Projects / Programmes
FunContrAPest: Novel Fungal Proteins as Biopesticides for Control of Challenging Invasive Alien Agricultural Pests
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 4.03.05 |
Biotechnical sciences |
Plant production |
Phytomedicine |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 4.01 |
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences |
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries |
invasive insect pest, biopesticide, entomotoxic protein, integrated pest management, biological control, agricultural pest, Diabrotica v. virgifera, Halyomorpha halys, Drosophila suzukii, non-target organism, honeybee, lectin, protease inhibitor, microscopy, crop protection, ultrastructure
Researchers (22)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Invasive alien pests are an ever-increasing problem due to global trade, travel, and climate changes. Slovenia and Hungary as transit countries are in the heart of this problem in Europe. New alternative options in an integrated pest management approach are critically needed due to phase out of a number of insecticides and environmental concerns. The proposed project aims at developing new environmentally friendly biopesticides based on defense proteins from higher fungi (mushrooms) to combat invasive alien agricultural pests, this protein-type approach being largely novel. Entomotoxic proteins from mushrooms may have an edge because invasive insect pests and mushrooms have not co-evolved, thus defense mechanisms may not readily be available. Moreover, these proteins are exceptionally stable, resisting extreme temperatures and pH, making them suitable candidates for climate-smart pest management. Therefore, in this joint project between experienced Hungarian and Slovenian institutions we will investigate fungal proteins (Work Package WP1) to screen for their entomotoxicity against key invasives, such as the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica v. virgifera, Coleoptera) (WP2), spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii, Diptera)(WP3) and brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys, Hemiptera) (WP4). Aiming at a holistic approach, we will address risks or synergies of higher-fungi proteins to non-target organisms already at the discovery stage (WP5), including pollinators (Apis mellifera) and biocontrol agents (entomopathogenic nematodes), both such combinations never been addressed before. Another important objective is to elucidate the mode of action of selected candidate biopesticides (WP6) by analyzing effects to insect morphology and cellular structures using electron microscopy and identifying target molecules. This in-depth knowledge of new biopesticide candidates will enable informed design of future development strategies with regard to target organism and crop, possible modes of delivery in view of established agricultural practices (WP7). The proposed project will be realized by co-operation of five research groups with proven track record in their field, and complementary expertise for the project. We have access to the necessary equipment to successfully finish the proposed project within 3 years. The group from Jožef Stefan institute (IJS) led by dr. Jerica Sabotič will coordinate the project (WP8) and provide expertise in protein characterization and molecular mechanism elucidation. The latter will be performed in collaboration with the group from Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana (UL-BF) led by dr. Nada Žnidaršič with expertise in microscopy and arthropod development. The Hungarian research team from the Plant Protection Institute of Szent Istvan University (SZIE-NVI) led by prof. Stefan Toepfer will be an essential part of the proposed project due to their expertise in invasive insect species research, particularly D. v virgifera, and their strength in developing novel integrated pest management solutions, as well as data management and biostatistics. Complementary entomotoxicity studies on D. suzukii and H. halys will be performed by the group led by dr. Jaka Razinger from the Plant Protection Department (KIS-PPD) at the Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, while the group led by dr. Janez Prešern from the Animal Production Department (KIS-APD) will perform safety tests on honeybees. The project group is composed of experienced senior scientists and talented promising young researchers in such a way that it enables multidisciplinary approaches towards a successful completion of the project. The proposed project will strengthen cross-border research and institutional cooperation between Slovenia and Hungary and improve their scientific excellence. The project will ultimately contribute to coordinated European strategies for the control of invasive alien pests.
