Das Projekt "Modes of vector transmission of Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) - molecular basis and potential arthropod vector species" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Berlin (Humboldt-Univ.), Department für Nutzpflanzen- und Tierwissenschaften, Fachgebiet Phytomedizin durchgeführt. Cherry leaf roll virus (CLRV) is a plant pathogen of economic and ecologic importance. It is globally distributed in a wide range of forest, fruit, and ornamental trees and shrubs. In several areas of cherry and walnut production CLRV causes severe losses in yield and quality. With current reference to the rapid dissemination and strong symptom expression in Finnish birches and the Germany-wide distribution of CLRV in birches and elderberry, we continuously investigate and gradually reveal CLRV transmission pathways as by pollen, seeds or water. However, modes and interactions responsible for the wide intergeneric host transmission as well as for the exceptional CLRV epidemic in Fennoscandia still remain unknown. In this project systematic studies shall investigate biological vectors as a causal agent to finally derive control mechanisms and strategies to avoid new epidemics in different hosts and geographic regions. Detailed monitoring of the invertebrate fauna of birch stands/forests and elderberry plantations in Germany and Finland shall reveal potential vectors to subsequently study them in detail by approved virus detection methods and transmission experiments. Molecular analyses of the CLRV coat protein shall prove its role as a viral determinant for a virus/vector interaction. Consequently, this project essentially will contribute important answers on the CLRV epidemiology, and this will be a key element within the first network of research on plant viral pathogens in forest trees.
Das Projekt "Development and risk assessment of transgenic environmentally-friendly insect pest control methods for fruit flies and mosquitoes" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Gießen, Institut für Phytopathologie und Angewandte Zoologie, Abteilung Angewandte Entomologie durchgeführt. Various species of pest insects cause substantial damage to agriculture every year, or transmit deadly diseases to animals and humans. A successful strategy to control pest insect populations is based on the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which uses the release of mass-reared, radiation sterilized male insects to cause infertile matings and thus reduce the pest population level. However, irradiation is not applicable to every insect species. Thus, new strategies based on genetic modifications of pest insects have been developed or are currently under investigation.The goal of the proposed research is to improve the development and ecological safety of genetically engineered (GE) insects created for enhanced biological control programs, including the SIT and new strategies based on conditional lethality. A major concern for GE insect release programs is transgene stability, and maintenance of their consistent expression. Transgene loss or intra-genomic movement could result in loss of strain attributes, and may ultimately lead to interspecies movement resulting in ecological risks. To address potential transgene instability, a new transposon vector that allows post-integration immobilization will be tested in the Mediterranean, Mexican and Oriental fruit fly tephritid pest species. In addition, the system will be established in the mosquito species Aedes and Anopheles - carriers of dengue and malaria.Random genomic insertion is also problematic for GE strain development due to genomic position effects that suppress transgene expression, and insertional mutations that negatively affect host fitness and viability. Diminished transgene expression could result in the unintended survival of conditional lethal individuals, or the inability to identify them. To target transgene vectors to defined genomic insertion sites having minimal negative effects on gene expression and host fitness, a recombinase-mediated cassette exchange (RMCE) strategy will be developed that. RMCE will also allow for stabilization of the target site, will be tested in tephritid and mosquito species, and will aid to the development of stabilized target-site strains for conditional lethal biocontrol. This will include a molecular and organismal evaluation of an RNAi-based lethality approach. Lethality based on an RNAi mechanism in the proposed insects would increase the species specificity and having multiple targets for lethality versus one target in existing systems. By seeking to improve transgene expressivity and stabilization of transposon-based vector systems, this proposal specifically addresses issues related to new GE insects by reducing their unintended spread after field release, and by limiting the possibilities for transgene introgression.
Das Projekt "DFG Trilateral collaboration Deutschland-Israel-Palestine: Nematodes as potential vectors for human pathogens" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Julius Kühn-Institut, Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen, Arbeitsgruppe Wirbeltierforschung durchgeführt. Outbreaks of foodborne illness linked to consumptions of fresh, or partially processed, agricultural products are a growing concern in industrialized and developing countries. The incidence of human pathogens on fresh fruits and vegetables is often related to the use of recycled wastewaster in surface irrigation as well as high amounts of animal manure in agricultural management practice. Thereby the soil inhabiting fauna plays an important role in the transport and dissemination of microorganisms. The focus of the proposed project is on nematodes, well known vectors for bacteria and viruses in soil. The major goals are to: (1) survey human pathogens in soil and on/in free-living and plant parasitic nematodes in agriculture field sites irrigated with recycled wastewater or fertilized with fresh animal manure in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, (2) assess the function of nematodes as vectors in transmitting bacteria from microbial hot spots to plants, and (3) localize bacteria on and/or within the nematode and identify bacterial factors required for survival in the nematode host. Understanding the mechanisms involved in dissemination of human pathogens by nematodes will enhance the ability to develop practical means to minimize contamination of fresh produce and increase safety in food production.
Das Projekt "Anisotrope Limiter-Techniken zur Simulation von Ozeanströmungen auf unstrukturierten Gittern" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung durchgeführt. Ziel des Projekts ist die Entwicklung von speziellen Limiter-Techniken für Strömungs- und Transportprobleme. Im Mittelpunkt der geplanten Arbeiten stehen hochauflösende Finite-Elemente-Verfahren zur Simulation von Ozeanströmungen auf unstrukturierten Gittern. In erster Linie sollen die von den Antragstellern entwickelten und analysierten Ansätze an problemspezifische Anisotropien angepasst werden, die in geophysikalischen Anwendungen auftreten. Die neuen Limiter werden in der Lage sein, die horizontalen und vertikalen Komponenten separat zu beschränken, um eine übermäßige Verschmierung durch die numerische Diffusion zu verhindern. Darüber hinaus sollen die bisherigen Limiter-Konzepte auf Vektorfelder - insbesondere Geschwindigkeiten und diffuse Flüsse - erweitert werden. Um die Positivitätserhaltung im Rahmen eines vertikalen Wirbelviskositätsmodells zu garantieren, ist eine Sonderbehandlung für heterogene Diffusionskoeffizienten und nichtlineare Quellterme vorgesehen. Die anisotropen Flusskorrektur-Schemata und Ableitungslimiter sollen in die Software-Pakete UTBEST3D und FESOM integriert werden. Die erwartete Reduktion der unphysikalischen Vermischung soll durch detaillierte numerische Studien quantifiziert werden.
Das Projekt "Depletion of algal toxin-contaminated water using selective biofilters based on plant-produced antibodies (plantibodies)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Technische Universität München, Institut für Wasserchemie und Chemische Balneologie, Lehrstuhl für Analytische Chemie und Wasserchemie durchgeführt. Although the use of genetically modified plants for bioremediation, or the in situ cleaning of contaminated sites, has been known for quite some time, little attention has so far been paid to the production of antibodies in plants and their ex vivo application in selective depletion. Therefore, highly affine and specific antibodies against algal toxins using microcystin as an example will be produced in plants at low cost within this research project. The basis is a monoclonal antibody (Mab 10E7, species: mouse) generated in a former research project. The sequence of the variable domains will be determined, optimized for plants and sub cloned into suitable plant transformation vectors, which already contain constant antibody sequences. In addition, a scFv fragment containing different tag sequences and fusion proteins will be constructed. Leaf-based (tobacco) as well as seed-based (barley) systems will be used.Affinity-purified plant-produced antibodies (plantibodies) will be characterized in detail for their binding properties using microtitre plate-ELISA and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The monoclonal mouse antibody will be used as reference. To assure cost-efficiency for future applications, roughly purified fractions (sequential pH and temperature treatment followed by filtration) will be tested for the upscaling. Following immobilization of the plantibody fractions on suitable substrates, for instance membranes, porous polymer monoliths or in porous glasses, their application for depletion will be defined using model water samples spiked fortified with microcystins.
Das Projekt "Forest management and habitat structure - influences on the network of song birds, vectors and blood parasites" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Freiburg, Forstzoologisches Institut, Professur für Wildtierökologie und Wildtiermanagement durchgeführt. Forest structure is altered by humans for long times (Bramanti et al. 2009). The long lasting modification of forests pursuant to human demands modified the living conditions for birds as well as for many other animals. This included changes in resource availability (e.g., food, foraging, nesting sites) and changes of interspecific interactions, e.g., parasitism and predation (Knoke et al. 2009; Ellis et al. 2012). Also species compositions and the survivability of populations and even species are affected. The loss of foraging sites and suitable places for reproduction, the limitation of mobility due to fragmented habitats and the disturbances by humans itself may lead to more stressed individuals and less optimal living conditions. In certain cases species are not able to deal with the modified requirements and their populations will shrink and even vanish. Depending on the intensity of management and the remaining forest structure, biodiversity is more or less endangered. Especially in systems of two or more strongly connected taxa changing conditions that affect at least one part may subsequently affect the other, too. One system of interspecific communities that recently attracted the attention of biologists includes birds, blood parasites (haemosporidians) and their transmitting vectors. For instance, avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) represents the reason for extreme declines in the avifauna of Hawaii since the introduction of respective vectors (e.g. Culicidae) during the 20th century (van Riper et al. 1986, Woodworth et al. 2005). With the current knowledge of this topic we are not able to predict if such incidences could also occur in Germany. All in all, different management strategies and intensity of forest management may influence the network of birds, vectors and blood parasites and change biodiversity. To elucidate this ecological complex, and to understand the interactions of the triad of songbirds as vertebrate hosts, dipteran vectors and haemosporidians within changing local conditions, I intend to collect data on the three taxa in differently managed forest areas, the given forest structure and the climatic conditions. I will try to explain the role of abiotic factors on infection dynamics, in detail the role of forest management intensity. Data acquisition takes place at three spatially divided locations: inside the Biodiversity Exploratory Schwäbische Alb, at the Mooswald in Freiburg, and inside the Schwarzwald.
Das Projekt "Intelligente Sensorfusion zum Online-Monitoring von Biogasanlagen als Basis für prozesstaugliche Prozessführungsstrategien" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Pattern Expert durchgeführt. Gesamtziel des Forschungsvorhabens ist es, durch die Kenntnis von Faktoren (chemisch, physikalisch, mikrobiell), die die Biogasqualität beeinflussen, neuartige Messkonzepte auf Basis intelligenter Sensortechnologien zu entwickeln, um die Prozessstabilität in situ zu gewährleisten. Die zu entwickelnde Prozess-Sensorik wird an verschiedenen Einbauorten (Eintragssystem, Anmischbehälter, Fermenter, Nachgärer bzw. Überlauf/Lagune) installiert werden können. Hierzu werden verschiedene Kalibrationsroutinen, welche an das Untersuchungsmaterial und den Einbauort angepasst werden müssen, erstellt. Hier sollen z.B. statistische multivariate Auswerte- und Kalibrationsmethoden wie Partiel-least-square-regression (PLSR), Multivariate-Curve-Resolution oder auch Support-Vector-Machines Anwendung finden, die schnell an die jeweiligen Bedingungen in der Anlage anpassbar sein sollen. Dies soll dann eine verbesserte Prozessführung und eine erhöhte Biogasausbeute bewirken. Es wird eine geschlossene Softwareversion zur Datenverwaltung, -auswertung und zur Prozessverlaufsvorhersage entwickelt. Diese kann von den Partnern bei ihren Experimenten eingesetzt werden. Es werden die Laborversuche der einzelnen Partner ausgewertet. Die Auswertealgorithmen werden fortlaufend optimiert. Es werden Algorithmen zur Prozessverlaufsvorhersage, zur Optimierung des Prozessverlaufes auf Basis der Prozessvorhersage und das sogenannte intelligent Control-Verfahren entwickelt. Mit dem Projekt soll für Pattern Expert ein neues Geschäftsfeld erschlossen werden. Das Projekt birgt deutliche technische Risiken, so dass noch nicht abgeschätzt werden kann, wie ein späteres Produkt aussehen könnte. Aus diesem Grund beabsichtigt Pattern Expert vorerst Dienstleistungen auf dem Gebiet der Biogasoptimierung anzubieten. Mit diesem Konzept hat Pattern Expert schon sehr gute Erfahrungen gesammelt. Potentielle Kunden für solche Dienstleistungen sind vor allem größere Biogasanalgenbetreiber.
Das Projekt "KPC - Modelling epidemiological and economic consequences of Grapevine Flavescence doree phytoplasma to Austrian viticulture under a climate change scenario" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Österreichische Agentur für Gesundheit und Ernährungssicherheit (AGES), Institut für Pflanzengesundheit durchgeführt. Climate warming allows invasive pests to establish in areas where they have not been recognized before. Since its introduction in the 1950s in South France, Grapevine Fla-vescence dorée (GFD), a major disease of grapevines, has spread significantly in Europe and has now reached the southeast of Styria, which currently marks the northeastern border of its extension. The present project aims to model the current and future potential distribution of the disease and its vector, the leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus, in Europe under the influence of climate change. Vine growing areas of high risk in Austria will be defined. An epidemiological model will simulate the temporal and spatial dynamics of the spread of the disease and its vector. The epidemiological model will then be used to assess the potential economic impact of GFD to Austrian viticulture. The results of the project will be communicated to stakeholders, risk managers, policy makers and the public.
Das Projekt "Integrated control of thrips in vegetables in Eastern Africa - development of user-friendly ID tools" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Institut für Biologie , Mikrobiologie durchgeführt. Main goals: 1. Identity, importance and distribution of major plant infesting thrips studied in Kenya and Uganda. 2. Conduct surveys for thrips, natural enemies and TSWV in cultivated plants and surrounding vegetation in Eastern Africa. 3. Development of a thrips identification key using LucID 3.4 software. 4. Fact sheet fusion database with special reference to tospovirus vectors. 5. Finally production of a CDROM: Pest thrips of Africa. (in collaboration with ICIPE/Nairobi)
Das Projekt "Malaria risk resulting from urban agriculture - persisting misconception or urgent need for mitigation? - GIS-supported spatial analysis in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)" wird vom Umweltbundesamt gefördert und von Universität Freiburg, Institut für Umweltsozialwissenschaften und Geographie, Professur für Physische Geographie durchgeführt. Urban agriculture is a common livelihood strategy for residents of cities in developing countries. In Dar es Salaam, urban agriculture comprises the production of crops, livestock and vegetables. Malaria transmission in Dar es Salaam is a significant problem and assumed to be closely linked to agricultural activities, where farmers and mosquitoes share common water resources. Although urban agriculture often provides breeding sites for malaria vectors, it is not clear if this increases actual malaria transmission in the surrounding areas.
