Title

Reduction of fungicide input in Irish cereal farming: biological control of foliar and head blight fungal pathogens of cereals.

Objectives

In Ireland, one of the most important fungal diseases affecting both wheat and barley in terms of yield loss is Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by various Fusarium species. FHB also poses a threat in terms of human and animal health in that many of the Fusarium species have the potential to produce a range of toxic secondary metabolites known as mycotoxins in grain. Currently, control of such diseases is attempted by fungicide application. The aim of this project is to reduce fungicide inputs in Irish tillage by investiagting the potential of developing environmentally friendly alternatives: biological control microorganisms/biochemicals.

In addition to studying the potential of microorganisms and microbial biochemicals and their mode of action, the effectiveness of crab shell waste and chitosan, a deacetylated derivative of chitin, will be assessed as an activator of many plant defense functions.

Duration

2003-2006

Partners/Collaborators

University College Dublin

Funding Agency

Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development

Contact for Further Details

Brian Carney - CAMBio Principal Investigator
Email: brian.carney@lyit.ie

Fiona Doohan
Email: fiona.doohan@ucd.ie