Abstract:

This project will research methods to recycle problem plant-based wastes through controlled composting into pest and pathogen-free composts which have a consistent value in suppressing soil-borne pathogens in organic and low-input vegetable production. The work aims to determine the mechanism of disease suppression and to enhance the efficacy of composts. The work will examine the plant growth and nutrition effects of using composted plant-based wastes in sustainable vegetable production and propagation. Controlled composting methods will be devised in the laboratory and in large-scale systems. The work of seven science groups (plant pathology and nutrition, compost science, metabolite chemistry, agronomy) and seven industrial partners (producers of vegetables and biocontrol agents and composters) will be integrated. Pathogen/crop/waste compost interactions specific to Northern and Southern Europe will be examined.

Objectives:

The objective of this project is to research methods to recycle plant-based wastes through controlled composting into pest and pathogen-free composts which have a value in suppressing soil-borne pathogens in sustainable vegetable production.

Specific objectives of the project are:

1. To produce composts which: are free of pests and pathogens; suppress soil-borne pathogens, reducing the need for chemical fungicides and soil sterilants; and have a soil conditioner/fertiliser or growing substrate value, reducing the need for inorganic fertilisers and peat;
2. Avoiding landfill through waste reduction and recycling;
3. To facilitate technology transfer through the industrial partners.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Patrick MARTIN / Horticulture Research International Dept of Pathology & Microbiology / UNITED KINGDOM

Dimitrios ASIMOMYTIS

• Dimitrios ASIMOMYTIS / Greek Mushroom Farm GREECE

Participant

• Lionel ROINEAU / BBCE IPM Unité Mixte de Recherche / FRANCE
• Eran VARDI / Faculty of Agricultural, Food & Environment Quality Sciences Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology / ISRAEL
• Jesus T PASTOR CIURANA / Food Technology Department SPAIN
• Robert OLDERSHAW / Goldwood (Moulton) Ltd UNITED KINGDOM
• Elasar GAD / Hishtil Afula Nursery Ltd Head Office / ISRAEL
• Israel SCHMIDT / IBOAA's Extension Department ISRAEL
• Athanassios MARGELIS / Messianiaki SA Agricultural Industries / GREECE
• Spyros (Spyridon) VIZANTINOPOULOS / National Agricultural Research Foundation GREECE
• Yitzhak SPIEGEL / Newe Ya'ar Research Center ISRAEL
• Peter LUETH / Prophyta Biologischer Pflanzenschutz GmbH GERMANY
• Yaron SHAPIRA / Shacham Givat Ada Ltd R&D Department / ISRAEL
• Jim ROCHE / TEAGASC, Kinsealy Research Centre IRELAND