This proposal aims to identify core pathogenicity factors (effectors) of Lm and Fg and determine their function. This information could be used to develop biological and chemical fungicides that target the effector gene expression or block the function of effector gene products.

Non-race specific resistance against blackleg disease of Brassica napus canola, known as adult plant resistance (APR), is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes. The APR trait is highly durable against the blackleg pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm), although the nature of causative APR genes is not known.

The best approach to manage blackleg disease is the use of canola cultivars that are genetically resistant to the pathogen. However, cultivars that contain the resistant (R) gene(s) against the most prevalent pathogen race(s) are more likely to be effective in controlling blackleg disease. Among the various tools developed from this and other similar projects, markers for race determination of blackleg pathogen and markers that determine the type of R gene in canola cultivars have the most practical and immediate benefit for canola farmers by helping them to achieve both goals.

This project focused on increasing our knowledge on plant host-clubroot pathogen interactions by determining if reducing the ability of the pathogen to use the plant hormone auxin (responsible for cell grow, division and expansion in the plant) would reduce clubroot disease progression, particularly at the gall forming stage.

The output of the project will be a better understanding of the role of lipid composition in low temperature performance in B. napus seedlings. The objective is to identify new targets for breeding canola with improved low temperature characteristics.

The proposed research will demonstrate the effectiveness of specific genes in canola for resistance to sclerotinia. Plant breeders will be able to select QTLs to increase the likelihood of capturing these resistance genes in breeding lines.

The current project aims to define a root system architecture RSA that contributes to improved NUE for canola and will allow the reduction of nitrogen inputs while maintaining productivity. With increasing temperatures predicted for the Prairies in coming years it is becomes imperative to generate climate resilient crops.

The differential lines will provide canola pathologists and breeders with an extremely valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of resistance. They will be made available to the canola industry for variety development, which will ensure that Saskatchewan producers have a diverse range of clubroot resistant cultivars to select from.

Genetic resistance is considered as the most efficient method for control of blackleg. Previous research results indicate that both Canadian and Chinese B. napus varieties could carry novel genes for resistance to blackleg. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and map the unknown R genes in the canola varieties.

There is a pressing need to improve productivity of crops, in order to maximize yield without further expanding arable land. The ability to make further crop improvements relies on the introduction of novel allelic variation, one such source being related species; however, interspecific barriers to recombination limit the transfer of new variation into crops.

The tools developed and verified through this project will enable efficient development of resilient varieties. The results support potential of canola digital phenotypes to field-scale agronomic applications. The expansive data sets and samples generated through this project are and will be used in various research projects, extending the utility of grower-invested research dollars.

Seed of PAK93-based pre-breeding lines will be more attractive to plant breeding companies than the original germplasm such as PAK54, primarily because it will be faster to develop hybrid varieties that combine the desirable traits from PAK93-derived lines with other important traits such as herbicide tolerance and resistance to the diseases, blackleg and clubroot.

Increase canola protein inclusion rates in monogastric animal feeds, followed by canola germplasm that produces protein better suited for human diets, and finally specialty varieties that produce protein for specific technical applications.

The proposed research will deliver knowledge and tools to improve utilization of existing clubroot resistant cultivars and to accelerate the discovery of new clubroot resistance genes, with the anticipation of exploring broad-spectrum and durable clubroot resistance that will be highly beneficial to breeders and growers of canola and other Brassica crops.

The pathogen (P. brassicae) populations in western Canada is evolving rapidly. It is extremely important to have canola cultivars with new sources of resistance avialabe to canola producers in Saskatchewan.

Our knowledge of pathogen virulence genes and plant race specific resistance (R) genes in the Leptosphaeria-Brassica pathosystem has tremendously advanced in the past two decades.

Growing clubroot-resistant (CR) cultivars in appropriate rotations remains the most effective solution to the long-term management of clubroot disease.

The ability to integrate stable clubroot resistance into new germplasm is needed to protect the economy while ensuring sustainability and growth in canola growing regions.

Crop residues supply critically needed carbon (C) and nutrients to the soil. These residue-derived resources support plant growth and the formation of soil organic matter, a cornerstone of soil health.

This project aims to contribute to the development of elite canola varieties that are resistant to pathogen infection for the betterment of the canola industry.