The University of Jaen designed a kit to predict the 'verticillium' of the olive tree

Researchers from the University of Jaen have initiated the design of a diagnostic kit that will make it possible to know in advance the changes that occur in an olive tree infected by 'V. Dahliae', responsible for the verticillium of the olive tree, and p. megasperma, which produces similar symptoms, but prognosis and different management. This tool, linked to a project of excellence, will alert the appearance of symptoms or at a time when the infection is latent. The Biomedal company will participate in the development and subsequent manufacture of the kit. Other areas of the Mediterranean and Andalusian olive annually suffers the loss of a considerable number of trees from diseases caused by soil pathogens such as ' Verticillium dahliae' and some species of the genus 'oomiceto Phytophthora'.

Currently, there are no methods of early detection of these diseases and, once manifest, determine what has been the infectious agent is too complex to actually be used routinely. The absence of an accurate diagnosis prevents the correct evaluation of the causes and appropriate decision making on the control of these diseases.

"The exposure of the plant to any type of stress leads to changes in gene expression as the induction of genes and protein synthesis in response to the stress to which is subject," is the principal investigator of the projectFrancisco Luque. Many of these responses appear systemic, long-range, where there is initially the damage. "Why, if it is determined which proteins of the olive tree could be synthesizing is specific and systemic way as a result of infection by these pathogens, we would find molecular biomarkers of the plant health status of the plant and it would be possible to develop a diagnostic method based on the detection of such proteins"He explained.

Experts carried out a study transcriptómico to know how the profile of gene expression of the olive tree is affected during infection by V. Dahliae and p. megasperma, comparing it with the changes as a result of the action of certain abiotic agents. "It is difficult for the nurserymen to ensure that plants that supply are actually free of pathogens, especially in the case of 'V. dahliae'." "This is due to the diagnostic methods that exist need very specialized laboratories, are expensive and do not guarantee the early detection of the disease, which is why plants apparently healthy, but infected, they may be being distributed and contributing to the spread of the disease".

The methods are based on the identification of the pathogen in culture media, or molecular procedures based on various protocols of the technique of the reaction in the PCR (PCR). However, Luque, "there are limitations". "Among other things, is the fact that in the times in which the fungus is not active, such as the summer and winter, often give false negatives."