Wild Blueberry/European blueberry Molecular Responses to Floral Diseases

The wild blueberry is an important crop in the Canadian Atlantic provinces with 140 million kg of fruit being produced in 2016 with a farm gate value of $155 million. However, gray mold disease caused by Botrytis cinerea can cause substantial damage with 20% crop losses being reported. This study seeks to the genes and natural compounds including phenolic compounds produced in wild and European blueberry plants that provide resistance to this fungal organism. Outcomes from this study will include the generation of critical, basic knowledge on mechanisms conferring disease resistance in blueberries, and new technologies that will negate the need for blanket applications of disease control products to blueberry fields. When completed, this research is anticipated to benefit over 2000 producers by improving berry yields, production sustainability and global competitiveness. This study will also provide the student with an opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills that is presently not available elsewhere in Canada.

Faculty Supervisor:

David Percival

Student:

Partner:

Universitetet i Tromsø – Norges arktiske universitet

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Agriculture and Food; Sustainability & the Environment; Environmental Science and Technology

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: