Targeting endophytes for control of Ramularia Leaf Spot and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus of Irish cereals
Ramularia leaf spot (RLS) and Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus represent serious threats to the viability of Irish cereal production systems, especially barley. To-date control has been entirely dependent on the application of fungicides (in the case of RLS) and insecticides (in the case of BYDV which is transmitted by cereal aphids). Unfortunately, the sustainability of control is threatened by recent EU bans on the main fungicide and insecticides used for control. Thus, there is an urgent need for alternative sustainable control options.
As part of this task, we will explore the potential of endophytes as alternatives to chemical fungicides and pesticides. We will test already-available endophytes previously developed by e-SEED, as well as newly isolated endophytes form Task 1 in greenhouse and field trials on controlling RLS and the aphid-borne BYVD.
