Laurence is working as a PhD student on the PRIMO project focusing on the biocontrol of Solanum tuberosum against Phytophthora infestans by volatile organic compounds. Biocontrol is of major importance as European initiatives are driving a paradigm shift to reduce the use of chemical phytopharmaceuticals. A specific approach in biocontrol involves harnessing the plant’s innate immune system through a phenomenon known as priming which brings the plant in a state of alertness. In our research group, we have established a proof-of-principle that the green leaf volatile Z3-hexenyl acetate (Z3-HAC) is a potent priming agent against P. infestans in potato.
