Genomics of white mold disease resistance in common bean (Phaseaolus vulgaris L.)

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum L. de Bary is one of the most destructive pathogens in common bean in Canada and all around the world. This fungal pathogen affects over 500 species of plants and its damages vary among and within population from different geographical regions and this can be partially explained due to the genetic diversity in a population in a certain region. An understanding of the genetic diversity of this plant pathogen is essential to implement effective management strategies including the deployment of resistant cultivars. However, the existing studies on genetic diversity lack a more complete overview of the genetic of the population within a production area. The goal of our project is to perform mycelial compatibility group’s assays (MCG) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) in a collection of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum isolates collected in different commercial fields in Quebec and Ontario, to examine the genetic composition of the population present in the region and give a broader insight onto control strategies involving deployment of resistant cultivars. I will be spending time at Dr. Debyshire’s lab to learn bioinformatics tools and, whole genome sequence data and initiate drafting of manuscripts

Faculty Supervisor:

Valerio Hoyos-Villegas

Student:

Partner:

Curtin University

Discipline:

Earth science

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health)

University:

McGill University

Program: