Proteomics tech emerges as early dieback diagnosis key

Research conducted by Proteomics International Laboratories and Curtin University has made a crucial discovery in understanding how dieback impacts plants in a potentially significant agriculture breakthrough.

A recent study at the university’s Centre for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM) in Western Australia, using Proteomics’ “Promarker” technology, has identified the widely-used dieback treatment phosphite works in three different ways. The discovery could now assist in developing an early detection tool to help limit the spread of the devastating disease.

Proteomics’ Promarker platform was used as part of the research to assess protein “fingerprints” in plant samples and comparing them with other fingerprints from dieback samples to ascertain differences. The company’s technology has been developed to investigate biomarkers in human-borne afflictions including diabetic kidney disease, endometriosis and oesophageal cancer.

Phytophthora dieback is a plant disease that can spread rapidly and it can have a significant impact on native vegetation and premium crops such as avocados. Known as a soil-borne water mould, phytophthora cinnamomi causes dieback, which is also referred to as root rot.

Phytophthora cinnamomi is considered the species of dieback that has the greatest impact on biodiversity. According to the CSIRO, it also causes tens of millions of dollars worth of crop losses annually in Australia alone.

Biomarkers for identifying plant dieback have been discovered, with current experiments determining their detection level in “real life” samples of infected plant root. It opens the way for developing a simple field diagnostic test for the presence of dieback.

The collaborative study has found that phosphite, a liquid fungicide, can impact the disease in three different ways by targeting the pathogen directly, increasing a plant’s natural defence against dieback and increasing photosynthetic protein production.

Having previously confirmed dieback is resistant to chemical control on crops such as avocados, stone fruits and pines, the latest study results have led to new insights into how phosphite works against the fungus-like disease in a potentially major breakthrough for growers.

By understanding the biochemical intricacies of phosphite’s interaction with both pathogen and host, we are better equipped to develop diagnostic tools to accurately detect dieback in the soil, which would be of significant benefit to the agricultural industry, and others.

The key researchers behind the study believe the new discovery could assist in developing an early detection tool to help limit the spread of dieback.

Lead author and recent CCDM PhD graduate Dr Christina Andronis said up until the results of the new research, how the compound actually worked was considered a bit of a mystery, with many believing phosphite only improved the plant’s defence system against the disease and its interaction with pathogen was not understood.

“We’ve been able to show this chemical is extremely valuable for horticulture production due to its three modes of action,” Dr Andronis said.

“One of these modes involves enhancing photosynthesis, potentially leading to improved yields, but further studies are needed to confirm this. As phosphite is the only chemical used to control dieback commercially, we need to ensure it remains useful for producers for the long term.”

Subsequent studies will now be closely watched as the fight against the gradual deterioration – and often death – of trees continues.

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