RESISTVIR - Co-ordination of Research on Genetic Resistance to Control Plant Pathogenic Viruses and Their Vectors in European Crops

Plant viruses and their vectors cause serious economic losses, limit European crop production, and have negative effects on the quality and safety of food. The use of genetic resistance is one of the best ways to control plant viruses/vectors. RESISTVIR responds to topic T6.9 Use of genetic resistance as a tool to control plant pathogenic viruses, and aims to improve co-ordination of research on genetic resistance to plant pathogenic viruses/vectors, in European crops. This will ultimately result in new sources and mechanisms of sustainable resistance to plant viruses/vectors, being used in conventional and GM crops, and in decreased pesticide usage.<P>

The specific objectives are to: <UL> <LI> Assemble information on the latest European & worldwide progress towards using resistance to control plant viruses /vectors and to provide future insights <LI>Co-ordinate cutting-edge European research <LI> Identify barriers to the development and use of new resistant varieties <LI>Encourage harmonisation of national and European standards, legislation, ethical issues, codes of practice & regulations related to GM and traditionally-bred crops for control of pathogenic viruses/vectors <LI>Develop a framework of suggested guidelines and recommendations of best practice <LI>Provide an on-line European database, linked to existing web sites and databases<LI>Promote exchange of European researchers <LI>Promote collaboration with European industry <LI>Disseminate the project's key findings to end-users <LI>Provide a framework to encourage complementary research programmes across the ERA </ul> The main outputs will lead to: <ul> <LI>Better co-ordinated European research: less duplication of effort, more rapid commercialisation <LI>Increased awareness of the problems faced by plant breeders, geneticists, consultants and growers <LI>Improve suggested guidelines and recommendations for consultants, crop producers and policymakers <LI>Improved control of viruses/vectors, resistance management strategies, & less pesticide usage