Science system shakeup ‘to maximise investment value’
Reaction to the Government’s major overhaul of the country’s seven crown research organisations has so far been largely positive.
Speaking at the Research & Innovation Forum in Wellington in late August, the Science Group Leader at Plant & Food Research explained how trials have tapped into the unique microbial signature of “disease escape” vines, which remain healthy amid a “pandemic of dead or dying vines”. By comparing the plant and microbial DNA of diseased vines with that of their resistant neighbours, aged around 20 years with no signs of chlorosis or cankers, the research team sought evidence of a “distinctive microbiome” that might offer protection against trunk disease pathogens.
Working with Lincoln University, including PhD student Damola Adejoro, they created a prototype synthetic community of microorganisms, checked them for pathogen risk or links, then infiltrated one-year old grapevines canes. Genetic testing was used to ensure the microbiome was present in the plants, which were then inoculated with two known trunk disease pathogens. “The results show that the prototype synthetic community resisted the pathogen at or near the site of inoculation,” Hayley told the forum audience. In contrast, there was “unimpeded” transfer of the pathogen to the control vines.
Trunk disease is an “intractable and unbreedable” target, with spores traveling in rain and wind to infect pruning wounds. With Sauvignon Blanc the most susceptible variety, it’s costing New Zealand’s industry $137 million per annum, with that likely to more than double by 2038, Hayley said. Meanwhile, horticulture is at an “inflection point” globally, with a need to work with nature in lieu of chemicals. “Global momentum has suggested harnessing the power of the plant microbiome can help achieve that goal.”
With new funding announced in September there are plans to extend the research, building a bigger synthetic community and exploring the transfer of curated microbiomes to mature vines. The work could also be used to address other “complex and intractable” disease problems, Hayley said. Meanwhile Ormond Nurseries is helping the researchers develop a “roadmap” for a high throughput system.
Speaking after the forum, Hayley says the microbiome community meant the vines were better prepared for the future. “I liken it to sending our plants out naked into the vineyard. Let’s dress them beforehand, rather than letting them just get dressed out there, with whatever is hanging around.”
Read more at frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1231832/full
