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European project fights virus in tomato and cucurbits

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) participates in the Virtigation project funded by the European Union. This was set up to combat emerging viral diseases in tomatoes, cucurbits, melons, pumpkins and zucchini.

Tomatoes and cucurbits are among the most widely produced vegetable crops in the world. These crops are currently being affected globally by two emerging viruses. These are the begomovirus ToLCNDV (Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus) and the tobamovirus ToBRFV (tomato brown rugose fruit virus).

Currently, there are few effective solutions available to stop the destruction of crops by these plant viruses. The purpose of the Virtigation-project is to reduce crop losses of tomatoes and cucurbits due to viral diseases by up to 80 percent.

The research focuses on solutions, such as plant resistance, plant vaccines, biopesticides and combinations thereof. This is necessary for an integrated approach to pest control. The project also aims to implement new methods for early detection, prevention and control of these plant viruses. Virtigation has a total budget of 7 million euros for four years and brings together 25 partners from twelve countries.

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