Download Plant-pest interactions under elevated CO2 concentrations in the

Plant-pest interactions under elevated CO2 concentrations in the system grapevine
(Vitis vinifera) – downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) – grape berry moth (Lobesia
botrana)
Plants interact with a wide range of organisms, some of which are harmful, like pathogens and herbivorous insects. These very
complex and dynamic biotic interactions can
be affected by changes in environmental conditions, such as elevated concentrations of
atmospheric CO2 as a consequence of anthropogenic global change.
For studying the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on interactions between grapevines
and two of their economically most significant pests – the downy mildew pathogen Plasmopara viticola and larvae of the grape berry moth Lobesia botrana – a free-air carbon dioxide
enrichment (FACE) system is used.
The study focuses on possible changes in the epidemiology of P. viticola (e.g. germination of
soil-borne oospores, vitality of zoospores, duration of incubation period) and in the developmental biology of L. botrana (e.g. relative growth rate, development rate, longevity) due
to elevated CO2 concentrations. Furthermore, the expression levels of defense genes in
grapevines are investigated via qPCR to record possibly changed defense reactions of the
host plant towards the respective pest organisms under altered CO2 concentrations.
The data obtained contribute to a better understanding of mechanisms in plant-pest interactions under altered environmental conditions. Moreover, the damage potential of P. viticola
and L. botrana, as expected in the future under elevated CO2 concentrations, will be analyzed through extensions of already existing forecasting models.
Staff working on this project:
Nadine Kirsch
Annette Reineke
Beate Berkelmann-Löhnertz
Funding:
This project is part of the LOEWE - priority program "FACE2FACE - consequences of climate
change, adaptation to climate change and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050",
funded by the Hessian Ministry for Science and Art.
Project period:
01.01.2014 – 31.12.2016