Blast disease

Rice blast disease caused by the pathogenic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most dangerous disease affecting rice cultivation in Italy and worldwide. The agrochemicals available to control it are under strict regulation due to their environmental impact, and the use of some of the most effective molecules is limited. For this reason, it is particularly important to have varieties that show improved resistance to this disease. Our goal is to enhance genetic resistance to rice blast in Italian rice varieties. To achieve this, we use molecular markers to introgress genomic regions associated with resistance, sourced from both traditional Italian and exotic donor varieties. Additionally, through the Ris8imo project, we use the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to introduce targeted mutations in rice blast susceptibility genes in Italian varieties.

For fungal assays and the study of the molecular basis of plant–pathogen interactions, we collaborate with Thorsten-Langner‘s group at the Max Planck Institute in Tübingen.