Effector based screening for leaf spot complex in Canada

  • Term:  3 years, starting in 2019

  • Status: Ongoing

  • Funding Amount: $144,000

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

  • Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission

Project Description

Wheat leaf spot disease complex is widespread across western Canada, and is composed of several fungal pathogens. Two diseases predominate mainly, tan spot and Stagonospora blotch. Each disease is caused by one fungal pathogen and each pathogen produces multiple toxins, recently named as effectors, which play a major role in disease development. Without these effectors, the fungus is incapable of causing the disease. The aim of the project is: 1) identify new potential effectors in the tan spot fungus and map the corresponding wheat sensitivity loci; 2) screen Canadian wheat lines for their reaction to major Stagonospora effectors. The project provides a new approach toward adapting effector-based screening for leaf spot resistances in Canada.

Pests & Disease, Variety DevelopmentSask Wheat2018-2019, All Projects