Project unravels interaction between lettuce and Fusarium fungus (€1.5 million funding to combat lettuce disease)

Tackling a plant disease that increasingly threatens lettuce production has moved a major step closer, thanks to a 1.5 million euro funding for a new research project. The project aims to unravel the molecular interactions between lettuce and the pathogen that causes Fusarium wilt. This might lead to new lettuce varieties that remain disease-resistant in a warming climate. Biologist Michael Seidl will lead the project, in collaboration with Guido van den Ackerveken, and colleagues from the University of Amsterdam and plant breeding companies.

Fusarium wilt, caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, has emerged as a major threat to lettuce production worldwide. Recent outbreaks in Europe are posing severe risks to crop yield and quality. Climate change has been suspected to be a driving force behind the growing severity, since Fusarium thrives depending on climate conditions.

A new research project, led by biologist Michael Seidl, will analyse the evolution and virulence of Fusarium under changing climate conditions. Ultimately, this may lead to the development of new lettuce varieties that are less vulnerable to Fusarium, and can still produce sufficient yields despite changing temperatures.