Biografi

Jeg er en plantepatolog som jobber med bladsjukdommer i hvete og bygg og med stengel og bladsjukdommer i oljevekster. Mitt arbeid fokuserer på å utvikle gode tiltak for integrert plantevern (IPV) basert på soppens og plantenes biologi. Sammen med mine kollegaer jobber jeg med å utvikle modeller som estimerer risiko for sjukdomsangrep og evtl. sprøytebehov som blir lagt ut på vår informasjonsplattform VIPS (Varsling Innen PlanteSkadegjørere). Bærekraftig matproduksjon for dagens og framtidens behov står sentralt i forskningen min og jeg samarbeider både nasjonalt og internasjonalt for å øke kunnskapen om nye sjukdommer, dyrkingssystemer, fungicidresistens og nye teknologier, slik som presisjonssprøyting og tidlig deteksjon av sjukdommene.

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Leaf blotch diseases (LBD), such as Septoria nodorum bloch (Parastagnospora nodorum), Septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) and Tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) can cause severe yield losses (up to 50%) in Norwegian spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and are mainly controlled by fungicide applications. A forecasting model to predict disease risk can be an important tool to optimize disease control. The association between specific weather variables and the development of LBD differs between wheat growth stages. In this study, a mathematical model to estimate phenological development of spring wheat was derived based on sowing date, air temperature and photoperiod. Weather factors associated with LBD severity were then identified for selected phenological growth stages by a correlation study of LBD severity data (17 years). Although information regarding host resistance and previous crop were added to the identified weather factors, two purely weather-based risk prediction models (CART, classification and regression tree algorithm) and one black box model (KNN, based on K nearest neighbor algorithm) were most accurate to predict moderate to high LBD severity (>5% infection). The predictive accuracy of these models (76–83%) was compared to that of two existing models used in Norway and Denmark (60 and 61% accuracy, respectively). The newly developed models performed better than the existing models, but still had the tendency to overestimate disease risk. Specificity of the new models varied between 49 and 74% compared to 40 and 37% for the existing models. These new models are promising decision tools to improve integrated LBD management of spring wheat in Norway.

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The necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum causes Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), which is one of the dominating leaf blotch diseases of wheat in Norway. A total of 165 P. nodorum isolates were collected from three wheat growing regions in Norway from 2015 to 2017. These isolates, as well as nine isolates from other countries, were analyzed for genetic variation using 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic analysis of the isolate collection indicated that the P. nodorum pathogen population infecting Norwegian spring and winter wheat underwent regular sexual reproduction and exhibited a high level of genetic diversity, with no genetic subdivisions between sampled locations, years or host cultivars. A high frequency of the presence of necrotrophic effector (NE) gene SnToxA was found in Norwegian P. nodorum isolates compared to other parts of Europe, and we hypothesize that the SnToxA gene is the major virulence factor among the three known P. nodorum NE genes (SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3) in the Norwegian pathogen population. While the importance of SNB has declined in much of Europe, Norway has remained as a P. nodorum hotspot, likely due at least in part to local adaptation of the pathogen population to ToxA sensitive Norwegian spring wheat cultivars.

Sammendrag

Det er utført forsøk med soppmidler i bygg, løk, gulrot og eple. I bygg er det testet ulike varslingsmodeller i VIPS mot byggbrunflekk. I løk er det testet ulike beisemidler for å forebygge soppsjukdommer og sikre god løkkvalitet fra starten. I gulrot er det utført forsøk mot gropflekk og ulike lager- og bladflekksjukdommer både i felt og på lager. I eple er det gjort forsøk for å finne nye midler mot lagersjukdommer.

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Tap av organisk materiale, jordpakking og erosjon truer jordhelsa på kornareal. Problemer med dette vil antagelig øke i et våtere klima og medføre store kostnader for både gårdbrukere og samfunn. Fremover må vi passe på å stabilisere erosjonsutsatt jordoverflate og sikre en god infiltrasjon av nedbør. På kornareal er lav årlig tilførsel av karbon en begrensende faktor for aggregering og stabilisering, men dette kan forbedres ved å beholde halmen på jordet eller bruke en tilpasset fangvekststrategi. En bør trolig skjevfordele tilført organisk materiale mer mot jordas overflate og dermed stimulere mikrobiell aktivitet i jordas toppsjikt. Da må en minimere jordarbeidingsintensiteten. Slik redusert jordarbeiding fører også til utvikling av et kontinuerlig poresystem nedover i profilet som kan øke infiltrasjonen etter kraftige nedbørsepisoder og dermed bidra til å dempe flomtopper. Store mengder plantemateriale ved jordoverflaten gir imidlertid også noen utfordringer. Det trengs økt kunnskap om ugrasbekjempelse, spesielt i et scenario der glyfosat blir forbudt. Minimal jordarbeiding med planterester på jordoverflaten kan også øke angrep av sopp. Integrerte plantevernstrategier bør identifisere arter og sorter av matplanter og fangvekster som kan bidra til å begrense forekomst av patogener i jord og halmrester. Bedre jordhelse på kornareal er en tverrfaglig utfordring og krever en varig endring av dagens dyrkingspraksis.

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Skadedyr: I 2021 er det utført forsøk med skadedyrmidler i eple, pære, plomme, prydrogn og jordbær. Her er det testet ulike midler mot blodlus, teger, plommevikler, rognebærmøll og bladlus. I tillegg er det utført forsøk for å vurdere om feromon-forvirring kan brukes som planteverntiltak mot viklere i eple. Det er også undersøkt forekomst av sviskade på epleblad etter bruk av vegetabilsk olje. Sjukdommer: Det er utført forsøk med soppmidler i bygg, løk, gulrot og eple. I bygg er det testet ulike varslingsmodeller i VIPS mot byggbrunflekk. I løk er det testet ulike beisemidler. I gulrot er det utført forsøk mot gropflekk og mot ulike lager- og bladflekksjukdommer. I eple er det gjort forsøk for å finne nye midler mot lagersjukdommer.

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Validation of models for plant disease management is a crucial part in the development of decision support systems in plant protection. Bespoke field trials are usually conducted to determine the performance of a model under practical conditions. However, field trials are very resource-demanding, and the use of already existing field trial data could significantly reduce costs for model validation. In this study, we took this novel approach to verify the performance of models for determining the need of fungicide applications against leaf blotch diseases in wheat by utilising historical weather data and yield data available from fungicide efficacy field trials. Two models based on humidity factors were used in the study. To estimate how specific humidity settings in the two models affect the number of recommended fungicide treatments per season, historical weather data from a 5-year period from weather stations in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Lithuania was used. The model output shows major differences between seasons and regions, typically recommending between one and three treatments per season. To determine the prediction potential of the models, data on yield gains from either one or two fungicide applications in fungicide efficacy trials conducted in wheat over a 5-year period in the five countries was utilised. The yield responses from fungicide treatments in the efficacy trials varied considerably between years and countries, as did the proportion of predictions of profitable treatments. In general, there was a tendency for the models to overestimate the need to apply fungicides (low specificity), but they rarely failed to recommend an application that was needed (high sensitivity). Despite the importance of having specific trials across regions in order to adjust models to local cropping and weather conditions, our study shows that historical weather data and existing field trial data have the potential to be used in model validation.

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Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum, is the dominant leaf blotch pathogen of wheat in Norway. Resistance/susceptibility to SNB is a quantitatively inherited trait, which can be partly explained by the interactions between wheat sensitivity loci (Snn) and corresponding P. nodorum necrotrophic effectors (NEs). Two Nordic wheat association mapping panels were assessed for SNB resistance in the field over three to four years: a spring wheat and a winter wheat panel (n = 296 and 102, respectively). Genome-wide association studies found consistent SNB resistance associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) on eleven wheat chromosomes, and ten of those QTL were common in the spring and winter wheat panels. One robust QTL on the short arm of chromosome 2A, QSnb.nmbu-2AS, was significantly detected in both the winter and spring wheat panels. For winter wheat, using the four years of SNB field severity data in combination with five years of historical data, the effect of QSnb.nmbu-2AS was confirmed in seven of the nine years, while for spring wheat, the effect was confirmed for all tested years including the historical data from 2014 to 2015. However, lines containing the resistant haplotype are rare in both Nordic spring (4.0%) and winter wheat cultivars (15.7%), indicating the potential of integrating this QTL in SNB resistance breeding programs. In addition, clear and significant additive effects were observed by stacking resistant alleles of the detected QTL, suggesting that marker-assisted selection can greatly facilitate SNB resistance breeding.

Sammendrag

Plants and fungi emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are either constitutively produced or are produced in response to changes in their physico-chemical status. We hypothesized that these chemical signals could be utilized as diagnostic tools for plant diseases. VOCs from several common wheat pathogens in pure culture (Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium avenaceum, Fusarium poae, and Parastagonospora nodorum) were collected and compared among isolates of the same fungus, between pathogens from different species, and between pathogens causing different disease groups [Fusarium head blight (FHB) and Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB)]. In addition, we inoculated two wheat varieties with either F. graminearum or P. nodorum, while one variety was also inoculated with Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici (powdery mildew, PM). VOCs were collected 7, 14, and 21 days after inoculation. Each fungal species in pure culture emitted a different VOC blend, and each isolate could be classified into its respective disease group based on VOCs with an accuracy of 71.4 and 84.2% for FHB and SNB, respectively. When all collection times were combined, the classification of the tested diseases was correct in 84 and 86% of all cases evaluated. Germacrene D and sativene, which were associated with FHB infection, and mellein and heptadecanone, which were associated with SNB infection, were consistently emitted by both wheat varieties. Wheat plants infected with PM emitted significant amounts of 1-octen-3-ol and 3,5,5-trimethyl-2-hexene. Our study suggests that VOC blends could be used to classify wheat diseases. This is the first step toward a real-time disease detection in the field based on chemical signatures of wheat diseases.

Sammendrag

Det ble i 2020 utført forsøk mot soppsjukdommer i grønnsaker, potet, plomme, bringebær og korn. I potet ble det gjort forsøk mot tørråte, i plomme mot plommepung og i bringebær mot rust. I korn ble det testet nye sprøytestrategier mot bladflekksjukdommer i bygg og vårhvete, og i grønnsaker ble det gjort forsøk mot lagringssjukdommer i gulrot og løk. Det er utført et forsøk med biologiske og kjemiske skadedyrmidler mot kålmøll i kinakål og et forsøk med pluggbehandling av kålplanter (hodekål) før utplanting for beskyttelse mot kålflueangrep. Det er også utført forsøk med kjemiske middel mot bringebærbille i bringebær, kirsebærmøll i kirsebær og mot plommevikler i plomme. I tillegg har NIBIO utført forsøk for å vurdere om feromonforvirring kan brukes som planteverntiltak mot eplevikler og sju andre viklerarter i økologisk epleproduksjon.

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Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields are commonly affected by foliar infection by fungal pathogens. Of these, three wheat leaf blotch fungal diseases, septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), tan spot (TS) and septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Parastagonospora nodorum (Pn), Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (Ptr) and Zymoseptoria tritici (Zt), respectively, induce major yield losses. Infection results in necrotic areas on the leaf, and it is often difficult to determine the underlying causative pathogen from visible symptoms alone, especially in mixed infections. Here, a regional survey of 330 wheat samples collected across three seasons (years 2015–2017) from four north-west European countries was undertaken. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays specific for each pathogen, as well as disease assessment of leaf materials, distinct regional differences were identified. Two-thirds (65%) of all samples harbored at least two of the three pathogens. Norway had high SNB abundance, but also showed mixed infections of SNB, TS and STB. In Germany, TS was prevalent, with STB also common. Danish samples commonly possessed all three pathogens, with STB prevalent, followed by TS and SNB. The UK had a major prevalence of STB with minimal occurrence of TS and SNB. Across all samples, qPCR identified Zt, Pn and Ptr in 90%, 54% and 57% of samples, respectively. For each pathogen, average disease levels via visual assessment showed modest positive correlation with fungal DNA concentrations (R2 = 0.13–0.32). Overall, our study highlights that the occurrence of mixed infection is common and widespread, with important implications for wheat disease management and breeding strategies.

Sammendrag

Simple Summary The bird cherry-oat aphid and the fungal plant pathogen causing stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) are common pests of wheat. Plants are under constant attack by multiple pests and diseases but there are limited studies on the interaction between several pests on wheat. We therefore conducted controlled greenhouse and laboratory experiments to determine how these pests affected each other on a wheat plant. We found that aphid feeding predisposed wheat to fungal disease, but that aphids preferred and reproduced better on leaves that had not been infected by the fungal pathogen. These results are important to understand the interactions between multiple pests on wheat and how to develop new control strategies in future integrated pest management (IPM). Abstract Wheat plants are under constant attack by multiple pests and diseases. Until now, there are no studies on the interaction between the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi and the plant pathogenic fungus Parastagonospora nodorum causal agent of septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) on wheat. Controlled experiments were conducted to determine: (i) The preference and reproduction of aphids on P. nodorum inoculated and non-inoculated wheat plants and (ii) the effect of prior aphid infestation of wheat plants on SNB development. The preference and reproduction of aphids was determined by releasing female aphids on P. nodorum inoculated (SNB+) and non-inoculated (SNB−) wheat leaves. The effect of prior aphid infestation of wheat plants on SNB development was determined by inoculating P. nodorum on aphid-infested (Aphid+) and aphid free (Aphid−) wheat plants. Higher numbers of aphids moved to and settled on the healthy (SNB−) leaves than inoculated (SNB+) leaves, and reproduction was significantly higher on SNB− leaves than on SNB+ leaves. Aphid infestation of wheat plants predisposed the plants to P. nodorum infection and colonization. These results are important to understand the interactions between multiple pests in wheat and hence how to develop new strategies in future integrated pest management (IPM).

Sammendrag

Leaf blotch diseases (LBD), such as Septoria nodorum bloch (Parastagnospora nodorum), Septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) and Tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) can cause severe yield losses (up to 50%) in Norwegian spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) and are mainly controlled by fungicide applications. A forecasting model to predict disease risk can be an important tool to optimize disease control. The association between specific weather variables and the development of LBD differs between wheat growth stages. In this study, a mathematical model to estimate phenological development of spring wheat was derived based on sowing date, air temperature and photoperiod. Weather factors associated with LBD severity were then identified for selected phenological growth stages by a correlation study of LBD severity data (17 years). Although information regarding host resistance and previous crop were added to the identified weather factors, two purely weather-based risk prediction models (CART, classification and regression tree algorithm) and one black box model (KNN, based on K nearest neighbor algorithm) were most accurate to predict moderate to high LBD severity (>5% infection). The predictive accuracy of these models (76–83%) was compared to that of two existing models used in Norway and Denmark (60 and 61% accuracy, respectively). The newly developed models performed better than the existing models, but still had the tendency to overestimate disease risk. Specificity of the new models varied between 49 and 74% compared to 40 and 37% for the existing models. These new models are promising decision tools to improve integrated LBD management of spring wheat in Norway.

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The disease pressure from Pyrenophora teres, Rhynchosporium graminicola, and Ramularia collo–cygni varies widely between years and locations, which highlights the need for using risk models to avoid unnecessary use of fungicides. Three disease risk models were tested in thirty–three field trials during two seasons in five countries in order to validate and identify situations favourable for barley leaf blotch diseases in the Nordic–Baltic region. The tested models were: The Crop Protection Online (CPO), which uses number of days with precipitation (>1 mm), cultivar resistance and disease data as basis for risk assessments; the humidity model (HM) which signals a risk warning after 20 continuous hours with high humidity, and the Finnish net blotch model (WisuEnnuste), which calculates a risk based on previous crop, tillage method, cultivar resistance and weather parameters. The risk models mostly gave acceptable control of diseases and yield responses compared with untreated and reference treatments. In the dry season of 2018, the models recommended 88–96% fewer applications than the reference treatments, while in 2019, the number of applications was reduced by 0–76% compared to reference treatments. Based on yield increases, the recommendations were correct in 50–69% of the trials compared to one–treatment references and 69–80% of the trials when references used mainly two treatments.

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Wheat disease management in Europe is mainly based on the use of fungicides and the cultivation of resistant cultivars. Improving disease management implies the formal comparison of disease management methods in terms of both crop health and yield levels (attainable yield, actual yield), thus enabling an assessment of yield losses and yield gains. Such an assessment is not available for wheat in Europe. The objective of the analysis reported here is to provide an overview of wheat health and yield performance in field experiments in Europe. Data from field experiments in six European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, and Sweden) conducted between 2013 and 2017 were analysed to that aim. Relationships between multiple disease levels, yield, level of cultivar resistance, level of fungicide protection, and weather patterns were assessed. The analyses included 73 field experiments, corresponding to a total of 447 [fungicide protection level x cultivar] combinations. Analyses across the six countries led to ranking the importance of foliar wheat diseases as follows, in decreasing order: leaf blotch (septoria tritici blotch, septoria nodorum blotch, and tan spot), leaf rust, yellow rust, and powdery mildew. Fusarium head blight was observed in France and Italy, and stem rust was sporadically observed in Italy. Disease patterns, crop inputs (fertiliser, fungicides), and yields widely varied within and across countries. Disease levels were affected by the level of fungicide use, by cultivar resistance, as well as by weather patterns. While this analysis enables a better documentation of the status of wheat health in Europe, it also highlights the critical need for policies in Europe enabling a more judicious use of pesticides. First, common standards for field experiments are needed (experimental designs and protocols; disease assessment procedures and scales; references, including reference-susceptible cultivars); second, assessments in farmers’ fields – and not in research stations – are necessary; and third, there is a need to use available process-based crop models to estimate attainable yields, and so, yield losses.

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I denne rapporten presenteres resultater fra biologisk veiledningsprøving av soppmidler i bygg, hvete, setteløk, gulrot og solbær. Det er også presentert et forsøk med skadedyrmidler mot kålmøll i kinakål. I tillegg er det rapportert et forsøk mot bringebærbarkgallmygg og ferskenbladlus, et forsøk med kairomonfeller mot skadedyr i eple, og et forsøk med vekstregulering av juletrær.

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Key message A locus on wheat chromosome 2A was found to control feld resistance to both leaf and glume blotch caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum. Abstract The necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum is the causal agent of Septoria nodorum leaf blotch and glume blotch, which are common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases in humid and temperate areas. Susceptibility to Septoria nodorum leaf blotch can partly be explained by sensitivity to corresponding P. nodorum necrotrophic efectors (NEs). Susceptibility to glume blotch is also quantitative; however, the underlying genetics have not been studied in detail. Here, we genetically map resistance/susceptibility loci to leaf and glume blotch using an eight-founder wheat multiparent advanced generation intercross population. The population was assessed in six feld trials across two sites and 4 years. Seedling infltration and inoculation assays using three P. nodorum isolates were also carried out, in order to compare quantitative trait loci (QTL) identifed under controlled conditions with those identifed in the feld. Three signifcant feld resistance QTL were identifed on chromosomes 2A and 6A, while four signifcant seedling resistance QTL were detected on chromosomes 2D, 5B and 7D. Among these, QSnb.niab-2A.3 for feld resistance to both leaf blotch and glume blotch was detected in Norway and the UK. Colocation with a QTL for seedling reactions against culture fltrate from a Norwegian P. nodorum isolate indicated the QTL could be caused by a novel NE sensitivity. The consistency of this QTL for leaf blotch at the seedling and adult plant stages and culture fltrate infltration was confrmed by haplotype analysis. However, opposite efects for the leaf blotch and glume blotch reactions suggest that diferent genetic mechanisms may be involved.

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The necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum causes Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), which is one of the dominating leaf blotch diseases of wheat in Norway. A total of 165 P. nodorum isolates were collected from three wheat growing regions in Norway from 2015 to 2017. These isolates, as well as nine isolates from other countries, were analyzed for genetic variation using 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic analysis of the isolate collection indicated that the P. nodorum pathogen population infecting Norwegian spring and winter wheat underwent regular sexual reproduction and exhibited a high level of genetic diversity, with no genetic subdivisions between sampled locations, years or host cultivars. A high frequency of the presence of necrotrophic effector (NE) gene SnToxA was found in Norwegian P. nodorum isolates compared to other parts of Europe, and we hypothesize that the SnToxA gene is the major virulence factor among the three known P. nodorum NE genes (SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3) in the Norwegian pathogen population. While the importance of SNB has declined in much of Europe, Norway has remained as a P. nodorum hotspot, likely due at least in part to local adaptation of the pathogen population to ToxA sensitive Norwegian spring wheat cultivars.

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Key message We identifed allelic variation at two major loci, QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 and QSnb.nmbu-5A.1, showing consistent and additive efects on SNB feld resistance. Validation of QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 across genetic backgrounds further highlights its usefulness for marker-assisted selection. Abstract Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) is a disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum and T. durum) caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum. SNB resistance is a typical quantitative trait, controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) of minor efect. To achieve increased plant resistance, selection for resistance alleles and/or selection against susceptibility alleles must be undertaken. Here, we performed genetic analysis of SNB resistance using an eight-founder German Multiparent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) population, termed BMWpop. Field trials and greenhouse testing were conducted over three seasons in Norway, with genetic analysis identifying ten SNB resistance QTL. Of these, two QTL were identifed over two seasons: QSnb.nmbu-2A.1 on chromosome 2A and QSnb.nmbu-5A.1 on chromosome 5A. The chromosome 2A BMWpop QTL co-located with a robust SNB resistance QTL recently identifed in an independent eightfounder MAGIC population constructed using varieties released in the United Kingdom (UK). The validation of this SNB resistance QTL in two independent multi-founder mapping populations, regardless of the diferences in genetic background and agricultural environment, highlights the value of this locus in SNB resistance breeding. The second robust QTL identifed in the BMWpop, QSnb.nmbu-5A.1, was not identifed in the UK MAGIC population. Combining resistance alleles at both loci resulted in additive efects on SNB resistance. Therefore, using marker assisted selection to combine resistance alleles is a promising strategy for improving SNB resistance in wheat breeding. Indeed, the multi-locus haplotypes determined in this study provide markers for efcient tracking of these benefcial alleles in future wheat genetics and breeding activities.

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Resistens mot kjemiske plantevernmidler hos skadedyr, plantepatogene sopper og ugras er et alvorlig problem i flere matkulturer. Resistens oppstår som følge av for hyppig og ensidig bruk av plantevernmidler med samme biokjemiske virkemåte. Resistente skadegjørere kan også spre seg over landegrensene ved immigrasjon eller ved at de følger med importert plantemateriale. Vi har hatt mistanke om at immigrerende kålmøll og gråskimmel som følger med importerte småplanter av jordbær kan være resistente mot kjemiske plantevernmidler som brukes til å bekjempe disse skadegjørerne i Norge. I 2016 immigrerte store mengder kålmøll (Plutella xylostella) til Norge, og det ble påvist resistens mot insektmiddelet (insekticidet) lambda-cyhalotrin hos kålmøll-larver som ble samlet inn fra to kålfelt i Viken og Trøndelag. I 2019 var det en ny kålmøllinvasjon, og vi samlet inn og testet kålmøll-larver fra tre kålfelt i Rogaland og Viken. Larvene på alle de tre stedene var resistente mot lambda-cyhalotrin.

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The fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is a narrow host range necrotrophic fungal pathogen that causes Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) of cereals, most notably wheat. Although commonly observed on wheat seedlings, P. nodorum infection has the greatest effect on the adult crop. It results in leaf blotch, which limits photosynthesis and thus crop growth and yield. It can also affect the wheat ear, resulting in glume blotch which directly affects grain quality. Reports of P. nodorum fungicide resistance, the increasing use of reduced tillage agronomic practices and high evolutionary potential of the pathogen, combined with changes in climate and agricultural environments, mean that genetic resistance to SNB remains a high priority in many regions of wheat cultivation. In this review, we summarise current information on P. nodorum population structure and its implication for improved SNB management. We then review recent advances in the genetics of host resistance to P. nodorum and the necrotrophic effectors it secretes during infection, integrating the genomic positions of these genetic loci using the recently released wheat reference genome assembly. Finally, we discuss the genetic and genomic tools now available for SNB resistance breeding and consider future opportunities and challenges in crop health management using the wheat-P. nodorum interaction as a model.

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Risk models for decisions on fungicide use based on weather data, disease monitoring, and control thresholds are used as important elements in a sustainable cropping system. The need for control of leaf blotch diseases in wheat (caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, Parastagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) vary significantly across years and locations. Disease development is mainly driven by humidity events during stem elongation and heading. Two risk models were tested in field trials in order to identify situations favourable for the development of leaf blotch diseases in Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The Crop Protection Online (CPO) model uses days with precipitation (>1 mm), while the humidity model (HM) uses 20 continuous hours with relative humidity (RH) ≥ 85% as criteria for the need of a fungicide application. Forty-seven field trials were carried out during two seasons to validate these two risk-models against reference fungicide treatments. The season 2018 was dry and 2019 had an average precipitation profile. The two risk models with few exceptions provided acceptable disease control. In 2018, very few treatments were recommended by the models, saving 85–98% of treatments compared to the reference treatments, while in the wetter season 2019, 31% fewer applications were recommended. Based on specific criteria including fungicide input and net yield responses the models gave correct recommendations in 95% of the trials in 2018 and in 54–58% of the trials in 2019 compared with reference treatments dominated by 2–3 sprays. In comparison with single spray references, the models gave correct recommendations in 54–69% of the situations.

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Fungal plant diseases driven by weather factors are common in European wheat and barley crops. Among these, septoria tritici blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici), tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), and stagonospora nodorum blotch (Parastagonospora nodorum) are common in the Nordic-Baltic region at variable incidence and severity both in spring and winter wheat fields. In spring barley, net blotch (Pyrenophora teres), scald (Rhynchosporium graminicola, syn. Rhynchosporium commune) and ramularia leaf spot (Ramularia collo-cygni) are common yield limiting foliar diseases. We analysed data from 449 field trials from 2007 to 2017 in wheat and barley crops in the Nordic-Baltic region and explored the differences in severity of leaf blotch diseases between countries and years, and the impact of the diseases on yield. In the experiments, septoria tritici blotch dominated in winter wheat in Denmark and southern Sweden; while in Lithuania, both septoria tritici blotch and tan spot were common. In spring wheat, stagonospora nodorum blotch dominated in Norway and tan spot in Finland. Net blotch and ramularia leaf blotch were the most severe barley diseases over large areas, while scald occurred more locally and had less yield impact in all countries. Leaf blotch diseases, with severity >50% at DC 73–77, caused an average yield loss of 1072 kg/ha in winter wheat and 1114 kg/ha in spring barley across all countries over 5 years. These data verify a large regional and yearly variation in disease severity, distribution and impact on yield, emphasizing the need to adapt fungicide applications to the actual need based on locally adapted risk assessment systems.

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Parastagonospora nodorum is the causal agent of Septoria nodorum leaf blotch (SNB) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It is the most important leaf blotch pathogen in Norwegian spring wheat. Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SNB susceptibility have been identified. Some of these QTL are the result of underlying gene-for-gene interactions involving necrotrophic effectors (NEs) and corresponding sensitivity (Snn) genes. A collection of diverse spring wheat lines was evaluated for SNB resistance and susceptibility over seven growing seasons in the field. In addition, wheat seedlings were inoculated and infiltrated with culture filtrates (CFs) from four single spore isolates and infiltrated with semipurified NEs (SnToxA, SnTox1, and SnTox3) under greenhouse conditions. In adult plants, the most stable SNB resistance QTL were located on chromosomes 2B, 2D, 4A, 4B, 5A, 6B, 7A, and 7B. The QTL on chromosome 2D was effective most years in the field. At the seedling stage, the most significant QTL after inoculation were located on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 3A, 4B, 5B, 6B, 7A, and 7B. The QTL on chromosomes 3A and 6B were significant both after inoculation and CF infiltration, indicating the presence of novel NE–Snn interactions. The QTL on chromosomes 4B and 7A were significant in both seedlings and adult plants. Correlations between SnToxA sensitivity and disease severity in the field were significant. To our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide association mapping study (GWAS) to investigate SNB resistance at the adult plant stage under field conditions.

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I denne rapporten presenteres resultater fra biologisk veiledningsprøving av soppmidler i jordbær, bringebær, hvete, setteløk, gulrot og gran i skogplanteskoler. Det er også presentert et forsøk med skadedyrmidler mot bladlus i erter til konserves. I tillegg er det rapportert et forsøk med kairomonfeller mot skadedyr i eple.

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Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is the most important disease of oilseed Brassica crops in Norway. Fungicide applications should be aligned with the actual need for control, but the SSR prediction models used lack accuracy. We have studied the importance of precipitation, and the role of petal and leaf infection for SSR incidence by using data from Norwegian field and trap plant trials over several years. In the trials, SSR incidence ranged from 0 to 65%. Given an infection threshold of 25% SSR, regression and Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis were used to evaluate different precipitation thresholds. The sum of precipitation two weeks before and during flowering appeared to be a poor predictor for SSR infection in our field and trap plant trials (P = 0.24, P = 0.11, respectively). Leaves from three levels (leaf one, three, five), and petals were collected at three to four different times during flowering from nine field sites over two years and tested for SSR infection with real-time PCR. Percentage total leaf and petal infection explained 57 and 45% of variation in SSR incidence, respectively. Examining the different leaves and petals separately, infection of leaf three sampled at full flowering showed the highest explanation of variation in later SSR incidence (R2 = 65%, P < 0.001). ROC analysis showed that given an infection threshold of 45%, both petal and leaf infection recommended spraying when spraying was actually needed. Combining information on petal and leaf infection during flowering with relevant microclimate factors in the canopy, instead of the sum of precipitation might improve prediction accuracy for SSR.

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The estimated potential yield losses caused by plant pathogens is up to 16% globally (Oerke 2006) and most research in plant pathology aims to reduce yield loss in our crops directly or indirectly. Yield losses caused by a certain disease depend not only on disease severity, but also on the weather factors, the pathogen’s aggressiveness, and the ability of the crop to compensate for reduced photosynthetic area. The yield loss-disease relationship in a certain host-pathogen system might therefore change from year to year, making predictions for yield loss very difficult at the regional or even at the farmer’s level. However, estimating yield losses is essential to determine disease management thresholds at which acute control measures such as fungicide applications, or strategic measures such as crop rotation or use of resistant cultivars are economically and environmentally sensible. Legislation in many countries enforces implementation of integrated pest management (IPM), based on economic thresholds at which the costs due to a disease justify the costs for its management. Without a better understanding of the relationship between disease epidemiology and yield loss, we remain insufficiently equipped to design adequate IPM strategies that will be widely adapted in agriculture. Crop loss studies are resource demanding and difficult to interpret for one particular disease, as crops are usually not invaded by only one pest or pathogen at a time. Combining our knowledge on disease epidemiology, crop physiology, yield development, damage mechanisms involved, and the effect of management practices can help us to increase our understanding of the disease-crop loss relationship. The main aim of this paper is to review and analyze the literature on a representative host-pathogen relationship in an important staple food crop to identify knowledge gaps and research areas to better assess yield loss and design management strategies based on economic thresholds. Wheat is one of the most important staple foods worldwide and is susceptible to several important plant diseases. In our article, we focus on Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) or Glume blotch of wheat as an example for a stubble-borne, seed-transmitted disease with a worldwide distribution causing considerable and regular yield losses. In their review on yield losses due to wheat pathogens in Australia, Murray and Brennan (2009) estimated the current annual economic loss due to SNB as high as $108 × 106, with potential costs as high as $230 × 106. The causal fungus, Parastagonospora nodorum, is currently serving as a model organism for molecular studies of the intimate relationship between necrotic effector-producing fungal strains and their corresponding susceptibility genes present in wheat cultivars (Oliver et al. 2012). In this paper, we analyze the literature on the biology of this common wheat pathogen, the yield loss it reportedly has caused, and the effect of control strategies to reduce this loss. Based on this analysis, we will evaluate the use of common management practices to reduce disease-related yield loss and identify related research needs.

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During August 2013, white-grayish lesions, typical of Sclerotinia stem rot, had developed around leaf axils on the stems of turnip rape ‘Pepita’ in a field at the NIBIO research station Apelsvoll in Oppland County, Norway. Sclerotia were collected from inside infected turnip rape stubble and from harvested seeds, surface sterilized, bisected, and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA). Following 1 to 2 days incubation at 20°C, fast-growing white mycelium characteristic of Sclerotinia was observed, and within 5 to 7 days, new sclerotia had started to develop. Sclerotia size and growing pattern although variable was characteristic of S. sclerotiorum. DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing of the ITS regions of the rDNA was then carried out for 20 isolates. BLASTn analysis of 475 bp amplicons showed that 15 isolates were S. sclerotiorum, while five were identified as S. subarctica (previously called Sclerotinia sp 1; Holst-Jensen et al. 1998; Winton et al. 2006, 2007), with 100% identity to a U.K. S. subarctica isolate (Clarkson et al. 2010). A representative ITS region sequence was deposited in GenBank (accession no. KX929095). The identity of the S. subarctica isolates was further confirmed by the lack of a 304-bp intron in the LSU rDNA compared with S. sclerotiorum (Holst-Jensen et al. 1998), which was visualized by PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis. Sclerotia of two S. subarctica isolates were placed on PDA and incubated for 7 days. Agar plugs of actively growing mycelium were used for the pathogenicity testing of spring oilseed rape plants (‘Mosaik’) in the greenhouse. Plants were inoculated at growth stage BBCH 57/59 (preflowering) and BBCH 64 (40% of flowers open) by attaching two PDA plugs of actively growing mycelium per main stems with small needles, using four plants per treatment. Noninoculated PDA agar plugs were attached to the control plants. The experiment was repeated three times. Symptoms typical of stem rot appeared after 1 to 2 weeks of incubation at 16 to 20°C, 100% relative humidity. Stems started to develop white lesions with fluffy mycelium around the inoculation sites. Control plants did not show the characteristic symptoms for Sclerotinia infection. After senescence of the plants, sclerotia were collected from inside the stems and cultured on PDA. White mycelium started to grow after 1 to 2 days and new sclerotia were formed within 7 days, similar to the ones used for producing the initial isolate. Brassica oil seed crops are cultivated as important break crops in the cereal-based production system in Norway and can be severely affected by Sclerotinia stem rot. The disease is observed in all regions where Brassica oil seed crops are grown, and in severe cases, a reduction in oilseed yield of 25% has been recorded in untreated control treatments of fungicide trials. Although S. subarctica has been previously reported on wild hosts (Holst-Jensen et al. 1998), this is the first report of the pathogen on a crop plant in Norway. In the United Kingdom, Clarkson et al. (2010) demonstrated pathogenicity of S. subarctica isolated from Ranunculus acris on oilseed rape. As symptoms for S. subarctica and S. sclerotiorum are indistinguishable, S. subarctica might be present undetected in many farmer fields.

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Net blotch, caused by the necrotrophic fungus Pyrenophora teres, is one of the major diseases in barley in Norway causing quantitative and qualitative yield losses. Resistance in Norwegian cultivars and germplasm is generally insufficient and resistance sources have not been extensively explored yet. In this study, we mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to net blotch in Nordic germplasm. We evaluated a collection of 209 mostly Nordic spring barley lines for reactions to net form net blotch (NFNB; Pyrenophora teres f. teres) in inoculations with three single conidia isolates at the seedling stage and in inoculated field trials at the adult stage in 4 years. Using 5669 SNP markers genotyped with the Illumina iSelect 9k Barley SNP Chip and a mixed linear model accounting for population structure and kinship, we found a total of 35 significant marker-trait associations for net blotch resistance, corresponding to 13 QTL, on all chromosomes. Out of these QTL, seven conferred resistance only in adult plants and four were only detectable in seedlings. Two QTL on chromosomes 3H and 6H were significant during both seedling inoculations and adult stage field trials. These are promising candidates for breeding programs using marker-assisted selection strategies. The results elucidate the genetic background of NFNB resistance in Nordic germplasm and suggest that NB resistance is conferred by a number of genes each with small-to-moderate effects, making it necessary to pyramid these genes to achieve sufficient levels of resistance.

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Barley net blotch caused by the necrotrophic fungus Pyrenophora teres is a major barley disease in Norway. It can cause grain shriveling and yield losses, and resistance in currently grown cultivars is insufficient. In this study, a set of 589 polymorphic SNP markers was used to map resistance loci in a population of 109 doubled haploid lines from a cross between the closely related Norwegian cultivars Arve (moderately susceptible) and Lavrans (moderately resistant). Resistance to three net form net blotch (P. teres f. teres) single spore isolates was evaluated at the seedling stage in the greenhouse and at the adult plant stage under field conditions during three years. Days to heading and plant height were scored to assess their influence on disease severity. At the seedling stage, three to four quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance were found per isolate used. A major, putatively novel QTL was identified on chromosome 5H, accounting for 23±48% of the genetic variation. Additional QTL explaining between 12 and 16.5% were found on chromosomes 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H, with the one on 6H being race-specific. The major QTL on 5H was also found in adult plants under field conditions in three years (explaining up to 55%) and the 7H QTL was found in field trials in one year. Additional adult plant resistance QTL on 3H, 6H and 7H were significant in single years. The resistance on chromosomes 3H, 5H, 6H and 7H originates from the more resistant parent Lavrans, while the resistance on 4H is conferred by Arve. The genetic markers associated with the QTL found in this study will benefit marker-assisted selection for resistance against net blotch.

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Det er per i dag påvist resistens eller nedsatt følsomhet mot kjemiske plantevernmidler hos flere skadedyr, plantepatogener og ugras i norske jord- og hagebrukskulturer. Hos skadedyr er resistens mot pyretroider og nedsatt følsomhet for tiakloprid vanlig hos rapsglansbille i oljevekster. Resistens mot pyretroider er påvist hos ferskenbladlus og potetsikade fra potet, gulrotsuger fra gulrot, ferskenbladlus fra persille, kålmøll og ferskenbladlus fra kålvekster, jordbærsnutebille fra jordbær, og ferskenbladlus, bomullsmellus, veksthusmellus og sør-amerikansk minerflue fra veksthus. Det er også funnet resistens mot pirimikarb hos ferskenbladlus og nedsatt følsomhet for imidakloprid hos ferskenbladlus og bomullsmellus. I jordbær og bringebær er det indikasjoner på begynnende resistensutvikling mot flere av middmidlene. Hos plantepatogener er resistens mot QoI-fungicider påvist hos gråskimmel fra jordbær, bringebær og gran i skogplanteskoler, hos mjøldoggsopper i jordbær og veksthusagurk, og hos bladflekksopper i hvete. Resistens mot triazoler er funnet i flere bladflekksopper i hvete. Resistens mot hydroksyanilid- og SDHI-er utbredt hos gråskimmel fra jordbær og bringebær, og i skogplanteskoler er det påvist resistens mot tiofanater.....

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Researchers in plant pathology and entomology often study the interaction between a host plant and its pathogen or an insect pest separately. Although studying single pathogen or insect interactions with a host plant is critical to understand the basic infection processes and to model each disease or pest attack separately, this is an extreme simplification of nature’s complexity, where multiple pests and pathogens often appear in parallel and interact with each other and their host plant. Effective management of pests and diseases require understanding of the complex interaction beteween diseases and pests on the host. Under natural conditions, wheat plants are subjected to attack by several insects and pathogens simultaneously or sequentially. The Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) and the necrotrophic pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum (syn. Stagonospora nodorum) the causal agent of Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) are economically important pests of wheat in Norway. Since they colonize a common host, they may interact directly through competition for resources or indirectly by affecting the host response either positively (induced resistance) or negatively (induced susceptibility or biopredisposition). The effect of aphid infestation on P. nodorum infection and development of the disease could be an important factor in predicting SNB epidemics. However, studies on this multitrophic interactions are scarce. We conducted controlled greenhouse experiments to study the effect of aphid infestation on subsequent SNB development. The wheat cultivar ‘Bjarne’ was treated as follows:1) Aphid infested + insecticide sprayed + P. nodorum inoculated; 2) Insecticide sprayed + P. nodorum inoculated; 3) Water sprayed + P. nodorum inoculated; 4) Control plants (without aphid, insecticide or P. nodorum). When plants were at ca. BBCH 37, 18 adult female aphids (R. padi) were released per pot (treatment 1). Aphid inoculated plants were kept in an insect proof cage in a greenhouse compartment at 20°C, 70% RH, and 16 h photoperiod. Plants for the other treatments were kept in separate insect proof cages in the same greenhouse. Ten days after aphid release, plants infested with aphids (treatment 1) were sprayed with the insecticide BISCAYA (a.i. thiacloprid) at recommended concentration to remove aphids. Plants in treatment 2 and 3 were sprayed with the insecticide and water, respectively. Twenty-four hours after application of the insecticide or water, plants in treatment 1, 2, and 3 were inoculated with P. nodorum spore suspension (106 spores ml-1). The experiment included three replicates and was repeated two times. SNB incidence and severity were recorded. SNB incidence and severity were significantly higher on aphid infested plants than on non-infested plants (P < 0.05). Ten days after P. nodorum inoculation, disease severity were about 3-fold higher on aphid infested plants (treatment 1) than on non-infested plants (treatment 2 and 3). Plants in the blank control (treatment 4) were free of aphids and showed no symptoms of SNB . Infestation of wheat plants by the bird cherry-oat aphid prior to fungal inoculation enhanced the severity of SNB. P. nodorum is a necrotrophic pathogen that lives on nutrients from disintegrated plant cells. The increase in severity of SNB on aphid infested plants could be due to the increased number of dead or dying cells around the aphids feeding sites. However, whether aphids activity induced local or systemic susceptbility to plants is not yet known and needs to be studied further.

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The necrotrophic fungus Drechslera teres causes net blotch disease in barley by secreting necrotrophic effectors (NEs) which, in the presence of corresponding host susceptibility factors (SF), act as virulence factors in order to enable host colonization. At present the resistance within most Norwegian cultivars is insufficient. This study aims at detecting QTL associated with resistance and susceptibility in the Nordic barley breeding material and at discovering new NE _ SF interactions. This knowledge together with an understanding of the genetic background of the Norwegian net blotch population will be utilized to speed up resistance breeding. Resistance of a segregating mapping population of a cross between the closely related Norwegian varieties Arve and Lavrans to three Norwegian D. teres isolates was assessed at seedling stage in the greenhouse and in adult plants in the field. QTL mapping revealed four major QTL on chromosomes 4H, 5H, 6H and 7H. The 5H and 6H QTL accounted for up to 47% and 14.1% of the genetic variance, respectively, and were found both in seedlings and adult plants with the latter QTL being an isolate-specific association. The high correlation of seedling and adult resistance (R2=0.49) suggests that components of adult plant resistance can be predicted already at the seedling stage. Selected isolates and their culture filtrates will be screened on selected barley lines to characterize novel NE - SF interactions and to map the corresponding sensitivity loci. Effector protein candidates will be purified and further analysed to verify their effect on disease development. Additionally, 365 Norwegian D. teres isolates and a selection of globally collected isolates are currently being ddRAD genotyped in order to obtain SNP markers to study the genetic diversity and population structure of the current Norwegian fungal population. This data will also allow us to perform Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) to identify potential novel NE genes.

Sammendrag

Net blotch is a major barley disease in Norway caused by the necrotrophic fungus Drechslera teres leading to yield losses of up to 40%. At present, resistance of Norwegian cultivars is insufficient. The pathogen secretes necrotrophic effectors (NEs) which act as virulence factors in order to gain entry into and nutrients from the host (Liu et al., 2014). NEs cause a hypersensitive response in the presence of corresponding dominant host susceptibility factors. In this study we examine the potential role of NEs and host receptors in explaining susceptibility to net blotch in Norwegian barley. This knowledge together with an understanding of the genetic background of the Norwegian net blotch population will be utilized to speed up resistance breeding. 365 Norwegian D. teres isolates collected from various regions and years, together with a selection of globally collected isolates, will be RADtag genotyped in order to obtain GBS markers to study the genetic diversity, genomic evolution and population structure of the current Norwegian fungal population and to compare it to pathotypes from other countries. Additionally, this data will allow us to perform Genomewide Association Studies (GWAS) to identify potential novel NE genes. Selected isolates and their culture filtrates will be screened for specific reactions against an association mapping panel of ca. 200 mostly Norwegian barley lines and a biparental mapping population (both genotyped with the Illumina barley 9K chip) to characterize novel NE-host susceptibility interactions and to map the corresponding sensitivity loci. Effector protein candidates will be purified and further analysed to verify their effect on disease development.

Sammendrag

Net blotch is a major barley disease in Norway caused by the necrotrophic fungus Drechslera teres leading to yield losses of up to 40%. At present, resistance of Norwegian cultivars is insufficient. The pathogen secretes necrotrophic effectors (NEs) which act as virulence factors in order to gain entry into and nutrients from the host (Liu et al., 2014). NEs cause a hypersensitive response in the presence of corresponding dominant host susceptibility factors. In this study we examine the potential role of NEs and host receptors in explaining susceptibility to net blotch in Norwegian barley. This knowledge together with an understanding of the genetic background of the Norwegian net blotch population will be utilized to speed up resistance breeding. 365 Norwegian D. teres isolates collected from various regions and years, together with a selection of globally collected isolates, will be RADtag genotyped in order to obtain GBS markers to study the genetic diversity, genomic evolution and population structure of the current Norwegian fungal population and to compare it to pathotypes from other countries. Additionally, this data will allow us to perform Genomewide Association Studies (GWAS) to identify potential novel NE genes. Selected isolates and their culture filtrates will be screened for specific reactions against an association mapping panel of ca. 200 mostly Norwegian barley lines and a biparental mapping population (both genotyped with the Illumina barley 9K chip) to characterize novel NE-host susceptibility interactions and to map the corresponding sensitivity loci. Effector protein candidates will be purified and further analysed to verify their effect on disease development.

Sammendrag

In Europe there is an on-going process on implementing regulations aimed at reducing pollution from agricultural production systems, i.e. the Water Framework Directive and the Framework Directive for Sustainable Use of Pesticides. At the same time, there is an increasing focus on food security possibly leading to continued intensification of agricultural production with increased use of external inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers. Application of sustainable production systems can only be achieved if they balance conflicting environmental and economic effects. In Norway, cereal production is of large importance for food security and reduction of soil and phosphorus losses, as well as pesticide use and leaching/runoff in the cereal production are of special concern. Therefore, we need to determine the most sustainable and effective strategies to reduce loss of top soil, phosphorus and pesticides while maintaining cereal yields. A three-year research project, STRAPP, is addressing these concerns. A catchment area dominated by cereal production is our common research arena within STRAPP. Since 1992 a database (JOVA) with data for soil erosion, nutrient and pesticide leaching/runoff (i.e. concentrations in stream water), yield, and agricultural management practices (fertilization, use of pesticides, soil tillage and rotations) has been established for this catchment allowing us to compare a unique diversity in cropping strategies in a defined location. An important part of STRAPP focuses on developing ‘best plant protection strategies’ for cereal fields in the study area, based on field inventories (manual and sensor based) of weeds and common diseases, available forecast systems, and pesticide leaching risk maps. The results of field studies during the growing seasons of 2013 and 2014 will be presented, with a focus on possible integrated pest management (IPM) strategies for weeds and fungal diseases in cereal production. We will also present the project concept and methods for coupling optimized plant protection strategies to (i) modelling of phosphorus and pesticide leaching/runoff, as well as soil loss, and (ii) farm-economic impacts and adaptations. Further, methods for balancing the conflicting environmental and economic effects of the above practices, and the evaluation of instruments for increased adoption of desirable management practices will be outlined.

Sammendrag

Leaf blotch diseases in wheat can cause yield losses above 30 %. The necrotrophic fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is the dominating leaf blotch pathogen in Norwegian spring wheat. It has been well documented at the seedling stage that the pathogen produces necrotrophic effectors (NEs) which induces cell death in plants carrying susceptibility genes (Snn), allowing the necrotroph to enter. However, the role of these interactions under field conditions is less researched. In this study, we conducted field experiments with bi-parental and association mapping populations of spring wheat, to investigate the role of NE/Snn in adult plant resistance. The populations have been genotyped with the Illumina 90 K SNP chip, P. nodorum has high genetic diversity and both sexual and asexual reproduction, but the actual adaptation of the pathogen population to cultivars with different levels of resistance is not well studied. We are screening a collection of Norwegian isolates from known host sources to look for differences in NE-frequencies and haplotype distribution. The mapping populations are also inoculated and infiltrated with culture filtrates from single isolates on the seedling stage. Isolates involved in novel interactions will be deepsequenced in order to look for candidate effector genes. Potential effector proteins will be purified by LPC and HPLC to confirm their role in disease development.

Sammendrag

Leaf blotch diseases in wheat can cause yield losses above 30 %. The necrotrophic fungus Parastagonospora nodorum is the dominating leaf blotch pathogen in Norwegian spring wheat. It has been well documented at the seedling stage that the pathogen produces necrotrophic effectors (NEs) which induces cell death in plants carrying susceptibility genes (Snn), allowing the necrotroph to enter. However, the role of these interactions under field conditions is less researched. In this study, we conducted field experiments with bi-parental and association mapping populations of spring wheat, to investigate the role of NE/Snn in adult plant resistance. The populations have been genotyped with the Illumina 90 K SNP chip, P. nodorum has high genetic diversity and both sexual and asexual reproduction, but the actual adaptation of the pathogen population to cultivars with different levels of resistance is not well studied. We are screening a collection of Norwegian isolates from known host sources to look for differences in NE-frequencies and haplotype distribution. The mapping populations are also inoculated and infiltrated with culture filtrates from single isolates on the seedling stage. Isolates involved in novel interactions will be deepsequenced in order to look for candidate effector genes. Potential effector proteins will be purified by LPC and HPLC to confirm their role in disease development.

Sammendrag

Forsøksresultatene som presenteres i denne rapporten er biologisk godkjenningsprøving av soppmidler utført på oppdrag fra Mattilsynet i 2014. Inkludert i rapporten er også forsøk eller egne forsøksledd som grupperes som biologisk utviklingsprøving. Forsøkene er utført etter GEP-kvalitet1 hvis ikke annet er nevnt. Dette innebærer at det er utarbeidet skriftlige prosedyrer for nesten alle arbeidsprosesser. Disse prosedyrene, kalt standardforskrifter (SF’er), er samlet i en kvalitetshåndbok. Denne er delt ut til alle personer som arbeider med utprøving av plantevernmidler. De samme personene har også vært med på et endagskurs i GEP-arbeid.

Sammendrag

Forsøksresultatene som presenteres i denne rapporten er biologisk godkjenningsprøving av soppmidler utført på oppdrag fra Mattilsynet i 2012. Inkludert i rapporten er også forsøk eller egne forsøksledd som grupperes som biologisk utviklingsprøving. Forsøkene er utført etter GEP-kvalitet1 hvis ikke annet er nevnt. Dette innebærer at det er utarbeidet skriftlige prosedyrer for nesten alle arbeidsprosesser. Disse prosedyrene, kalt standardforskrifter (SF’er), er samlet i en kvalitetshåndbok. Denne er delt ut til alle personer som arbeider med utprøving av plantevernmidler. De samme personene har også vært med på et endagskurs i GEP-arbeid.

Sammendrag

Plogen har tradisjonelt vært viktig for å få et godt såbed, for innblanding av halmrester og gjødsel i jorda, og for god bekjemping av ugras og sjukdommer. Redusert jordarbeiding uten bruk av plogen, gir imidlertid store miljøfordeler i form av mindre erosjon og utvasking av næringsstoffer. Denne rapporten fokuserer på konsekvenser av ulik jordarbeiding på plantevernsituasjonen i korn. Basert på dagens kunnskap fra norske og internasjonale studier konkluderes det med at redusert jordarbeiding gir økt risiko for utvikling av ugras og plantesjukdommer, samt mykotoksiner. I tillegg kan redusert jordarbeiding føre til økt bruk av kjemiske plantevernmidler som glyfosat, fenoksysyrer og soppmidler. Ugraset og de fleste plantesjukdommer kan som regel bekjempes med plantevernmidler, mens Fusarium spp. og mykotoksiner bare delvis kan bekjempes av kjemiske midler. Miljørisikoen av kjemiske plantevernmidler påvirkes av egenskaper til plantevernmidlene. Redusert jordarbeiding fører til økt risiko for transport til grunnvann av fenoksysyrer og lavdosemidler (sulfonylurea-preparater). Risiko for transport til overflatevann av ugrasmidler og soppmidler er minst når åkeren ligger i stubb. Været og klimaet har stor betydning for utvikling av skadegjørerne, risiko for utvikling av mykotoksiner og utvasking av plantevernmidler. Vårpløying kan være gunstig miljømessig sett fordi det kan redusere erosjon og næringsstofftap. Samtidig gir det mindre behov for, og derfor redusert miljørisiko av, plantevernmidler enn andre typer jordarbeiding. Vårpløying egner seg derimot dårlig på stiv leirjord, det fører til større tidspress på våren og risiko for forsinka våronn og derved lavere avling.

Sammendrag

Three primary causal agents are involved in the leaf blotch disease (LBD) complex of Norwegian winter and spring wheat: Phaesophaeria nodorum, Mycospaerella tritici, and Pyrenophora drechslera-tritici. The dynamics of symptom development, similarity of symptoms caused by each agent, and confounding of disease symptoms by leaf senescence interfere with accurate assessment of disease. Empirical and regression models for disease and yield loss forecasting are only as good as the data upon which they are based. Accurately describing the relationship between symptoms and yield loss is therefore critical to meaningful economic thresholds for management decisions and advisory systems. A general guideline for yield loss and disease severity has been described as 1% yield loss per 1% disease severity on the flag leaf at BBCH stage 70-75 (King et al., 1983). However, several years of field trials in Norway indicate that disease severity can increase exponentially during these developmental stages, making disease severity highly dependent upon time of assessment. LBD severity on flag leaves of the spring wheat variety ‘Bjarne’ at two different locations in 2010 varied during the above BBCH stages from 27% to 44% and from 4.45% to 23.2%. Different varieties may compensate differently for loss of photosynthetic area on the flag leaf due to leaf blotch pathogens, rendering the general guide line for yield loss inaccurate. Preliminary studies in Norway indicated that the relation between yield reduction (TKW) and disease severity of the flag leaf differed substantially for five different spring varieties and ranged from 0.03 to 1.4 at BBCH 70 and from 0.8 to 4.1 at BBCH 75, at one field site at Aas, Norway in 2010. The causes of the observed variation in the relationship between flag leaf severity and yield reduction are poorly understood. Effects of other diseases are not accounted for by leaf blotch assessments, nor are fungicides applied to reference plots necessarily eliminating all disease effects on yield. Timing of assessments may be as critical as the accuracy of the assessments; making it necessary to time the assessments properly, and distinguish clearly between leaf senescence and leaf blotch symptoms.

Sammendrag

Potensiell avlingsreduksjon pga ugras, skadedyr og plantesykdommer ligger på hhv 34%, 18% og 16%. En så stor potensiell tapspost krever godt plantevern. Hvilke skadegjørere vi vil få et økt problem med og hvilke som vil bli redusert pga endret klima, er det viktig å få en oversikt over slik at tilpassede planteverntiltak kan utvikles. Klimatilpasningskompetansen til rådgiving og bønder må bygges opp gradvis. Forskningen må starte nå.

Sammendrag

The leaf blotch disease complex (LBD) frequently reduces yield of wheat in Norway. In visual assessments field symptoms can be difficult to attribute definitively to specific causal agents, and may be caused by any or all of the following three pathogens: Stagonospora nodorum (teleomorph: Phaeosphaeria nodorum) causing Stagonospora nodorum or glume blotch (SNB), Septoria tritici (teleomorph: Mycosphaerella graminicola) causing Septoria tritici or speckled leaf blotch (STB), and Drechslera tritici-repentis (teleomorph: Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) causing tan spot (DTR). There is no broad resistance to all three pathogens in commercially relevant wheat  varieties. We analyzed 9 years of historical data on severity of LBD in the field and 36 years of historical data on post-harvest SNB infection of wheat kernels. Overall, correlation between leaf severity and seed severity over years was low (r=0.5). However, during the last 4 years correlations between SNB seed infection and severity of LBD increased (r=0.825). LBD severity varied signficantly with geographic location and increased exponentially on the last 3 leaves betweeen BBCH stage 70 and the last assessment at BBCH stage 89. An improved understanding of environmental and host developmental factors as they affect each member fo the LBD complex in the field will be essential to screening for quantitative and durable resistance to LBD.

Sammendrag

Severity of leaf blotch epidemics varies annually and locally. Disease assessments between Z70 and Z85 are highly variable due to exponential increase of severity and do not consistently predict impact on yield quality and quantity

Sammendrag

The leaf blotch complex is one of the most important yield limiting disease on wheat in Norway. It is caused by three pathogens, Septoria tritici ( Mycosphaerella graminicola), Stagonospora nodorum ( Phaeosphaeria nodorum), and Drechslera tritici-repentis (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis). The symptoms of each of the pathogens are similar and easily confused with leaf senescence, making it difficult to assess the true disease severity and thus hampering breeding for leaf blotch resistance. To reduce unnecessary pesticide use and the risk of pesticide resistance developing in the fungal populations, timing of disease control measures are based on forecasting models. The degree of a leaf blotch epidemic is determined by initial inoculums, precipitation, temperature, time, availability of susceptible hosts and the degree of susceptibility. During the last 20 years, the start of the growing season as marked by a soil temperature of 5C, has advanced by 1-1.5 days per year (Rafoss, 2009), indicating an increase in the length of growing seasons. The trend for warmer and wetter growing seasons is predicted to continue in the future. It is of high relevance to the wheat industry to understand the impact of these changes on leaf blotch diseases in the field to optimize disease forecasting and management. We have collected data on leaf blotch severity in the field and weather conditions at different wheat growing areas in Norway over the last 10 years. Based on this data, we do not see a general increase in disease severity over the last decade. However, the data shows that there are local shifts in maximum disease severity; areas that support high disease severity and areas that support very little. Given the amount of initial inoculum and availability of susceptible hosts are comparable between the different wheat growing areas, the local climate per site becomes the determining factor for the epidemic.  We studied the effect of relatively small, local differences in precipitation, temperature, and start of growing season on leaf blotch development in the field. The analysis of local shifts in climatic conditions and their relation to disease development allows us to estimate the effect of the changing climate on leaf blotch disease in the future.