Research into plant/pathogen interactions; molecular biology
The biocontrol laboratory is the holder of the Canada Research Chair in Phytoprotection. Research into plant/pathogen interactions focuses on studying plants’ silicon absorption mechanisms and the expression of their transcriptomic defence reactions. A second focus is on identifying genetic factors that explain differences in resistance between varieties of a given species, through research into associated quantitative trait loci (QTL). The laboratory also continues to be interested in the biological control agent Pseudozyma flocculosa. Further to annotating the genome of this organism, our team is currently using transcriptomic studies to identify the factors behind the success of P. flocculosa against powdery mildew (oidium) in plants.
Training on devices and equipment as required
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Pest Containment Level 2 (PPC-2) Room |
PPC-2/PPC-3* growth chamber
* Under certain conditions |
Work with microorganisms for which the Canada Food Inspection Agency requires a high level of confinement (soybean rust) |
| Autoclave | Used to autoclave large quantities or large volumes of material and equipment (e.g., fermenter tanks). | |
| Pipetting system automation | Used to automate experiments using 96-hole plates (or other) requiring transfer, dilution and repetition steps, etc. |
Private and public sector research partners
- Les Serres du St-Laurent (Savoura)
- Syngenta Canada
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC-Ottawa)
- University of York (UK)
- AAFC-Summerland
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| The transition from a phytopathogenic smut ancestor to an anamorphic biocontrol agent deciphered by comparative whole-genome analysis. Plant Cell | http://www.plantcell.org/content/25/6/1946 |