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VERTIGEENHelping EU olive growers to fight against

Verticillium Dahliae

www.vertigeen.eu

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VERTIGEEN Project Presentation

Olive and Olive Oil sector in Europe

About VERTIGEEN

Verticillium Dalhiae (VD)

Verticillium Wilt Disease

Life Cycle Verticillium Dahliae

VERTIGEEN Main goals

VERTIGEEN Scientific and Technological Objectives

Presentation of the Consortium

How can I detect Verticillium?

Samples needed (Soil and Plants)

How will VERTIGEEN help you?

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Olive and Olive Oil sector in Europe

It is a fundamental pillar of European identity and one of the most important markets, producing 1,5% of the total EU agricultural output for a value of 5,600 M€ and using 4% of the agricultural area.

Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece produce than 90% of the olive oil in EU.

Most of the producers are small, thus vulnerable to fluctuations in production.

The sector is being threatened not only by international competition but also by other adverse factors such as pests and diseases. Verticillium dahliae is one of the most important ones.

http://esporao.com/

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About VERTIGEEN

The competitiveness of the European olive lead market is currently severely threatened by the soil-borne fungus Verticillium dahliae

More than 200 species with crop losses estimated at thousands of millions of dollars worldwide every year.

VERTIGEEN consortium strongly believes that containment and even eradication of this disease is feasible

Conventional detection and quantification methods, such as visual inspection, plating methods, biosassays, immunoassays and molecular methods doesn’t work

VERTIGEEN will develop an innovative low costs and robust diagnostic tool for detecting Verticillium dahlia and quantifying infection levels.

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About VERTIGEEN

VERTIGEEN is a project funded by the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Programme under the Research for the Benefit of SME Associations (Capacities) scheme, which aims at developing technical solutions to problems common to a large number of SMEs in specific industrial sectors or segments of the value chain, such as the olive sector.

Collaborating in this research project are 10 different institutions from 7 different European member states.

Project Start Date: 1st of February, 2012 Project duration: 36 months

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Verticillium Dalhiae

http://www.eppo.in/

http://www.eppo.int/

http://www.eppo.int/ www.infOliva.com

http://www.eppo.int/

http://www.datuopinion.com/verticilosis

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Verticillium Wilt Disease

Affects more than 200 plant species with global crop losses

estimated at thousands of millions of euro per year.

Caused by fungus Verticillium dahliae that can persist in soil

for years

Continually expanding geographical distribution.

World distribution of Verticillium dahliae. Distribution Maps of Quarantine pests for Europe. Green: Present at subnational record. Red: Present at national record. Source: OEPP/EPPO (European Plant Protection Organization)

J.A Hiemstra. Wageningen WUR

J.A Hiemstra. Wageningen WUR

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Life Cycle Verticillium Dahliae

A Compendium of Verticillium Wilts in Tree Species. HIEMSTRA & HARRIS 1998.

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VERTIGEEN Main goals

VERTIGEEN addresses the need for a rapid and reliable onsite detection and quantification device of the Verticillium dahlia fungus in soils and plant samples.

The system will allow associated olive producers to reduce the losses caused by this pathogen and its spread by means of precise and efficient field interventions within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy.

VERTIGEEN system innovatively integrates, in a single platform, new but successfully demonstrated technologies: the loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method and the original in-solution-DNA electrochemical detection, overcoming the limitations of the state of the art in terms of heterogeneity, portability, price, ease of use and time-to-result.

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VERTIGEEN Scientific and Technological Objectives

The following specific scientific objectives will be fulfilled during the project:

Sampling strategy and processing method for both plants and soil to guarantee significant and representative results as well as maximum test sensitivity.

Optimize the LAMP DNA amplification protocol for the specific detection of Verticillium Dahliae and optimize the selectivity and end point sensitivity of critical parameters of the LAMP assay protocol.

Establish field intervention protocols for the growers to follow in each case. These protocols will be compiled in a Guide for Best Practices.

VERTIGEEN aims to develop a homogeneous, simple, rapid,

accurate, and sensitive, on site electrochemical diagnosis tool for

detecting Verticillium dahlia levels with a cost below €1.000 per unit

and €10 per test.

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Presentation of the Consortium

The proposed consortium is well complemented and brings together technological skills, industrial objectives, geographical representation, synergistic business interests and the exploitation of its results, which and non-competitive positions. Each partner has a specific role in the completion of the work h avoids duplication of efforts or commercial conflicts. -Three SME-AGs: INOLEO (ES), EDOEE (EL) and AAR (PT)-Two technological SMEs: FORSITE (UK) and LOEWE (DE) -Two end-user SMEs: COTEVISA (ES) and PELOSI (IT) -Three RTDs: WUR (NL),FERA (UK) and ATEKNEA (ES)

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Three SME-Ags: INOLEO (ES), EDOEE (EL) and AAR (PT)

INOLEO is a non-profit organization comprised of sector SMEs and the CITOLIVA Olive Oil Technology Center. The main business activities of INOLEO are: knowledge management, promoting synergies, energizing activities around science and technology generation and its practical application in the sector. The Association offers competitive advantages for the sector, providing its associates learning tools to promote innovation and development.

EDOEE, The Greek National interprofessional organization of olive oil and olives, is a non-profit agricultural association founded in 2002 to represent the interests of operators in the olive sector, to encourage the progress of the sector by establishing measures and procedures related to the Greek Olive Sector and also to implement economic, social, environmental and cultural programs.

The Associação dos Agricultores do Ribatejo (AARibatejo) is a non-profit association, established in 1976, serving the professional interests of its members thatwork in agricultural, forestry and animal activities. The purpose of the AAR is to foster and promote the interests of its members by representing them in front of official and institutional entities and to give them technical support on cereal matters, olive growing, viticulture, irrigation, management soil fertility and common agricultural policy (CAP).

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Two technological SMEs: FORSITE (UK) and LOEWE (DE)

LOEWE Biochemica GmbH was established in 1988 as a privately held company. Since almost 25 years we are specialized in the development and production of premium diagnostic reagents for the detection of plant pathogens. Products and services offer by LOEWE include: ELISA Sets and Kits, Immuno Fluorescence Reagents, PCR Sets and Kits, Enzyme Substrates and Lateral Flow Tests.

Forsite Diagnostics is a newly established SME formed in January 2007 as a spin-off of the FERA (Food and Environment Research Agency) formerly known as Central Science Laboratory (CSL). Their main goal is to develop, manufacture and commercialise rapid diagnostic solutions to drive growth in existing and new markets.

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Two end-user SMEs: COTEVISA (ES) and PELOSI (IT)

COTEVISA is the biggest nursery in Spain and the second biggest in Europe. With 20 years in this market, is the only laboratory dedicated to cultivation in vitro for multiplying the fruit plants in the region of Valencia. Since 1990 they have been developing different forms of sanitation and introducing new methods for safe development of different species and vegetables.

The Azienda Agricola PELOSI di Pelosi Sergio is a family farm with an extension of about 8 hectares located in South Italy (150 km from Naples) and has a long tradition in olive cultivation and extra virgin olive oil production. Started more than forty years ago, their main corporate objective is to produce high quality oil in full compliance with the regulations on food safety through the implementation of the most modern agricultural techniques and innovative technologies. All the company products have the European quality label of the protected denomination of origin where their olive trees are grown (PDO Dauno). Most of the production is destined for the local market and industries.

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Three RTDs: WUR (NL),FERA (UK) and ATEKNEA (ES)

FERA (Formerly CSL) was established in 1992 as an executive agency of the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). It is a public sector science organization providing research and information services to governments and industry around the world. In 2006, their scientists published 144 papers in peer-reviewed journals listed in the Science Citation Index as testimony to their excellence in the sciences.

The Agricultural Research Institute-SDLO (Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundig Onderzoek) is part of Wageningen University and Research Center. It is a private not for profit research institute with experienced and highly motivated personnel that specializes in strategic and applied research for industry and public institutions. Within SDLO PPO and PRI are the two parts of the organization that deal with research on plants; PRI focusing on strategic research, and PPO on applied research.

Ateknea offers tailor-made services for innovation, with expertise in a wide range of engineering and scientific areas, supported by professionals in project management and coordination at a European level. It aims at assisting small and medium sized enterprises to become more competitive through technological innovation, improving products, processes or services. Ateknea is involved in supporting SMEs and understanding their individual needs and difficulties.

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How can I detect Verticillium?

NEW Method available is: Isothermal Loop Mediated DNA amplification Method (LAMP).• Molecular method – sensitive and specific• Robust and fast (results in 30/40min)

VERTIGEEN consortium took advantage of this new methodology combined with the original in-solution DNA electrochemical detection technology to overcome the limitations of the state of the art in terms of:

Heterogeneity Portability Price – approx. 1000 € Ease to use and result interpretation

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Where can I find Verticillium in my field?How do I take a sample?

Soil sampling protocol 20m

20m

Select 25 x trees from one hectare in a grid pattern approximately 20metres apart.

Remove surface debris & take a soil sample (handful) from each tree, 15 to 30cm from the base of the tree.

Mix all 25 soil samples together in a large bag.

Fill a smaller bag with the mixed soil sample.

SoilSampl

e

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR0UB8curAE&feature=youtu.be

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Where can I find Verticillium in my crop?How do I take a sample?Plant sampling protocol

• Wood from current or last year’s part of branch• Branches in lower or middle part of crown• Extract DNA from 5 branches per tree in

combined sample

VERTIGEEN consortium developed a sampling protocol as VD is not evenly distributed in plants

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How will VERTIGEEN help you?

The existence of a new, fast, easy to use and affordable diagnostic tool will benefit the EU producers:

• Help to effectively fight the disease and minimize the losses caused by the pathogen and its spread.

• Increase yield crop and improve competitiveness• Guarantee VD free status• Provide a clear strategic advantage in the market as

environmentally friendly provided• Improve best practices in plant health control methods

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For more information visit our website: www.vertigeen.eu

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement noFP7-SME-2011-2-286140