Molecular characterization of potato wart disease outbreaks (SendoTrack)

Potato wart disease, caused by the quarantine soil-borne fungus Synchytrium endobioticum, poses a significant threat to potato production due to its long-term soil persistence and ability to evolve new pathotypes that are able to infect potato varieties that are currently considered resistant. The SendoTrack project developed concepts, strategies, tools and materials for comprehensive molecular characterization of S. endobioticum isolates to exploit global collection material for track and trace purposes.
By integrating molecular characterization techniques with international collaboration and leveraging historical collections for population genomics, The SendoTrack project generated crucial insights into S. endobioticum diversity and distribution. These insights provide a scientific background that will support regulatory measures and improve disease management strategies. We exploited, advanced and integrating previously generated molecular and bioinformatic tools for genome and mitochondrial genome analysis and used microsatellite loci to characterize all material available in the global collections.
This project established a repository of Sequences, DNA, RNA, WGA materials for use in diagnostic validation. We develop standardized test protocols for S. endobioticum genotyping, ensuring consistency and reliability in pathogen identification. A public online data platform was created, integrating genomic and epidemiological information to support tracking and regulatory efforts. Additionally, the project resulted in a scientific publication detailing its findings and contributions to the field.