The Occurrence and Distribution of the Quarantine Pest Organism Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi in Elm Species in Germany

The Occurrence and Distribution of the Quarantine Pest Organism Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi in Elm Species in Germany

Background and Objective

Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi is an intracellular bacterial parasite associated to yellowing and decline of elm in many regions. This quarantine pest organism was detected in the European Union and in Germany in the last decade. Local detection was obtained for U. glabra and U. laevis in single studies while no infection was shown for U. minor so far. Our studies on U. laevis suggest a successful establishment of the pest in the district Brandenburg. However, current data sets do not allow a statement on distribution or regional spread of the pathogen in the different Ulmus spp. in Germany in general. This proposal entitled "Occurrence and Distribution of the Quarantine Pest Organism Candidatus Phytoplasma ulmi in Elm Species in Germany" aims to fill up this gap of information and to complement the available methods for diagnosis enabling a major improvement in detection and differentiation of the pathogen. Therefore, spot samples obtained from selected native elm reservoirs will be extensively screened for the pathogen. Major improvements in molecular diagnostics will be reached by development of a group-specific probe in quantitative PCR (TaqMan) and, in addition, a differentiation of Ca. P. ulmi strain will be enabled by the application of a new genetic marker in the project. Technical advances will be used for determination of incidence and epidemiology of the pathogen for the first time. New protocols for an efficient diagnostic and reference material will be generated. Results will provide the urgently needed scientific data sets for valuation of the pest status in Germany and decision guidance for phytosanitary sanctions limiting the risks caused by the pathogen.

Approach

This proposal aims to fill up this gap of information and to complement the available methods for diagnosis enabling a major improvement in detection and differentiation of the pathogen. Therefore, spot samples obtained from selected native elm reservoirs will be extensively screened for the pathogen. Major improvements in molecular diagnostics will be reached by development of a group-specific probe in quantitative PCR (TaqMan) and, in addition, a differentiation of Ca. P. ulmi strain will be enabled by the application of a new genetic marker in the project. Technical advances will be used for determination of incidence and epidemiology of the pathogen for the first time. New protocols for an efficient diagnostic and reference material will be generated. Results will provide the urgently needed scientific data sets for valuation of the pest status in Germany and decision guidance for phytosanitary sanctions limiting the risks caused by the pathogen.

Thünen-Contact

• Schneider, Bernd Institute of Forest Genetics

Involved Thünen-Partners

• Schneck, Volker Institute of Forest Genetics

Funding Body

• Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e.V. (FNR)
  (national, öffentlich)

Duration

10.2017 - 9.2020

More Information

Projekt type:
Project funding number: 22026316
Funding program: FNR
Project status: ongoing