Annual progress report - Cost 873

Monitoring Progress Report – 2009
COST 873 – Bacterial Diseases of Stone Fruits and Nuts
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Correcting Course to Keep Momentum on All Tasks and Incorporate Participant Interests
2008: The only concern raised by MC members at the Kick-off meeting was regarding the relative
representation of Nut vs. Stone Fruit issues. This was understandable given that a core group of Nut
researchers have been working on the preparation of this Action for over 2 years, and Stone Fruit issues
were just added to the Action shortly before proposal submission. Given this timing, it is encouraging
that several new task-forces have been established that focus on Stone Fruit diseases.
Specific effort was immediately made to enlist those raising this concern in developing research plans
focused on stone fruit problems, but these participants declined to take the lead. The Chair has since
contacted other participants to potentially head new task-forces and it is anticipated that after WG
meeting discussions, several were established devoted to stone fruits in 2008. The problem with
balance has been corrected after the structure of task-forces was outlined on the website, and several
new STFs were established. In 2009, stone fruit research and cooperation activities held a prominent
position in COST873.
2009: We identified lagging efforts in the area of host plant genomics/genetics in 2009 and have
initiated plans to correct this in 2010. Specifically, a meeting is planned for Barcelona (February 2010)
which will recruit partners involved in international genomic efforts (Rosaceae, peach, almond).
The aim of this initiative is to link COST873 breeding, germplasm and pathogen genomics advances
with plant genomics resources, to establish active research cooperation and to lay the foundation for
FP7 KBBE research projects with inclusion of COST873 participants. Experts were also recruited
for genome bioinformatics (CeBiTec, Germany; Oxford University, UK) and plant biochemistry
(TUW, Vienna) were recruited to bolster COST873 research activities. They have already been
integrated and are participating in COST873.
We also identified a role of COST873 in the EU research gap regarding Xylella fastidiosa. A review
was presented by J. Janse (NL) and plans made to hold a phytosanitary training course in Bari IT
(October 2010). This will include technology transfer to Europe from US experts with this difficult
pathogen.
The only other area that has lagged behind the rest of COST873 involves cooperative research for
chemical control products and integrated disease management. Targeted STSMs have been planned and
discussion with the WG leader indicates this will be corrected in 2010, including involvement of
industry partners. The 2009 Annual Meeting invigorated COST873 participants working in this area
who have been reluctant until now to engage in COST873 cooperative research. Special attention will
be devoted by the Chair, CoP Lead and WG 4 Lead to move this work forward in 2010.
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