Welcome on the website of the Plant pathology research unit of the INRA-PACA-Avignon centre

Our research is focused on bacterial, fungal and viral diseases of fruits and vegetables typically produced in the Mediterranean basin. Studies are also conducted on Ceratocystis canker of plane trees and viral diseases of ornamental crops. Our long term goal is the development of rational and efficient disease control methods that are compatible with a sustainable and high quality production. The methods for disease avoidance (prophylaxis) that we develop are based on:

• early and effective diagnosis,
• cultivation of plant varieties with durable disease resistance,
• use of pre-emptive biological control agents,
• predicting disease by understanding the ecology and evolution of plant pathogens and disease epidemiology.

Our research relies on a close partnership with stakeholders in agricultural development and scientific cooperation on the national and international levels. This work is integrated into the research networks for Integrated Horticultural Production and for Adaptation to Global Change of the INRA-PACA Center.