Subventions et des contributions :

Subvention ou bourse octroyée s'appliquant à plus d'un exercice financier (2017-2018 à 2020-2021).

Sclerotinia stem rot caused by the fungal pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is the leading cause of crop lossx000D
for Canadian canola growers. Growers are having increasing difficulties controlling Sclerotinia usingx000D
conventional broad spectrum fungicides. Thus, growers are looking for alternative methods of crop protectionx000D
using bacterial biocontrol systems. Improved seedling establishment and protection against fungal disease overx000D
the growing season is a major driver for improved crop performance in crops like canola. Thus, finding newx000D
and innovative ways to protect this valuable Canadian crop is an immediate priority for canola growers. Thex000D
proposed CRD project will support collaborative research and develop synergies between industry andx000D
scientists at the University of Manitoba to investigate the effect of an established bacterial biocontrol system inx000D
the protection of canola against fungal pathogens. Together, the Belmonte, de Kievit and Fernando laboratoriesx000D
and Stoller Enterprises Canada will work towards the commercial development of PA23, a biocontrolx000D
bacterial-based system. Through a combination of formulation enhancement, next generation sequencing andx000D
comprehensive bioinformatics approaches we will uncover the genes and gene regulatory networks responsiblex000D
for crop protection and bacterial colonization of agricultural land, and reveal synergies between PA23 andx000D
Stoller products. Our work is driven by innovation and will train at least one highly qualified doctoral, onex000D
Masters, and three undergraduate research students, in addition to a full time technician with expertise in thex000D
application of biocontrol technologies. The impact of this work will be realized by broad agriculturalx000D
application to crops grown in Canada and around the globe and will drive innovation through discovery basedx000D
science. Optimization of PA23 formulations and understanding its genetic and molecular mode of action willx000D
add value to this product and improve Canada's agricultural economy. We will develop a new generation ofx000D
biological fungicides that are safe, environmentally friendly, with potential for broad application to improvex000D
yield and the bottom line.