PROJECT OVERVIEW

Development of Molecular Methods for Rapid Detection and Identification of Leptosphaeria maculans Pathogenicity Groups in Canola

Dr. W.G. Dilantha Fernando

Department of Plant Science

University of Manitoba

(204) 474-6072

ARDI Project:

Total Approved:

Date Approved:

#05-699

$60,000

March 20, 2006

The pathogen responsible for blackleg of canola is composed of four pathogenicity groups: PG1, PG2, PG3 and PG4.  PG2 has been prevalent in the prairies for the last two decades, but in 2003 and 2004, PG3 and PG4 were discovered in southern Manitoba and unusual severe infestations have been reported in 2005 from fields in the Brandon area.  Available commercial canola cultivars that have been effective against PG2 are susceptible to these new groups.  Even though a minor source of inoculum in field conditions, seed is a major factor of blackleg long distance dispersal.  More severely infected sites are likely to be reported in the future from other regions of Manitoba and across the prairies.  Disease diagnostic methods have been applied to help contain disease from expanding to new geographic regions.  Currently, blackleg identification and characterization of the fungal pathogenicity group involves a lengthy and resource intensive procedure based on in-vitro isolation and pure culture techniques, inoculum production, and growth cabinet artificial inoculation of a set of differential blackleg resistant canola varieties.  Such a procedure requires at least two months for completion and prevents large scale sampling efforts needed, for example, to evaluate seed lot contamination prior to shipment to farmers or to assess the extent of geographic dispersal of the newly reported pathogenicity groups.

This research aims to address these issues by developing and testing a rapid and affordable DNA amplification (PCR) based method for detection and characterization of Leptosphaeria maculans pathogenicity groups from canola seed and stubble samples.

Co-applicants of this project are Dr. Mathieu Dusabenyagasani, and Dr. Genyi Li, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba.  Partner funding is provided by the Manitoba Canola Growers Association, the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission and the Alberta Canola Producers Commission through the Canola Agronomic Research Program.

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