Projects

This project addresses the significant threat posed by the bacterial wilt of maize, caused by Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii, a quarantine pest threatening maize production in Slovenia and potentially Europe. Originating from the Americas and primarily spread by the corn flea beetle, this bacterium has been identified in high-risk areas within Slovenia, particularly the Vipava Valley. Given the critical role of maize as a staple food and feed crop, effective management and containment strategies are essential to ensure food security.

The project’s objectives are tailored to comprehensively address the detection, monitoring, and management of this pest through several strategic initiatives:

• Inventory and Monitoring: Conducting detailed inventories of weedy host plants and potential vectors in high-risk regions to understand the disease’s ecological network and spread mechanism.

• Advanced Diagnostics and Genomic Studies: Improving laboratory detection methods and conducting genomic analyses to trace infection origins and assess the variability among Pantoea species contributing to disease symptoms.

• Innovative Surveillance Techniques: Utilizing drones equipped with RGB imaging for semi-annual surveys during critical epidemiological phases to identify infection hotspots effectively.

• Data Integration and Risk Assessment: Testing forecasting models and integrating historical disease data with current weather station data to assess regional risks accurately.

• Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination: Developing and disseminating educational materials, conducting workshops, and utilizing digital platforms to enhance awareness among maize growers and stakeholders about disease management and prevention strategies.

The project is designed to leverage the specific expertise of each partner organization, combining field presence, advanced remote sensing technology, entomological knowledge, and direct engagement with growers to foster an integrated approach to disease management. Each work package is supported by collaborative efforts that ensure a fluid transfer of knowledge both within the scientific community and the public domain.

Key deliverables include the development of UAV surveillance protocols, enhanced diagnostic tools, and comprehensive risk assessments that will inform policy and practical interventions. Annual reports and regular updates will be provided to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, ensuring transparency and continual assessment of the project’s effectiveness. Planned to commence in September 2024, the project timeline and activities may be adjusted based on seasonal dependencies and any changes in the start date, ensuring that all interventions are timely and contextually relevant. The ultimate goal is to establish a proactive defense against this invasive bacterial disease, securing the agricultural economy and food resources of Slovenia while improving capacities of young researchers involved in the project and fostering long-term collaboration among stakeholders.

Project link

SICRIS