In a significant development for global food security, a consortium of leading UK research institutions has launched a £5.91 million project to combat one of agriculture’s most persistent enemies: potato blight.
The James Hutton Institute, University of Dundee, the Sainsbury Laboratory, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London are joining forces in this five-year study, which aims to unravel the complex mechanisms behind crop diseases.
The research focuses on potato blight, the notorious plant disease that triggered the Irish Potato Famine in the 1800s and continues to threaten food production worldwide. With current estimates suggesting that pests and diseases endanger 25% of global food supplies annually, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
At the heart of this research is a microscopic structure called the haustorium, where the battle between pathogen and plant plays out. This structure, formed when the Phytophthora infestans pathogen invades plant cells, serves as a crucial battleground where the outcome of infection is determined.
“These infection structures present a real and present danger to crops that are staples of our diet,” says Professor Paul Birch, who will lead the study. Professor Birch, who holds joint appointments at the University of Dundee and the James Hutton Institute, added, “This is a truly exciting opportunity to make major advances in our understanding of how these key infection structures are formed and function.”
The research team will employ cutting-edge molecular, biochemical, and cell biological techniques to study how molecules are exchanged between the pathogen and host plant. Their findings could pave the way for new protective measures against crop diseases, potentially revolutionizing food security efforts worldwide.
The substantial funding from UKRI not only highlights the project’s significance but also reinforces the UK’s position as a leader in agricultural research. As global food security concerns continue to grow, the outcomes of this study could have far-reaching implications for crop protection and food production worldwide.
