A genome wide association study was performed on each wheat panel, which identified a few molecular markers associated with the different types (Types I to III) of FHB resistance. In addition, the meta-QTL analysis generated 126 meta-QTL that captured many of the major QTL reported for bread and durum wheat and should facilitate the improvement in FHB resistance. The molecular markers developed for the new sources of resistance, the optimal gene pyramids and the best resistant lines will be available for breeders and pathologists to enhance current strategies for wheat resistance.
Read MoreThe current project did not identify triazole insensitive F. graminearum isolates in the Prairie Provinces. This key information indicates that stakeholders do not need to significantly change fungicide use in the region. Although insensitive isolates were not identified, a range of sensitivity was observed, suggesting that the sensitivity to triazole fungicides could shift over time. Therefore, continued monitoring will be important.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) has become a substantial management concern for wheat growers in Saskatchewan, affecting both yield and quality of the crop. An integrated approach to FHB management is recommended, including the use of resistant varieties, a timely fungicide application, and crop rotation, along with other cultural practices.
Read MoreProtection from fungal plant pathogens is key for optimizing the yield and quality of wheat. However, current grower practices and historical research do not always align with respect to optimum fungicide timing to maximize disease control, yield, quality and profitability of Canadian Western Red Spring (CWRS) wheat.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) is the number one priority disease of wheat in Canada. It threatens all wheat growing areas by reducing crop yield, compromising end-use quality, and affecting food and feed safety through accumulation of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain. In order to continue to make progress in breeding for FHB resistance and build on the momentum that has been generated, it is critical to provide increased capacity for FHB phenotyping.
Read MoreDeoxynivalenol (DON) is the major secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium graminearum. F. graminearum can infect cereals such as: wheat, durum, barley, rye and corn. This toxin can make the grain unmarketable for producers. This study examined methods to recover high quality (low DON) wheat and barley from infected seed lots.
Read MorePlant diseases are responsible for at least 10% of yield losses in global food production. Incidence and severity of two important cereal crop diseases, Fusarium head blight (FHB) and tan spot are increasing with the impacts of climate change. FHB is responsible for mycotoxin contamination of grains and both diseases lead to significant yield damage. It was recently determined that barley, which was thought to be inherently resistant to tan spot, is susceptible to a race of the pathogen that has been identified in Canada.
Read MoreThe purpose of the project was to collect rust infected leaves from field plots and perform sequencing directly from the samples and identify genetic groups (termed as lineages) the samples belong to. The method is quick as compared to classical methods (such as race characterization or genotyping with molecular markers) for pathogen population characterization.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium spp., is a destructive disease of small grain cereals, such as wheat, barley, oat and canaryseed. Apart from grain yield losses and reduced baking and seed quality, a major concern with FHB is crop contamination with Fusarium-produced trichothecene mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), also known as vomitoxin. These mycotoxins accumulate in the grain making it unfit for consumption by humans and animals. Significant DON contamination may render a crop unmarketable, or reduce the market value by 40-65%.
Read MoreFusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious disease of wheat across western Canada, causing substantial yield and quality losses. As well as reduced yields, the disease can also result in downgrading or complete crop loss due to high toxin content in the grain. FHB creates a management challenge because highly resistant wheat varieties are not available and fungicides do not provide complete FHB control. Therefore, a priority of pathology and breeding programs in Canada and in the US is to find new sources of resistance. This can be achieved by screening existing collections of germplasm or creating new, exotic, sources of resistance by novel means.
Read MoreOver the past decade, Fusarium head blight (FHB) has become one of the primary issues facing wheat producers in Western Canada. Resistance to the disease in bread wheat has improved but is still not strong enough to withstand major outbreaks, while resistance in durum wheat remains limited at this time. Triazole fungicides are typically applied to wheat crops to protect against infection; however, these treatments can be ineffective and Fusarium resistance to this fungicide has been reported. The application of dsRNA to control various plant pests and pathogens is an emerging field that could provide RNA-mediated control without the need for transgenic plants. This approach was first demonstrated for the control of plant viruses and is also viable for the control of insect feeding.
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