Projects

As a good knowledge of the epidemiology of the Grapevine flavescence dorée disease is essential for effective prevention of the spread of the pathogen, the project will fill knowledge gaps regarding alternative hosts and alternative vectors of FD phytoplasma. Therefore, we will investigate the importance of wild and cultivated hazelnuts as reservoirs for FD transmission to grapevines and expand the knowledge about other leafhoppers - possible vectors of FD phytoplasma in Slovenia, and their infection status in relation to this phytoplasma. Within the project, we will monitor the bionomy of the mosaic leafhopper, its potential for spreading phytoplasma among hazelnuts and from hazelnuts to grapevines, and the possibilities of its control with insecticides. In addition, the project will investigate the possibility of detecting the presence of FD phytoplasma before the characteristic visual signs appear in the vineyard in order to take action before the disease spreads through the vineyard. To achieve this goal, we will investigate the possibility of detecting the presence of FD phytoplasma by molecular testing in the nymph stages of the main vector of this phytoplasma in grapevines - the American leafhopper. For early detection of changes in plants due to infection with FD phytoplasma, we will investigate the possibility of remote sensing by the method of hyperspectral imaging with airplanes.

Project funding: Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS)