Forest Research involved in POnTE to explore emerging diseases of forests
This multi-partner EU project is exploring the genetics, biology, epidemiology, vector ecology and economic impacts of four pathosystems that threatens strategic crops and forestry in the EU. These are: Xylella fastidiosa , Candidatus ‘Liberibacter solanacearum’, Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and new and exotic Phytophthora species.
Research objectives
This project is aimed at understanding and minimizing the risk of introduction and impact of major crop and tree pathogens that threaten Europe.
Specific objectives include:
Anticipate and prevent the entry of new pests through improved surveillance and early detection tools (diagnostic kits, lab-on-chip, new biomarkers).
Mitigate the spread of introduced pests and reducing socio-economic impacts.
Develop sustainable solutions for outcome-based interventions.
Forest Research is involved in the part of the project related to emerging diseases of forests, with a focus on Hymenocyphus fraxineus (ash dieback} and new and exotic Phytophthora species.
Results so far
The project is in its early stages so no results are yet available.
Status
POnTE started the 1st of November 2015 and will run for 48 months.
Contact
Ana Perez-Sierra
Funders and partners
This project is funded jointly through Horizon 2020 and the Forestry Commission as part of Forest Research on Understanding Threats to Resilience
International Partners that make up the POnTE Consortium are
CNR, Italian National Research Council, Italy
UNIBA, University of Bari BARI Aldo Moro, Italy
INRA, National Institute for Agricultural Research, France
ANSES, Agency for Food, Enivironemental and Occupational Health & Safety, France
IVIA, Valencian Institute for Agricultural Research, Spain
CSIC, Spanish National Research Council, Spain
SG SASA, Scottish Government Science & Advice for Scottish Agriculture, UK
Forestry Commission Research Agency, UK
BFW, Federal Research & Training Centre for Forests, Natural Hazards & Landscape, Austria
LUKE, Natural Resources Institure, Finland
WU, Wageningen University, The Netherlands
NIBIO, Norweigen Institute of Bioeconomy Research, Norway
UCR, University of Costa Rica
ARO, Agricultural Research Organization of Israel, The Volcani, Israel
UB, University of Belgrade, Serbia
CERTIS Europe BV, The Netherlands
Aurea Imaging BVBA, Belgium
Vilmorin SA, France
Loewe Biochemica GMBH, Germany
Phytophthora Research & Consultancy, Germany
Agritest SRL, Italy
CIITOLIVA Foundation, Innovation & Technology Centre for Olive Farming & Olive Oli, Spain
Agricultural Villena Cooperative, Spain
A L TOZER LTD, UK
Forestry Commission policy
This research is in support government policies of sustainable forest management and are expressed in The UK Forestry Standard and its supporting series of Guidelines.
Further information
Relevant information about the project and the four pathosystems can be found at: http://www.ponteproject.eu/ It is part of European Commission, European Union Funding for Research and Innovation, Call (part) identifier H2020-SFS-2014-2, Topic SFS-03a-2014 Native and alien pests in agriculture and forestry
Published on May 1, 2016 by FORESTRY.GOV.UK
