tackling the problem HDC is funding Plant Health Solutions to review the existing literature prior to committing funds to any experimental work.
Funded by: HDC
Outdoor herbs: Integrated management of parsley septoria and coriander bacterial blight
2007 - 2010This project, a collaboration between Plant Health Solutions and ADAS, aims to improve understanding of the relationships between seed infection levels and disease development in two seedborne diseases of herbs: leaf spot on parsley (Septoria petroselini) and bacterial leaf blight on coriander (Pseudomonas syringae pv. coriandricola). Options for seed treatment and disease controls in the field will also be examined to provide integrated strategies for disease management.
Funded by: HDC