L2M NSERC-Bioengineering attenuated Sclerotinia sclerotiorum strains as bioherbicide for cereal production and lawn management

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Weeds cause substantial yield losses in crops and frustrations for city lawn maintainers. Current weed control relies on chemical herbicides such as 2,4-D and glyphosate (Roundup), which can cause significant environmental harm and be overcome by herbicide-resistant weed strains. Furthermore, there are increasing restrictions on the use of chemical herbicides. Here we propose to develop bioherbicides - an alternative sustainable option for organic farming and landscaping. Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Ss) is a plant pathogenic fungus can infect and kill almost all dicotyledonous weeds. In contrast, it does not affect most monocots including cereal crops and lawn grasses, and instead may act as a beneficial endophyte. Thus, it has the potential to be used as an efficient bioherbicide agent. However, its ability to form the long-lasting resting bodies called sclerotia prohibits such potential since sclerotia can serve as a spreading agent to infect and damage untargeted dicot plants. Thus, sclerotia forming genes will need to be deleted in order obtain attenuated non-sclerotial forming mutant strains of Ss as a bioherbicide product. We have previously established protocols for the identification of sclerotia forming genes using genomics and molecular biology, and designed methods for the deletion of those genes. Furthermore, we have collaborators who we will work with to develop an optimal formulation for use. Here, we propose to conduct market research on the feasibility of our bioherbicide product. This product has the potential to be useful for many end-users including crop producers, parks maintainers, golf course maintainers, landscapers, and homeowners. We aim to evaluate the market need for the product, and what factors are required for this product be ideal for the consumer. In addition, we will identify the size of addressable market, and analyze the competitive landscape, including barriers to entry. Through the results of this market research will inform future decision-making on this potential bioherbicide product.