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Project title

Optimization the existing and developing novel techniques for the extraction and separation of the seaweed-derived polysaccharides and polyphenols.

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

University of Galway

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

Plant pathogens cause significant losses in crop yields and, driven by climate change, are having increasing impact. In addition to demand for greater crop productivity, there are increasing restrictions on pesticide use because of their damage to health and the environment. Thus, validated safe alternative pesticides are needed, preferably from sustainable sources. Seaweeds have been used horticulturally to improve plant health. Although seaweeds have been shown to contain anti-fungal compounds and some plant-derived sugars are known to stimulate plant immunity, seaweed polysaccharides have not yet been fully validated as promoting plant health. However, preliminary evidence indicates that seaweed polysaccharides can stimulate the plant immune system. This project seeks to fill the knowledge-gaps necessary for exploiting seaweeds as a source of sustainable compounds for promoting plant health. Preliminary research in the Popper lab showed that strawberry plants treated by foliar spraying with seaweed polysaccharides performed better under stress than untreated plants. However, the underlying mechanisms have yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the mechanisms involved in plant protection will be explored through application of seaweed-derived polysaccharide extracts to plants. Extracts will be screened for their antifungal/plant protection properties in strawberry plants and Arabidopsis. Strawberries are one of Irelands largest crops, and since they are highly susceptible to fungal diseases, resulting in substantial economic losses, identifying effective antifungals and/or plant protection products is of vital importance. Arabidopsis, is a model plant for which there are more tools available enabling the mode(s) of action to be more fully identified. The health of treated plants will be explored specifically centred on their growth physiology. In addition, they will be investigated for markers (reactive oxygen species, and callose production) that the plant immune response has been stimulated. This knowledge will provide a rigorous scientific base to develop innovative plant protection products for Irish and European agriculture.

Grant Approved

�29,776.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2024