Chemistry of plant-pathogen interactions

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Among the great variety of plant microbial diseases, fungal diseases cause the largest crop losses worldwide. Although yield losses are attenuated by the use of disease-tolerant plant varieties, application of fungicides is often essential to maximize crop yields. An ongoing concern about pollution and sustainability of agriculture production continues to inspire our research program. Our overall objective is to understand and control plant fungal diseases using environmentally and ecologically sustainable methods. Of particular emphasis in our studies are some of the most important Canadian oilseed crops, canola and rapeseed, as well as vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, rutabaga, and their most damaging fungal pathogens. Towards this end we are analyzing plants stressed by various types of fungal pathogens and comparing the natural products produced. For example, we have uncovered canola "blackleg" fungi that produce potent chemical weapons called phytotoxins to destroy plant cells and allow pathogens to obtain nutrients. In other cases, a canola "rust" fungus appears to be subtler and is able to trick the plant to make compounds that are less potent and allow their quick spread. Furthermore, many pathogens of canola and mustard can overcome the plants' chemical defences by breaking them down. Importantly, we found that a few natural plant products can stop this process, thus we may be able to stop the pathogen using similar bioproducts. On the other hand, we have discovered that mustard plants are able to counter attack fungal infection by breaking down the phytotoxins produced by the invader and thus prevent colonization. In summary, our research is providing ground-breaking contributions to the development of strategies for the control of fungal diseases of canola and related plants. The farming industry and all public (indeed the world community) will benefit if our work can contribute to protect agricultural crops and facilitate sustainable agriculture practices. In carrying out this research, we are training highly qualified people, essential in many Canadian institutions, including the agricultural, pharmaceutical, and food industries, a great additional benefit to our community.