Investment
Investment
GRDC Code: UWA2307-002RTX
The control of blackleg through genetic resistance is one of the most important and effective ways to minimise the impact of this disease. There are two types of resistance to blackleg, major gene and quantitative (minor) resistance, both playing an important role in control of the disease. Major gene resistance, when effective, leads to total control of the disease, however this form of resistance can be overcome within three years of use by the sexually reproducing pathogen. Quantitative resistance, whilst generally more stable, restricts the growth of the pathogen inside the plant, thereby reducing the impact of the disease but not totally controlling it. The combination of both major gene and quantitative resistance is thought to provide the best long-term strategy for minimising the disease.
This investment will use a range of molecular and phenotyping tools to identify both major and minor resistance genes that can be incorporated into Australian breeding programs as well as develop a better understanding on how best to deploy these genes in the field to minimise the risk of blackleg disease.
The project aims to identify novel sources of major gene resistance, characterise quantitative resistance and develop best management strategies for deployment of resistance genes. The objectives of the project are to provide breeders with new tools for identifying and tracking both major and minor genetic resistance which will ultimately lead to new resistance being deployed in Australian cultivars.
Improving major gene and quantitative (minor) resistance to blackleg disease of canola
GRDC and UWA are partnering in a $7.06 million project over 5 years through the deployment of genetic resistance strategies in canola. Canola is Australia's third largest grain crop, however blackleg disease is a major threat to production in Australia and can cause between 10-30% yield loss annually, with 90% yield loss in extreme situations.
The control of blackleg through genetic resistance is one of the most important and effective ways to minimise the impact of this disease. There are two types of resistance to blackleg, major gene and quantitative (minor) resistance, both playing an important role in control of the disease. Major gene resistance, when effective, leads to total control of the disease, however this form of resistance can be overcome within three years of use by the sexually reproducing pathogen. Quantitative resistance, whilst generally more stable, restricts the growth of the pathogen inside the plant, thereby reducing the impact of the disease but not totally controlling it. The combination of both major gene and quantitative resistance is thought to provide the best long-term strategy for minimising the disease.
This investment will use a range of molecular and phenotyping tools to identify both major and minor resistance genes that can be incorporated into Australian breeding programs as well as develop a better understanding on how best to deploy these genes in the field to minimise the risk of blackleg disease.
The project aims to identify novel sources of major gene resistance, characterise quantitative resistance and develop best management strategies for deployment of resistance genes. The objectives of the project are to provide breeders with new tools for identifying and tracking both major and minor genetic resistance which will ultimately lead to new resistance being deployed in Australian cultivars.
- Project start date:
- 01/06/2023
- Project end date:
- 30/06/2028
- Crop type:
-
- Canola/Rapeseed, (Oilseed)
- Organisation
- University of Western Australia
- Region:
- North, South, West
- Project status
-
Active