Work packages

Work package 1 will develop accurate diagnostic tools to detect and monitor the distribution of different RKN species in Europe. As current distribution data are incomplete, additional proliferation data will be collected. This information combined with climate change data will be used for spatial distribution modelling and prediction of future proliferation patterns. In this way, end-users will be informed about the current pathogen pressure (both RKN type and density), as well as the (potential) direction of RKN range expansion.

WORK PACKAGE 1 LEADER & CO-LEADER: UNEXE & KIS

Host plant resistance is an effective and sustainable way to control pests and diseases, and tomato contains a resistance gene which confers plant resistance to different RKN species. However, effectiveness of this widely applied resistance gene is undermined by elevated temperatures during the growing season, which frequency has increased due to global warming. Regions responsible for heat instability will be identified in WP2 on the basis of protein structure information. These signatures will be used to select novel heat-stable resistance genes in tomato breeding material for use in regions confronted with increasing soil temperatures.

WORK PACKAGE 2 LEADER & CO-LEADER: UCLM & ENZA

Work package 3 will respond to the current lack of molecular markers to detect virulent RKN populations. The development of these markers will enable creating models for risk assessment and systems to support decision-making by farmers. The genomes of avirulent and virulent populations of different RKN species will be compared and virulence-specific genomic variations pinpointed. This will lead the development of proliferation models that will underpin decisions on the most appropriate control measures.

WORK PACKAGE 3 LEADER & CO-LEADER: INRAE & UPC

Work package 4 works in the identification of genomic regions linked to virulence in PCN populations, to develop diagnostic tools for the detection of virulence. Subsequently, the spread of these genotypes will be modelled, followed by proposition of statutory control measures, and the introduction of novel host plant resistances. The overall aim is to inhibit the further spread of virulent PCN populations. 

WORK PACKAGE 4 LEADER & CO-LEADER: INRAE & UPC

Work Package 5 aims to map and explore the soil microbial community and biological antagonists that underlie the suppression of root-knot and potato cyst nematodes in natural soils. The biological understanding of this phenomenon will result in the development of organic amendments and/or cover crops to activate and boost the endogenous suppressive potential of soils against RKN and PCN. The generation of tools to guide their use will enable countering the proliferation of emerging virulent RKN (WP3) and PCN populations (WP4) and the range expansion of ‘tropical’ RKNs (WP1).

WORK PACKAGE 5 LEADER & CO-LEADER: WU & CHR HANSEN

The main objectives of Work Package 6 are the adoption and impact of research outputs and innovations developed in WP1-5, as well as the dissemination, exploitation and communication of results to the sectors (end-users) and society (citizens). Both objectives will be achieved by a close interaction between stakeholders and researchers in and outside the NEM-EMERGE consortium. The channels and tools needed for that are being set up, updated and fed, in accordance with the plans for optimal communication, knowledge transfer and exploitation activities that have been designed and deployed.

WP 6 LEADER & CO-LEADER: JHI & ELHUYAR

The main goals of Work Package 7 are the efficient management of the project with a keen eye on the partner – stakeholder pipeline that will guarantee that NEM-EMERGE research outputs and innovations will have impact at the end-user level and society. This will include providing training on knowledge and tools developed in the NEM-EMERGE project.

WORK PACKAGE 7 LEADER: WU