The Open Technology Programme provides funding for application-oriented technical-scientific research that is free and unrestricted and is not hindered by disciplinary boundaries. The programme offers companies and other organisations an accessible way to participate in scientific research that is intended to lead to societal and/or scientific impact.
Effector-based screening of lily for resistance to Botrytis elliptica (Fire blight)
Cultivation of lily currently suffers from crop loss by fire blight, a disease caused by the fungus Botrytis elliptica. Intensive application of pesticides is required to reduce the loss of flowers and bulbs. Breeding for resistance can be accelerated and become more effective by using proteins or peptides (“effectors”) of the fungus to predict whether a lily plant will be susceptible or resistant to fire blight. The use of effectors enables breeders to select resistant plants that should be retained in the breeding programme, whereas susceptible plants can be eliminated from the breeding programme.
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