Exploiting susceptibility genes in canola to improve blackleg resistance

The Challenge

Specific resistance (R) genes for blackleg resistance are limited and it is only a matter of time until they are overcome once introduced. Loss-of-function susceptibility (S) genes, however, are another way to achieve resistance to crop disease and could be applied to blackleg.

The Project

New S genes for combating blackleg disease virulence and severity with be identified and used to produce canola mutants with CRISPR/Cas9 for development of increased broad-spectrum and stable resistance against blackleg.

The Results

This section will be updated upon completion of the project.

Grower Benefits

The potential benefit of this research to producers and industry is continued improvement of variety resistance to all important canola diseases in western Canada.