Developing new soil-based methods for identifying blackleg disease causing fungal strains in canola crops.

Agricultural crop losses from fungal pathogens such as blackleg (Leptospheria maculans), a major disease of Canola, results in millions of dollars of economic losses each year. The rapid and conclusive identification of the presence of a fungal crop pathogen in a field before planting can help producers make informed decisions about crop selection. This project, undertaken with Whit Otter Inc. proprietary technology, will develop a method for the rapid and conclusive detection of fungal pathogens in a soil sample. The proof-of-concept study outlined here will focus on identifying strains of blackleg fungus in both test and field collected soil samples. This project will set the foundation for an expansion of the services that White Otter Inc. offers to include testing of agricultural samples for the presence of a wide array of pathogens.

Faculty Supervisor:

John Sorensen

Student:

Partner:

White Otter Biotech

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Manitoba

Program: