DELUGE

Research

Context and Issues
Context and Issues: Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is the most important oil seed crop in France. However, it is highly demanding in pesticides, especially insecticides. Among numerous insect pests of this crop, the most problematic one is the cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB, Psylliodes chrysocephala). This species is a specialist of crucifers which adults feed from leaves of young plants while larvae develop inside the plant. No efficient solution to prevent CSFB damage is available in France now. The aim of this project is to allow for the development of resistant cultivars in the future.

Objectives
This projects has three main objectives: (i) identifying a brassicaceous species that is more resistant than B. napus to CSFB, that shows intraspecific variability for its resistance and that can be crossed with B. napus; (ii) developing a series of biotests in the laboratory to dissect the B. napus - CSFB interaction; (iii) developing a lab rearing of the insect.

Methodology
The main part of the project consists in feeding tests with plantlets in the laboratory and interspecific crossings in semi-field conditions.

Funding and Support: Promosol