Natural Plant Resistance to Pests and Diseases
Background
Crop plants are constantly under threat from a variety of insects and other animal pests, as well as numerous diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. Chemicals (pesticides) that are used to kill pests and pathogens can be very effective, but have the disadvantages that they can damage the environment by killing non-target species and can leave potentially toxic residues on food products.
In collaboration with Nigel Paul, Jane Taylor and Bill Davies in LEC, I am investigating the application of methods for enhancing natural plant resistance to pests and diseases. We have developed a novel system for ‘priming’ jasmonic acid-dependent plant defence responses, and in a DEFRA-funded project, are examining the performance of this system against a range of diseases and herbivorous pests in tomato. In addition, we are investigating the use of rhizobacteria to protect plants against biotic and abiotic stress, as well as the possibility of combining these two different forms of natural plant protection to provide enhanced levels of resistance.