Our research focuses on how agricultural and horticultural plants defend themselves against infestation by pests such as oomycetes and fungi
The goal is to identify genes for resistance properties that can be used in the cultivation of future plant varieties and to develop methods to stimulate the plant defense through treatment with low-risk agents. The overall aim is to reduce the need for chemical control against diseases in crop plants without harvest losses and to minimize variations in yield due to abiotic stress.
Our research includes studies of biochemical components of the plant defense system and plant interactions with pests in greenhouse and field trials. We work mainly in the following areas:
Potato late blight caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans is one of the most devastating plant diseases in Sweden and the rest of the world. About 20% of fungicides in Swedish agriculture are used against this disease. We also work with Early blight, caused by the fungus Alternaria solani on potatoes. To reduce the dependence on pesticides there is a great need for new resistance in the cultivated variety material. We study resistance mechanisms through large-scale identification and mapping of genes and proteins that are involved in the interaction between the pathogens and the plant as well as macro- and microscopic and molecular investigations of the infection process. We also verify gene functions with gene scissors and transgene technology.
Reserachers on the project:
To achieve effective plant protection, different methods need to be integrated. We perform applied studies of induced resistance (IR) in greenhouse and field trials in combination with classical fungicides. We also investigate the importance of different cultivation measures for plant health and how these affect disease development in the field and stress tolerance in general such as drought.
Reserachers on the project:
We use new methods such as drones with cameras and multispectral cameras and image analysis with machine learning to detect and study diseases and stress in fields and controlled environments. We also take a closer look at the effects of induced resistance using phenotyping. With omics we investigate molecular relationships (field omics). We also use bioinformatics to study the molecular immune network of plants and gene functions.
Reserachers on the project:
Unit leader
Co-workers
Maria Vera Jesus Da Costa
Iqra Iqra
Prof. emeritus Erland Liljeroth
Haunjie Yang
Formas: Gene editing and cisgenesis of resistance genes to produce late blight resistant potato. 2024-2026
Formas: Stress resilient plants by genome editing of potato pathogen sensitivity genes. 2020-2024
Formas: Protein translational control by gene editing for increased stress resilience especially to Phytophthora infestans. 2020-2024
Formas: Molecular basis for climate-resilient oats, especially in relation to early summer drought. 2022-2025.
Vetenskapsrådet: Identification of mechanisms to regulate growth habits in yam (Dioscorea rotundata) aiming at cost-effective mechanization in farmer’s fields. 2023-2026
Novo Nordisk Foundation: Gene edited potatoes for reduced pesticide usage: 2020-2023.
Carl Tryggers Foundation: Molecular dissection of pathways regulating plant responses to a combination of drought and heat stress. 2023-2025.
Crafoord Foundation: Dissecting the molecular responses of oats to single and combined drought and heat stresses. 2023-2025.
SLU Global: Moringa platform development: Identifying knowledge gaps for sustainability and livelihood improvement in East and South Africa. 2023-2024.
SLU GroGrund: Resistensförädling för friska grödor –workpackage potato late blight resistans (Phytophthora), 2024-2030
SLU GroGrund: Motståndskraftig Potatis (Resilient potato) SLU GroGrund, 2024-2030
SLF/Formas: Integrated use of genetic resistance in Swedish food potato production. 2020-2024.
P O Lundell Foundation: Produce King Edward potato cultivars which resistance again late blight disease. 2023.
Partnerskap Alnarp: More resistant table potato by deleting susceptibility genes. 2023-2025.
Partnership Alnarp: Optimal Potato Storage Conditions focus on reducing skin diseases in Sweden. 2024-2025.
Some networks we are active in are PlantLink, SLU Plant Protection Network, Plant Biological Network (PBN), GroGrund, The Swedish Potato Foundation. We have continuous cooperation with the plant protection consultancy at the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Rural Economy and Agricultural Society and other organizations. We are also collaborate with IITA on Cassava.