Horticultural Engineering

Projektträger: BLE

Laufzeit: 9/2011-8/2014

In this project, an effective non-invasive method for rapid and early detection and evaluation of downy mildew (Bremia lactucae) resistance in young lettuce plants will be developed. Photosynthetic activity is a proven indicator for early detection of impairment of plants. Especially chlorophyll fluorescence imaging (CFI) is well suited for non-invasive measurement of photosynthetic efficiency. Recent available CFI systems as well as coupled data analysis programs are not really useful for practical applications. They must be appropriately developed and adjusted. With reliable algorithms, the new technique will provide the procedural prerequisites for a highly effective screening of mildew-resistant cultivars in lettuce breeding and production. The system will further serve as an easy-to-use disease scanner for the selection of new field-resistant cultivars and for early-detection of mildew infestation in horticultural practice.