NKJ 135 - Effekt af klimaendringer på samspillet av Fusariumarter i havre og bygg

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The background for the proposed project is the growing challenges in the Nordic region regarding Fusarium head blight and mycotoxin contamination of cereals. Additional challenge can be expected due to probable changes in the climatic conditions, that can have effect on disease development and mycotoxin production. Little is known about the interaction of these fungi with oats and barley, and about the mechanisms governing their inter-pathogenic relationships. Preliminary research suggests that such patho gen-pathogen interactions may lead to unexpected compositions of mycotoxins and other secondary metabolites. At the moment there is no coordinate action governing the Fusarium research in the Scandinavian countries. The proposed research will unite the Sc andinavian interest, expertise, and research capacity within the field of Fusarium and mycotoxins in cereals. In doing so we will further our understanding of the role and production of mycotoxins, enabling us to seek sustainable solutions for the Fusariu m head blight problem in the Nordic region. The project will utilize cutting edge technology within the field of DNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis (454 next-generation-sequencing, microarray), joined with chemical analysis of mycotoxins and other metabolites, and traditional plant pathology in field and greenhouse. Advanced bioinformatic tools will assist in and combine the various analyses. “Bioinformatics” is among the strategic stakes of Bioforsk, and is already anchored in the position of the project leader, Erik Lysøe.