Chemistry of Plant-Pathogen Interactions

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Among numerous 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 used to maximize crop yields. Ongoing concerns about pollution and sustainability of agriculture production continue to inspire this 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 is canola, one of the most important Canadian oilseed crops, as well as vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, rutabaga, and their most damaging fungal pathogens. Canada is expected to boost canola production by 65% to 15 million tonnes by 2015! What will be the impact of this increase on fungal diseases and other pests? Now, more than ever, studies to understand and produce disease resistant crops are essential.