|
The pathogen causing blackleg in Canada is
composed of four known pathogenicity groups (PGs): PG1, PG2, PG3 and PG4.
In the last two decades, however, PG2 has been the most prevalent group in
Western Canada. This group contains highly-virulent strains of the blackleg
pathogen. It has been shown recently that in the presence of non-aggressive
strains from PG1, a highly virulent strain from PG2 was not able to cause
disease. It was hypothesized that PG1 induces defense mechanisms in canola,
which makes it difficult for PG2 to infect and colonize the plant.
Implementation of a technology using such hypoaggressive strains in order to
trigger resistance mechanisms in canola could provide a new disease control
strategy in this crop. Identifying potential PG1 components responsible for
the observed induced resistance will lay the ground for developing more
accurate inducing systems in order to control this disease.
This research project will:
1.
Survey the occurrence of
pathogenicity groups in Manitoba canola fields.
2.
Study the variability in inducing
resistance among PG1 isolates.
3.
Optimize induced resistance
conditions in canola using PG1.
4.
Study the mechanisms of resistance
induced by canola.
5.
Investigate the PG1 components
that induce resistance.
Dr. W.G. Dilantha Fernando, Department of Plant
Science, University of Manitoba is a co-applicant of this project.
Funding partners include the Canola Council of
Canada, seed companies and farm cooperators.
|
HomeContact
UsAbout
ManitobaDepartmentsLinksPrivacy 
