Centres of Excellence/ Other Projects

6th Framework Programme of the EC

Project title: Co-ordination of research on genetic resistance to control plant patphogenic virises and their vectors in European crops

Contract no. 006961 (FOOD)

Acronym: RESISTVIR

Project duration: 1st February 2005 - 31st January 2009

Main coordinatior: Sylvie Modeste, Ph.D., Carole Caranta, Ph.D., and Florence Poey, Ph.D., French National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRA), Montfavex cedex, France

Polish partners: Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute (IHAR), represented by Professor Ewa Zimnoch-Guzowska, D.Sc., and Joanna Sztangret-Wiśniewska, Ph.D., Research division Młochów, Department of Potato Genetics and Parental Lines

In Europe, the importance of viruses as plant pathogens, and their spread by vectors, is increasing. Their control constitutes a challenge that must be addressed through sustainable measures, among which the use of genetic resistance is one of the best ways. To succeed in obtaining positive effects, integrated managment seems to be necessary.

The coordination of research to control plant viruses and their vectors is the main objective of the project. This Co-ordination Action (CA), involving 49 partners, responds to topic T6.9 (Use of genetic resistance as a tool to control plant patphogenic viruses) of area 5.4.6 (Safer and environmentally friendly production methods, technologies and healthier foodstuffs). Additionaly, this CA will also help to diminish environmental damage by decreasing the excessive and inefficient use of pesticides for the control of virus vector organisms. Therefore, th impact of human activities on agorecosystems and on biodiversity will be minimised.

Link: www.resistvir.org