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Screening the products (through defenses induction assessment and protection tests against pests) and studying their mode of action, with the support of molecular tools, allow their rapid or accurate characterization on apple under controlled conditions. The study of factors that can influence their efficacy (genotypes, abiotic constraints, persistence of action...) is facilitated by this characterization on the one hand (mode of action), and by the development of tools to assess the physiological status of the plant (receptivity status) at the time of treatment, on the other hand (markers of abiotic stress and nutrition status). In the orchard, protocols for integrating PRIs into pest management programs are being developed in collaboration with the Experimental Horticultural unit of INRAE at Angers (UE Horti) in order to replace a portion of conventional pesticides especially for apple scab. A redesign of the orchard integrating the combination of different alternative levers (PRIs, varieties, fertilization...) is a finalized strategy of the team.  

Associated publications:

Dugé de Bernonville, T., Marolleau, B., Staub, J., Gaucher, M., Brisset, M.N. (2014) Using molecular tools to decipher the complex world of plant resistance inducers: an apple case study. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 62, 11403-11411. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf504221x

Marolleau, B., Gaucher, M., Heintz, C., Degrave, A., Warneys, R., Orain, G., Lemarquand, A., Brisset, M.N. (2017) When a plant resistance inducer leaves the lab for the field: Integrating ASM into routine apple protection practices. Frontiers in Plant Science 8, 1-11 (article 1938). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.01938

Bénéjam, J., Ravon, E., Gaucher, M., Brisset, M.N., Durel, C.E., Perchepied L. (2020). Acibenzolar-S-methyl and resistance quantitative trait loci complement each other to control apple scab and fire blight. Plant Disease. https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-07-20-1439-RE