Bee vectored Clonostachys rosea interactions with three pathogens in high bush blueberries and development of a rapid molecular detection tool

Bee Vectoring Technologies International Inc. will partner with the Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, NSERC and MITACS for a 3- year research project to explore the value of a bee vectored beneficial endophytic fungus, Clonostachys rosea (strain CR-7) for the management of diseases of highbush blueberry in BC. The natural and beneficial fungus has been demonstrated to establish in flower tissue of other plant species and prevent pathogenic fungi from initiating infection. This study will explore it’s establishment in highbush blueberry. Using pollinators to deliver the beneficial fungus to flowers is novel and if successful, will contribute to replacing chemical fungicides with an environmentally safe alternative. BVT plans to register the new biofungicide in Canada and make it available to agricultural producers to manage blueberry diseases while lowering the cost of agricultural production, producing safer healthier blueberries, and protecting the environment. Ultimately, this research will assist a young Canadian company to bring new environmentally protective products for disease management to the Canadian market, train a Post Doctoral Fellow and several students, and contribute to the development and use of “green” technologies.

Faculty Supervisor:

Deborah Henderson

Student:

Partner:

Bee Vectoring Technologies

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

Kwantlen Polytechnic University

Program: