Biocontrol of blackleg using carnivorous bacteria (part 2)

Project Summary

Blackleg, one of the most important diseases of canola, is caused by the fungi Leptosphaeria maculans. Current control strategies include the application of fungicides, planting resistant cultivars, and crop rotations. All these strategies have drawbacks. Biocontrol by antagonistic microorganisms could be an alternative crop protection option.

Myxobacteria are a group of soil bacteria which hunt and kill other bacteria and fungi. Myxobacteria have demonstrated the biocontrol of fungal pathogens of tree seedlings, peppers, fruit, and vegetables.

In the Biocontrol of blackleg using carnivorous bacteria project, the research team isolated myxobacteria from Manitoba. In the current study, they will determine whether they can kill or inhibit the growth of Leptosphaeria maculans. Then, the researchers will determine whether or not these myxobacteria can protect canola plants against challenge with Leptosphaeria maculans under field-like conditions. Since myxobacteria are natural inhabitants of agricultural soil it is possible to stimulate their populations in the soil to antagonize Leptosphaeria maculans and other pathogenic fungi.

Potential impact

Canola farmers will be the major beneficiaries when this project is successfully completed. A strain or mixture of strains of myxobacteria which can suppress L. maculans under field conditions will provide canola farmers with another tool to suppress blackleg. When such a biocontrol tool is scaled up to commercial use and proves effective the severity and economic losses due to blackleg will be curtailed to the benefit of farmers.