Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

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