Axis 1 - Characterize the processes responsible for adaptive dynamics in pathogen populations

ADEP  |  People  |  Alumni  |  Publications  | Funding and collaborations  |  Join us!  |  Visit us

This first set of objectives is to characterize the epidemiological processes responsible for adaptive dynamics in populations of Z. tritici in response to a variety of biotic and abiotic factors as well as uniform vs. heterogeneous selection pressures.

Key areas of investigation include:

1.1. Highlighting multi-trait local adaptations (virulence, aggressiveness, fitness) to different factors. The factors studied include host species (e.g. bread wheat vs. durum wheat), variety, climatic variables (e.g. temperature, humidity).

1.2. Understanding the adaptive dynamics of populations in heterogeneous vs. uniform host populations. Our research in this area aims to unravel how populations of Z. tritici adapt to host populations with varying levels of diversity and complexity and the resulting epidemiological consequences. The goal is to strike a balance between the efficiency of resistance mechanisms and their long-term sustainability. The following case studies build upon the ongoing project, based on national and international collaborations: landraces in Tunisia in collaboration with INRAE SADAPT, ISTOM and BNG, varietal mixtures in France in collaboration with ARVALIS and INRAE PHIM, and modelling in collaboration with INRAE SAVE, INRAE EcoSys, and University of Reading.

1.3. Characterizing epidemiological processes focused on inoculum. This involves studying the dynamics of inoculum and its role in host-pathogen interactions within populations. The impact of crop residues as source of primary inoculum and the influence of their microbiota - especially in varietal mixtures - is investigated in collaboration with the EPLM team in the ERA-NET WHEATSECURITY and GS Biosphera/SPE MYCOMIX projects.

1.4. Understanding the adaptation of Z. tritici to make control methods more sustainable. Our team seeks to understand how Z. tritici adapts to combinations of control methods, possibly interacting with antifungal molecules in collaboration with the GAIA team and ARVALIS.