Nanocarrier technology for the next generation of cereal seed treatments

  • Term:  3 years, starting in 2019

  • Status: Ongoing

  • Funding Amount: $100,000

  • Lead Researcher(s): Dr. John Laurie (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge)

  • Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission

Project Description

The aim of this project is to develop seed coat technology containing nanocarrier-complexed RNAi for the suppression of smut and bunt diseases in cereals. Such technology will reduce our dependency on toxic fungicides, resulting in healthier soil microbiomes. This technology will also facilitate the use of beneficial fungal endophytes. Additionally, we will develop in parallel seed coatings to suppress plant genes. This technology will allow alteration of seedling phenotypes for desirable agronomic traits.

Pests & Disease, AgronomySask Wheat2018-2019, All Projects