From SOil to Soil: origin and remediation to KIWIfruit Vine Decline Syndrome (SOS-KIWI)

Type: National

Research program: AGER – terza edizione - Dal suolo al campo - Approcci multidisciplinari per migliorare l’adattamento delle colture al cambiamento climatico

Funding body: Progetto AGER - AGroalimentare E Ricerca

Period: 15/09/2023 - 15/03/2027

Manager: Davide Spadaro

Project description:

The project aims to study a plant disease of multifactorial origin, using the kiwi dieback (Kiwifruit Vine Decline Syndrome, KVDS) as a case study. The main objective is to understand the mechanisms that determine this complex syndrome, identifying biomarkers and developing innovative strategies to prevent and control it, thus improving plant health and counteracting its spread.

To achieve this objective, the project is organized into six main lines of intervention:

1. Identification of biotic and abiotic factors: through field investigations and greenhouse experiments, the project analyzes the pedological, agronomic and microbiological factors linked to the appearance of KVDS. Furthermore, specific, efficient and sensitive molecular tools will be developed for early diagnosis of the disease, favoring targeted and timely interventions in new plants.
2. Study of molecular mechanisms: using advanced technologies such as meta-omics techniques, the project explores the interaction between the soil microbiome and the host plant to identify the main microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, viroids, phytoplasmas) and the molecular processes associated with the onset of KVDS. This will allow us to understand the origin of the syndrome and develop application tools to prevent its onset.
3. Evaluation of kiwi germplasm: identify genotypes tolerant or resistant to KVDS, suitable for areas at risk, but with a vocation for kiwi cultivation, which can be grafted with the most widespread commercial varieties.
4. Prevention and control strategies: improve the phytosanitary state of the propagation material and adopt biological control practices, such as the use of microbial consortia and soil biofumigation with Brassicaceae extracts, to preserve microbial biodiversity and improve the fertility and physicochemical properties of the soil.
5. Development of beneficial microbial consortia: Evaluate the potential of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), such as rhizobacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, to improve the health of kiwi plants. The objective is to mitigate the effects of KVDS by improving the resilience of the soil microbiota and enriching its beneficial component.
6. Transfer of solutions to the agricultural sector: the results will be shared with stakeholders through field visits, demonstrations of agronomic practices and meetings with technical consultancy services in order to evaluate the technological, social, economic and environmental impact of the developed strategies.