Development of molecular techniques for the control of fruit rot in cranberries

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Increased knowledge of cranberry diseases is of capital importance to insure the continued production of quality fruits. The fruit pathogens are an increasing concern in the different geographic areas of production. In Quebec, while the presence of cranberry diseases was rare in the past, an unfortunate increase in diseases has plagued the industry. In certain areas of the province, growers more commonly now have to do up to three fungicide applications to control different diseases. For fruit handlers, the removal of defective fruit in the supply chain is both costly and time-consuming and affects the supply of the finished product. The precise identification of the several pathogens responsible for fruit rot is complex, cumbersome and inaccurate. This problem is exacerbated by the increasing presence of fungal isolates now resistant to strobilurin (QoI) fungicides used to control fruit rot. In this project, in collaboration with Ocean Spray of Canada and four cranberry growers, the objective is to develop a multiplex PCR approach that can lead to a precise diagnostic of the causal agent(s) of cranberry fruit rot throughout the areas of production in Quebec and Nova Scotia. This diagnostic will apply to both field and stored rot. In addition, efforts will be invested to identify the source of black rot on the rise in Quebec fields. Finally, molecular tools will be applied to identify fungal isolates having developed resistance to QoI fungicides in an effort to help growers better manage the disease. A precise knowledge of the pathogens attacking cranberry fruit will provide Canadian and American growers with adapted control solutions that will benefit both Ocean Spray and cranberry growers throughout the country through yield increment and reduction and optimized usage of pesticides to curb losses incurred by field and stored fruit rot.