Next Generation Fungicides - Translating dsRNA technology from the lab to the field
Term: 2 years, beginning in 2021
Status: Ongoing
Funding Amount: $308, 000
Lead Researcher(s): Dr. Steve Robinson (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatoon)
Funding Partners: Alberta Wheat Commission, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association
Project Description
This project will evaluate the efficacy of promising RNA-based fungicides for Fusarium head blight (FHB). Currently, there are no effective sources of resistance protecting wheat against FHB and there is heavy reliance on the use of chemical sprays to control the disease. The development of dsRNA-based fungicidal strategies targeted to prevent pathogen growth and development can limit disease outbreaks and offers an additional method for producers in the integrated pest management strategies. This research builds on the projects funded by Ministry of Agriculture and Sask Wheat that led to the discovery of new targets to limit fusarium pathogen growth through dsRNA spray application. In this project (Phase 2), the major goals are: 1) To evaluate the existing technology in the field, demonstrating the efficacy of the previously identified targets against FHB and translating the technology from the lab into the field and 2) To continue the discovery and evaluation of new gene targets enabling further optimization of FHB spray formulations. AAFC collaborates with GreenLight BioScience to generate production of RNA molecules at large scale and at low cost to facilitate the field scale evaluation. This project will generate data to determine the efficacy of controlling FHB incidence using spray induced gene silencing and optimize its application in the field. This technology provides a non-transgenic resistance strategy with minimal environmental impacts for fusarium control by inhibiting the growth of pathogen.