Polymer seed film coating mixed with a micronized natural mineral (zeolite) as management tools against pea root rot disease

Root rot disease especially Aphanomyces root rot has led to decrease pea acreage in the prairies due to yield losses of up to 70 percent in wet years. Current fungicides are few and have very limited efficacy on the target pathogen, but may negatively affect other living organisms in the environment. Therefore, there is the need to develop effective tools against root rots in a more effective and natural way. One graduate student will develop a polymer-based seed coating with antifungal properties to protect pea seedlings from root rot disease. The second graduate student will assess the survival of aphanomyces spores in the presence of new developed coatings and other gemination processes. This will be the first step in a collaborative research effort to tap into industry know-how and develop solutions that will benefit producers and the pulse industry.

Faculty Supervisor:

Linda Gorim;Lingyun Chen

Student:

Partner:

Kenobie Inc.

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta

Program: