Jane Ritchie
Project title:
Comprehensive analysis of Venturia inaequalis populations in Irish apple orchards: fungicide sensitivity, virulence, and genomic insights
Biography: Jane is focused on the disease Venturia inaequalis (or apple scab) which presents significant challenges to apple cultivation in Ireland. This pathogen can cause significant yield losses, and is highly adaptable. Despite early efforts in the 1990s to study scab in Irish climates, including the establishment of a bank of apple scab isolates, research in this area has been limited. Varying levels of resistance to fungicides was recorded, indicating the need for continued research as fungicides are the main method of disease control. Over the course of the PhD project Jane will seek to deepen our understanding of V. inaequalis populations in Irish apple orchards, particularly regarding fungicide sensitivity, virulence, and genomic characteristics. A main aim will be to assemble a comprehensive collection of V. inaequalis isolates sourced from both commercial and domestic orchards across Ireland to capture the full genetic diversity of the Irish V. inaequalis population.
Teagasc email: Jane.Ritchie@teagasc.ie
University email: Jane.Ritchie@ucdconnect.ie
Teagasc Research Programme: Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme
Research Location: Teagasc Oak Park
Name of University: University College Dublin
Teagasc Supervisor: Dr. Alberto Ramos Luz