The objective of WP3 is to develop genetic information on the new emerging pathogens and define the genetic structure of the pathogen populations. Particularly, the TASK 3e aims to elucidate the genetic structure of the invasive plant pathogen Hymenoscypus fraxineus (Hf) in EU. Hymenoscypus fraxineus is one of the most recent invading, highly destructive tree pathogens in Europe. This ascomycete causes a lethal fungal disease leading to the massive dieback of European common ash Fraxinus excelsior endangering this widespread keystone species of European riparian ecosystems (Pautasso et al. 2013; McKinney et al. 2014). The disease was first observed in the early 1990s in Poland and subsequently spread with enormous speed to numerous European countries (Timmermann et al. 2011; Pautasso et al. 2013). Recently, the epidemic’s front reached the UK and Ireland (DEFRA 2013), and it is assumed that it is a matter of time before the major natural distribution range of common ash in Europe will be affected (Gross et al., 2014). Of key importance is to understand the population genetics within the old invaded and new areas of expansion to potentially make inferences of introduction events, the number of introduced genotypes, or the identification of invasion routes (Grünwald and Gross, 2012).
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Agricultural run-off and subsurface drainage tiles transport a significant amount of nitrogen and phosphorus leached after fertilization. alchemia-nova GmbH in collaboration with University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna developed two multi-layer vertical filter systems to address the agricultural run-off issue, which has been installed on the slope of an agricultural field in Mistelbach, Austria. While another multi-layer addressing subsurface drainage water is implemented in Gleisdorf, Austria. The goal is to develop a drainage filter system to retain water and nutrients. Both multi-layer filter systems contain biochar and other substrates with adsorption properties of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus). The filter system can be of practical use if an excess of nutrients being washed out is of concern in the fields of the practitioner by keeping the surrounding waters clean. This approach may result in economic value by re-using the saturated biochar as fertilizer and improving the soil structure, thus increasing long-term soil fertility. Link: https://wateragri.eu/a-bio-inspired-multilayer-drainage-system/
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under Grant Agreement No 858735. FACTSHEET NANOCELLULOSE MEMBRANES FOR NUTRIENT RECOVERY Key information Functionalized nanocellulose membranes can take up nitrate and phosphate. These membranes can be put in a water treatment unit. As the membranes are biobased, degradable materials, they can after use be added to the soil, thus returning the leached nutrients back for their original purpose providing fertilizers (nutrient recycling).
Because variables such as temperature and humidity have a profound effect on the activity of crop pests, diseases and natural enemies, the ability to monitor environmental conditions within a crop has always been important for crop protection.