Rapid field diagnostics of the blackleg pathogen races through the identification of pathogen avirulence (Avr) genes and the development of Avr-specific markers

Project Summary

The objective of this study is to develop molecular markers as an efficient tool for genotyping and monitoring L. maculans populations in canola fields across Western Canada.

Overview:

Through many steps, including cloning genes, generating crosses between isolates and specific gene identifications, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) biomarkers were developed and shared with public and private pathology labs to allow for a rapid ‘in-field’ test to identify blackleg races present on the canola stubble. This helps growers make informed variety selection decisions based on the blackleg strain found in their fields. It also addresses a concern of a major trading partner.

Note: This study was one of many making up the ‘Canola Disease Management Tools for the Prairies – Blackleg and Sclerotinia’ project that was led by SaskCanola in partnership with industry and funded under the Agri-Science Project (ASP) within the Growing Forward 2 Program.