The diseases produced by virus and phytoplasmas are difficult to control since there are no available pesticides for eradication. These pathogens are responsible for important diseases in fruit trees, grapevine and horticultural crops. The use of healthy plant materials, the assessment of transmission mechanisms (through vectors and/or vegetative propagation) together with the identification of potential host plants are necessary to achieve a successful control. IRTA offers the expertise for identification of virus and phytoplasmas causing diseases and also for determining the most efficient vectors in a geographical area, as well as their host plants.
Phytoplasmas are transmitted by insects (leafhoppers, planthoppers and psyllids) and the species responsible for the transmission can be classified in every case. Concerning virus diseases, when the transmission is done by insects, the service offers the identification of the transmitter species more important in the area. Climate chambers, insectproofs and greenhouses are available for to conduct transmission tests with insects and laboratory facilities for the accomplishment of detection analysis (molecular and serological).
Services
›› Epidemiological study of diseases caused by virus in fruit trees.
›› Epidemiological study of diseases caused by virus in horticultural crops.
›› Epidemiological study of phytoplasmas in fruit trees and grapevine.
›› Epidemiological study of phytoplasmas in horticultural crops.
Applications
›› Control measures focused in diseases produced by virus and phytoplasmas.
›› Identification and molecular characterization of virus and phytoplasmas.
