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.This research program is based on the principle that a molecular understanding of the complex interactions of plants with microbial pathogens can guide the development of integrated strategies to prevent and control plant diseases. Since such interactions are mediated by natural products produced by both plants and pathogens, it is essential to understand their chemical reactions and determine their ecological roles. We are analyzing plants stressed by various types of fungal pathogens and comparing the profiles of bioproducts produced. We have uncovered canola pathogens that produce potent chemical weapons to destroy plant cells and allow pathogens to obtain nutrients. We discovered also that many pathogens of canola can overcome the plants' chemical defenses by breaking them down. Importantly, we found that a few plant bioproducts can stop this process, thus we can stop the pathogen by mimicking these bioproducts. The farming industry and the community will benefit from our work to protect agricultural crops and enable 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, an additional benefit to our community.