The Phytopathology Study Group is concerned with the study of pests and diseases that adversely affect tobacco from the seed until storage. This includes the study of pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, as well as parasitic plants, nematodes and insects. The Study Group promotes investigations and the exchange of data on the occurrence and spread of pests and diseases, prevention and treatment techniques, and the development of resistant genotypes using traditional breeding programmes and biotechnology. Study Group activities additionally include monitoring and gathering data and information concerning the efficacy and approved uses of agrochemicals. Another activity of the Phytopathology Study Group concerns investigations on the development and standardization of analytical methods for the detection of genetically modified tobacco.
The Phytopathology Study Group comprises the following Sub-Groups and Task Forces:
· Sub-Group Pest and Sanitation Management in Stored Tobacco (1993)
Objectives:
To share information on methods to control pests in stored tobacco.
To conduct collaborative studies on pest control and sanitation practices for tobacco in storage.
To investigate new technologies and issues related to infestation control methods.
· Sub-Group Collaborative Study on Blue Mould (1964)
Objectives:
Collaborative experiment on varieties.
Study the blue mould population.
Work on metalaxyl sensitivity / resistance.
Liaise with AERET for the Blue Mould Warning Service.
· Sub-Group Genetically Modified Tobacco - Proficiency Testing (2004)
Objective:
To establish a Proficiency Testing Scheme to enable participants to monitor their laboratory testing performance by means of interlaboratory comparisons of analytical results obtained by using appropriate PCR methods for the detection of GM tobacco.
Strategies:
To organise the production of adequate test and reference materials to be used in the PT scheme.
To organize the setting up and running of a GM Tobacco PT scheme to be conducted through a suitable external laboratory involving at least a core group of participants. The first stage will require the preparation and verification of appropriate test and reference materials. The second stage will involve setting up the PT scheme itself.
To compile annual reports and distribute these to participants.
· Task Force Integrated Pest Management (IPM) (2005)
Objectives:
To summarize available IPM strategies relevant for each tobacco pest and disease.
To produce a document for agronomists & farmers, structured by disease / pest, and and providing a common outline framework based on relevant IPM methods.
This document to be included on the CORESTA website.
· Sub-Group Collaborative Study on Virus Diseases (2008)
Objectives:
Studying useful sources of resistance to different viruses.
Estimation of PVY epidemiology problem.
Evaluation of the level of PVY isolates able to break resistance existing within N. tabacum.
Characterisation of the PVY strains using biological, serological and molecular methods.
Evaluation of occurring other viruses (CMV, TEV, TMV, TSWV, TRV, TRSV).
· Task Force Diagnostic Expert System Translation (2011)
Objectives:
To translate into English the tobacco disease diagnostic tool of the ANITTA / ePhytia (INRA) website and make it available on the web.
To provide cross-linking with the IPM Task Force documents.
| Agronomy Study Group | Smoke Science Group | Product Technology Group |
Any requests for further information and/or convenors' contact details should be addressed to the CORESTA Secretariat (see Contacts).