Transcriptomic analysis of the Leptosphaeria maculans- (blackleg-canola) interaction to identify resistance genes in canola and avirulence factors in L. maculans

Project Summary

The objectives of this study are to:

1. identify effectors and evaluate the comparative transcriptomic response of susceptible and resistant canola lines to virulent isolates of Leptosphaeria maculans (blackleg)
2. identify specific resistant genes in canola involved in the expression of an incompatible interaction with L. maculans.

Overview:

Three experiments in the study produced three key findings:

• A unique pipeline with an exhaustive list of classically secreted proteins (that may stimulate plant infection) along with their key conserved motifs found in 12 common plant pathogens including L. maculans (the pathogen which causes blackleg in western Canada) were provided and will help with future analyses of pathogenesis processes in canola-L. maculans interaction.
• Comparison of the transcriptome of L. maculans during compatible and incompatible interactions has led to the identification of key pathogenicity genes that regulate the fate of the interaction and lifestyle transitions of the fungus.
• A successful in-depth characterization of Brassicaceae aquaporins highlighted transport mechanisms and related physiological processes that could be exploited in breeding of stress-tolerant cultivars.

Note: This study was one of many making up the ‘Canola Disease Management Tools for the Prairies – Blackleg and Sclerotinia’ project that was led by SaskCanola in partnership with industry and funded under the Agri-Science Project (ASP) within the Growing Forward 2 Program.