Determine the contribution of specific defence genes to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in canola (Brassica napus)
Term: 4 years, ending March 2025
Status: Completed
Researcher(s): Lone Buchwaldt, AAFC
SaskCanola Investment: $99,000
Total Project Cost: $364,500
Funding Partners: Agriculture Development Fund
Project Description
The proposed research will demonstrate the effectiveness of specific genes in canola for resistance to sclerotinia. Plant breeders will be able to select quantitative trait locus (QTLs) to increase the likelihood of capturing these resistance genes in breeding lines. The knowledge of specific resistance genes will therefore contribute to development of better canola varieties for the economic benefit of growers. Defense genes identified in this project may also contribute to resistance against other canola diseases such as blackleg and clubroot. If that is the case, this type of resistance would be more difficult for the blackleg and clubroot pathogens to overcome.
Objectives
Determine the contribution of lectin genes to sclerotinia resistance in canola.
Determine the contribution of penetration-resistance genes to sclerotinia resistance in canola.
Determine the contribution of other candidate defense genes to sclerotinia resistance in canola.
Determine whether B. napus lines transformed with genes that confer sclerotinia resistance also confer resistance to other pathogens: blackleg, clubroot, verticillium stripe.
Grower Benefits
Sclerotinia white mould can cause substantial yield loss in canola. Researchers at AAFC in Saskatoon showed that resistance can be improved by inserting a cloned defense gene from an Asian Brassica napus line into canola.
Five genes were found that can enhance sclerotinia resistance when inserted into canola. Single genes that confer sclerotinia resistance do not provide resistance against the other canola diseases- blackleg, clubroot and verticillium stripe. The sclerotinia populations in western Canada and worldwide do not have the mechanisms to overcome quantitative resistance in canola.
AAFC is distributing seed of four sclerotinia resistant lines, under material transfer agreements (MTAs) free of charge. So far, 11 national and international canola breeding companies and two universities have received seed for use in development of canola varieties and for research. AAFC also supports distributing seed of the canola lines transformed with single defense genes generated in this project under MTAs to parties demonstrating a valid use.
Utilization of these defense genes in canola could control sclerotinia white mould in the future. This would decrease the need for fungicide application and reduce the carbon footprint associated with production and application of these chemicals.