Martin Pettersson
Research Scientist
Biography
My research focuses on diseases in trees and shrubs, specifically on Phytophthora and fungal diseases in nurseries, forests, Christmas tree fields and urban green areas. I am also involved in Christmas tree improvement projects where the goal is to find superior Christmas trees for Norwegian conditions. In 2013, I completed my Master of Science in Forestry at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). In 2018, I achieved my PhD in Forestry and Environmental Resources at North Carolina State University (NCSU) and SLU. During my PhD, I worked on several projects on Phytophthora and fungal diseases in Christmas tree plantations together with researchers at NIBIO. Since August 2018, I have been working at the Department of Fungal Plant Pathology in Forestry, Agriculture and Horticulture at NIBIO.
Abstract
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Abstract
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Authors
Katherine Ann Gredvig Nielsen Magne Nordang Skårn Venche Talgø Martin Pettersson Inger Sundheim Fløistad Gunn Strømeng May Bente Brurberg Arne StensvandAbstract
Gray mold, caused by Botrytis spp., is a serious problem in Norway spruce seedling production in forest nurseries. From 2013 to 2019, 125 isolates of Botrytis were obtained from eight forest nurseries in Norway: 53 from Norway spruce seedlings, 16 from indoor air, 52 from indoor surfaces, and four from weeds growing close to seedlings. The majority of isolates were identified as B. cinerea, and over 60% of these were characterized as Botrytis group S. B. pseudocinerea isolates were obtained along with isolates with DNA sequence similarities to B. prunorum. Fungicide resistance was assessed with a mycelial growth assay, and resistance was found for the following: boscalid (8.8%), fenhexamid (33.6%), fludioxonil (17.6%), pyraclostrobin (36.0%), pyrimethanil (13.6%), and thiophanate-methyl (50.4%). Many isolates (38.4%) were resistant to two to six different fungicides. A selection of isolates was analyzed for the presence of known resistance-conferring mutations in the cytb, erg27, mrr1, sdhB, and tubA genes, and mutations leading to G143A, F412S, ΔL497, H272R, and E198A/F200Y were detected, respectively. Detection of fungicide resistance in Botrytis from Norway spruce and forest nursery facilities reinforces the necessity of employing resistance management strategies to improve control and delay development of fungicide resistance in the gray mold pathogens.
Plant Pest prevention through technology-guided monitoring and site-specific control
One of the ambitious goals of the Farm2Fork strategy is to reduce the use of pesticides in the EU by 50%. The expected increase in plant pests due to climate change, international trade and the intensification of food production systems offsets this target.
Division of Biotechnology and Plant Health
Plant Pest Prevention through technology-guided monitoring and site-specific control (PurPest)
The main objective of PurPest is to control serious plant pests during import and to manage them in the field by developing a unique concept enabling pest detection in a timely and non-invasive manner.
Division of Food Production and Society
Risk management of imported plants and seeds: possibilities for improved pest detection to prevent the introduction and spread of new pests
Plant pathogens and invertebrates harmful to plants continue to threatenfood security and natural habitats. In Norway, the responsibility of performingplant health inspections on imported plants has gradually shifted to importersof plants who are currently responsible for internal pest control and mustbe registered with the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.