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Modern methods for identifying plant pathogens – at internship in Spain

Modern methods for identifying plant pathogens – at internship in Spain

From February 23 till April 30, Dr. Neringa Rasiukevičiūtė, senior researcher of the Laboratory of Plant Protection and postdoc of Laboratory of Plant Physiology, Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre and Forestry (LAMMC) took an internship at the National Institute for Agriculture and Food Research and Technology (INIA) (Spain).

The internship aimed to obtain knowledge of new pathogens diagnostical methods and to establish closer contacts with the scientists of the INIA Plant pathology group of the department of Plant protection INIA (Madrid, Spain).

Researchers of the Department of Plant protection carry out research and training activities in the fields of phytopathology, bacteriology, weed control, agricultural and forest entomology, plant viruses. Scientists participate in national and international projects. The main research aims of the Plant pathology group are related to the ethiology, epidemiology and fungal disease control of fruit and vegetable, developing new strategies for diagnosis, pathogen variability; pathogenic mechanisms; epidemiological factors; predictive models and bio-fungicides development; environmental study of their effect on the ecosystem; sustainable alternatives to fungal plant diseases.

During the internship focused on the pathogen identification thought fluorescent microscopy. Carried out Monilinia laxa, the brown rot of stone fruit, gene expression studies and detected latent cherry M. laxa infection by real-time PCR. Gained knowledge in M. laxa cultivation and propagation techniques. Evaluated M. laxa phytotoxins effect on nectarines. Studies possibilities for developing and using biological plant protection products. Evaluated the effect of olive oil extracts on tomato soil pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici.

The obtained data during the internship will be used for the preparation of scientific publications. It is expected to continue collaboration with Spanish scientists in the future.

This research was funded by the European Social Funds under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure and support of the LAMMC scientific visits.

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