Bee vectored Clonostachys rosea interactions with three pathogens in high bush blueberries and development of a rapid molecular detection tool

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The Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH) at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and Bee Vectoring Technology International Inc. (BVT), a Canadian bio-pesticide company, will partner to explore the value of a bee vectored beneficial endophytic fungus, Clonostachys rosea (strain CR7) for the management of three pathogens that infect flowers of highbush blueberry in British Columbia; Mummy Berry, Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, Grey Rot, Botrytis cinerea, and Anthracnose Colletotrichum acutatum. The unique action of this fungus is that it establishes in plant tissue and can prevent pathogenic fungi from initiating infection. The highly targeted method of application, using pollinators to deliver the beneficial fungus to flowers, is also novel and if successful, could contribute to replacing use of chemical fungicides with an environmentally safe alternative. BVT will use the data to register the new biofungicide in Canada and make it available to the market. Benefits will also accrue to agricultural producers when this product becomes available, as it will reduce the use of fungicides, lessen heavy equipment damage to soils and lower farm staff time required to manage these diseases; ultimately lowering the cost of agricultural production while producing safer healthier blueberries. Research will study the behaviour, persistence and migration of the endophytic fungus within the blueberry plant using specific molecular tools developed in this project. Ultimately, this research will bring new, environmentally protective products for disease management to the important BC blueberry industry, train several students and new grads and a Post Doctoral Fellow in the development and use of "green" technologies, and assist BVT to become a successful company in the biopesticide sector. The field of applied research in microbial biocontrol will be advanced and KPU will expand its expertise and ability to partner with companies in this rapidly changing technology sector.