Understanding resistance to decrease risk of severe phoma stem canker on oilseed rape

Lead Research Organisation: University of Hertfordshire
Department Name: Health and Human Sciences RI

Abstract

Use of host resistance is the most effective and environmentally friendly way to control plant diseases. Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is an important arable crop in the UK. The disease phoma stem canker, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, poses an increasing threat to sustainable production of this crop. In the UK, phoma stem canker cause losses of > £100M p.a., despite use of fungicides. These losses will increase if the most effective fungicides are no longer permitted by EU legislation. Furthermore, it is predicted that global warming will continue to increase the range and severity of phoma stem canker epidemics. There is thus a challenge to produce cultivars with effective resistance in a changing climate to contribute to national food security. This project aims to decrease future risk of severe phoma stem canker on oilseed rape by developing a scheme for effective use of host resistance and by improving understanding of operation of host resistance against the pathogen to guide resistance breeding. The two types of resistance to L. maculans identified in B. napus are major resistance (R) gene mediated qualitative resistance that operates in cotyledons and leaves in autumn and quantitative resistance that operates in leaf stalk and stem tissues, after initial leaf infection until harvest in summer. R gene mediated resistance to L. maculans is single-gene race-specific resistance that is effective in protecting plants only if the corresponding avirulent allele is predominant in the local L. maculans population. R gene resistance often loses its effectiveness in 2 to 3 years after widespread use in commercial cultivars because of changes in L. maculans populations. To maintain the effectiveness of R gene resistance and decrease the risk that it will become ineffective, races in L. maculans populations in different regions will be determined. The L. maculans race information will be used to develop a scheme for deployment of cultivars with different R genes in space and time. Previous work at Rothamsted showed that temperature influences the effectiveness of both R gene resistance and quantitative resistance against L. maculans. To identify effective resistance in oilseed rape that will operate against L. maculans in a changing climate, this project will assess effectiveness of different types of resistance in both in controlled environments and natural conditions. Cultivars with only R genes, only quantitative resistance or combinations of R gene & quantitative resistance will be tested in different environments. From the results, we can assess which R gene or which combination of resistance is more effective. This information can be used to improve breeding strategies. To understand how temperature influences the effectiveness of host resistance, this project will focus on the three R genes which show a differential response to temperature; two of them map in the same region on chromosome A10 at distinct loci. To investigate mechanisms of operation of R gene and quantitative resistance against L. maculans, sets of materials with these R genes in the same background or the same R gene in different backgrounds will be used. These materials will enable us to investigate whether the difference in temperature response between these three R genes is due to the resistance loci or host background. Results from this project will help to minimise the risk of severe epidemics on oilseed rape so that yields are maintained to contribute to national food security and avoid unnecessary fungicide use. Breeders will benefit from improved strategies for breeding cultivars with effective disease resistance. The environment will also benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions through improved disease control in oilseed rape.

Technical Summary

This project is using oilseed rape (Brassica napus)/Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker disease as a model host/pathogen system to improve understanding of operation of host resistance for effective control of plant diseases. Phoma stem canker poses an increasing threat to sustainable production of oilseed rape. This project aims to decrease future risk of severe phoma stem canker on oilseed rape to maintain yield to contribute to food security. R gene mediated resistance to L. maculans is race-specific and is often rendered ineffective in 2 to 3 years due to evolution of pathogen populations from avirulence to virulence. Seasonal/regional changes in distribution of races of L. maculans will be identified using traditional cotyledon tests or new quantitative PCR. The L. maculans race information will be used to guide regional and seasonal deployment of different R genes to maintain their effectiveness. This project will assess effectiveness of R gene resistance and quantitative resistance in natural conditions and controlled environments. Cultivars with only R genes, only quantitative resistance or combinations of R gene & quantitative resistance will be used to investigate which R gene or which combination of resistance is more consistently effective in different environments. This will guide breeders to produce cultivars with resistance effective in a changing environment. Three R genes show a differential response to temperature; two of them map in the same region at distinct loci on chromosome A10. This project will focus on these R genes and use temperature as a means to understand operation of B. napus resistance to L. maculans. To investigate whether the difference in temperature response between these R genes is due to the resistance loci or host background, by collaboration with China and Canada, sets of materials with these R genes in the same background or the same R gene in different backgrounds will be tested at different temperatures.

Planned Impact

This project is directly relevant to the BBSRC Strategic Research Priority 1, Food Security, outlined in the 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. Oilseed rape is an important arable crop in the UK. The greatest current threat to sustainable production of this crop is the disease phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria maculans. This project will benefit the agricultural industry by decreasing future risk of severe phoma stem canker through improved understanding of resistance to L. maculans. A major beneficiary of the project will be plant breeders. The project will investigate effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on stability of different types of resistance (e.g. R gene mediated resistance and quantitative resistance) to L. maculans which will provide breeders with information for selection of pre-breeding material and guide their breeding strategies for development of suitable cultivars for different environments. In addition, this project will develop molecular markers for specific resistance loci that can be used by breeders in marker-assisted breeding programmes. This project will produce information on regional distribution of L. maculans races which will help breeders to develop cultivars for target regions. Another major beneficiary of the project will be growers. This project will improve understanding of operation of host resistance and knowledge about current L. maculans races to develop a scheme for deployment of cultivars with different combinations of R genes and background quantitative resistance, so that growers can choose suitable cultivars and avoid unnecessary fungicide use, especially if recent EU legislation leads to a decrease in fungicide types available. Furthermore, it is predicted that global warming will continue to increase the UK range and severity of phoma stem canker epidemics. This project will help growers to use resistance more effective for more sustainable and profitable control of phoma stem canker in oilseed rape. Agricultural advisors will benefit from this project by using the results to make recommendations on effective use of host resistance. HGCA will benefit by using the results to decrease costs of Recommended List trials. Policy-makers will benefit by using the results to guide forward planning as part of strategies to achieve the government climate change mitigation target for UK agriculture (Food 2030, Jan 2010) by reducing its carbon foot-print through improved disease control. Ultimately the public and environment will benefit from reduced fungicide use through improved guidance on selection and deployment of host resistance. Furthermore, improved resistance for efficient disease control in oilseed rape crops will increase yield, which will contribute to national food security. Since phoma stem canker is not only a major disease problem on oilseed rape in the UK but also a global disease on oilseed rape and brassica vegetables, results from this project will also contribute to international food security. The involvement of wide range of partners in this LINK project will ensure that outcomes of this research are exploited directly to translate scientific outputs into practical improvements to current disease management strategies. Well-established web-based communication methods will disseminate the research results quickly to the scientific communities (e.g. Leptosphaeria Research Community and Brassica Research Community). This project will produce new host materials with different resistance genes in the same background or the same resistance gene in different backgrounds. These materials will be ideal for further detailed investigation of mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions under different environment conditions. Therefore, this project will benefit scientific communities by improving our understanding of host resistance.

Organisations

Publications

10 25 50

 
Description Short-term benefits to farmers
To guide regional deployment of oilseed rape cultivars with different resistance genes, there is a need to monitor regional populations of Leptosphaeria maculans, especially in relation to virulence at the AvrLm1, AvrLm4 (populations currently differ between regions) and Avrlm7 (to decrease risk of breakdown of Rlm7 cultivar resistance) loci. It is recommended that AHDB deploys a set of spore samplers at some of sites of Recommended List winter oilseed rape trials in different regions to monitor races present in Leptosphaeria maculans populations each growing season to detect frequencies of virulent isolates by using PCR of samples of air-borne spores. Such information could then be made available to farmers on the AHDB web-site to guide their choice of cultivars for the next growing season.

There is a need to develop a web-based scheme for guiding regional deployment of winter oilseed rape cultivars with different types of resistance. There is a need to continue monitoring ascospore release to provide better guidance for timing of fungicide applications. This evidence suggests that deployment of a small number of spore samplers (for example at sites of a few AHDB Recommended List trials) would be sufficient to provide such guidance. It is likely that a new generation of spore samplers will be developed that can provide 'real time' information about the timing of release of specific spores but even if it is necessary to send weekly tapes to a laboratory for quantitative PCR analysis, results could improve the accuracy of guidance for spray timing
Exploitation Route Long-term benefits to farmers
Whilst some recommendations could be implemented quite quickly to decrease the risk of phoma stem canker for UK farmers, others are more long-term, since they need to be implemented by oilseed rape breeders in the breeding of new cultivars for use by farmers in the future.

R gene-mediated resistance should always be combined with quantitative resistance to improve its effectiveness in different environments. To provide farmers with cultivars that have effective resistance against the stem canker pathogen at different locations and in different growing seasons, it is essential that R gene-mediated resistance is incorporated into backgrounds with good quantitative resistance that is environmentally stable.

Relationships between temperature-resilience and effectiveness of resistance should be investigated. If factors that influence the effectiveness of resistance (differences between R genes; background quantitative resistance) are associated with the temperature-resilience of that resistance, then breeders could screen potential cultivars/lines for temperature-resilient resistance as a means of selecting for effective resistance. This would save time and expense by comparison with field experiments at multiple locations over several seasons that are currently used to select for effective, environmentally stable resistance. Such screening could be used in initial selection stages, although the best material would then need to be tested in field experiments.

There is a need to understand interactions between the two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) and cultivar R gene-mediated resistance/quantitative resistance to identify cultivars with resistance against both pathogens. Furthermore, although L. maculans is generally regarded as a more damaging pathogen than L. biglobosa, there is evidence that L. biglobosa was that dominant pathogen, responsible for severe stem base and upper stem lesions in the 2011/2012 growing season. There is a need for further work to understand interactions between the two pathogens (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) and cultivar R gene-mediated resistance/quantitative resistance to identify cultivars with resistance against both pathogens.

There is a need to exploit new genomic information and genetic resources to improve our understanding of the operation of resistance against Leptosphaeria species and other extracellular pathogens. There are now unprecedented opportunities to exploit this novel genomic information through bioinformatics and biocomputational methods, together with the new host materials that have become available to improve our understanding of resistance against the phoma stem canker pathogens. This new understanding can be exploited by breeders to develop new cultivars with more effective, durable, temperature-resilient resistance for the benefit of farmers and the whole agricultural industry in the UK.
Sectors Agriculture, Food and Drink

 
Description This project involved a consortium; University of Hertfordshire, nine oilseed rape breeding companies, three farmer organisations and three agricultural charities. This work has identified a number of ways to decrease the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics on UK winter oilseed rape crops, both in the short-term and the long-term. These are discussed in the context of a series of recommendations, which could be implemented by different sections of the UK oilseed rape industry, including farmers, the AHDB, crop advisors and the breeding industry. Short-term benefits to farmers To guide regional deployment of oilseed rape cultivars with different resistance genes, there is a need to monitor regional populations of L. maculans, especially in relation to virulence at the AvrLm1, AvrLm4 (populations currently differ between regions) and Avrlm7 (to decrease risk of breakdown of Rlm7 cultivar resistance) loci. It is recommended that AHDB deploys a set of spore samplers at some Recommended List (RL) winter oilseed rape trials sites to monitor races present in L. maculans populations in different regions. This should be done each growing season to detect frequencies of virulent isolates by using PCR of samples of airborne spores. Such information could then be made available to farmers to guide their choice of cultivars for the next growing season. There is a need to develop a web-based scheme for guiding regional deployment of winter oilseed rape cultivars with different types of resistance. There is a need to continue monitoring ascospore release to provide better guidance for timing of fungicide applications. Results of this project suggest that deployment of a small number of spore samplers would be sufficient to provide such guidance. It is likely that a new generation of spore samplers will be developed that can provide 'real time' information about the timing of release of specific spores but, even if it is necessary to send weekly spore sampling tapes to a laboratory for quantitative PCR analysis, results could improve the accuracy of guidance for spray timing. Long-term benefits to farmers While some recommendations could be implemented quite quickly to decrease the risk of phoma stem canker, others are more long-term, since they need to be implemented by oilseed rape breeders. R gene-mediated resistance should always be combined with QR to improve its effectiveness in different environments. To provide farmers with cultivars that have effective resistance against the stem canker pathogen at different locations and in different growing seasons, it is essential that R gene-mediated resistance is incorporated into backgrounds with good QR that is environmentally stable. Relationships between temperature-resilience and effectiveness of resistance should be investigated. If factors that influence the effectiveness of resistance (differences between R genes; background QR) are associated with the temperature-resilience of that resistance, then breeders could screen potential cultivars/lines for temperature-resilient resistance as a means of selecting for effective resistance. This would save time and expense by comparison with field experiments at multiple locations over several seasons that are currently used to select for effective, environmentally stable resistance. Such screening could be used in initial selection stages, although the best material would then need to be tested in field experiments. There is a need to understand interactions between the two pathogens (L. maculans and L. biglobosa) and cultivar R gene-mediated resistance to identify cultivars with resistance against both pathogens. Furthermore, although L. maculans is generally regarded as a more damaging pathogen than L. biglobosa, there is evidence that L. biglobosa was the dominant pathogen, responsible for severe stem base and upper stem lesions, in the 2011/2012 growing season. There is a need to exploit new genomic information and genetic resources to improve our understanding of the operation of resistance against Leptosphaeria species and other extracellular pathogens. There are now unprecedented opportunities to exploit this novel genomic information through bioinformatics and biocomputational methods, together with the new host materials that have become available to improve our understanding of resistance against the phoma stem canker pathogens. This new understanding can be exploited by breeders to develop new cultivars with more effective, durable, temperature-resilient resistance for the benefit of farmers and the whole agricultural industry in the UK.
First Year Of Impact 2014
Sector Agriculture, Food and Drink,Education
Impact Types Societal,Economic

 
Description Economic benefits to UK agricultural industry
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Contribution to new or Improved professional practice
Impact It has been estimated that University of Hertfordshire research on oilseed rape has benefitted UK agriculture by £10-20M per annum. Benefits include understanding to improve resistance of oilseed rape crop cultivars against pathogens that cause diseases that cause losses of more than £150M per annum. This information can be exploited by crop breeders and ultimately by agricultural distributors and farmers. Improved understanding of disease epidemics can be used to improve forecasting of the risk of severe epidemics to guide decisions on fungicide timing. The University has also provided five post-doctoral researchers who have entered the agricultural /horticultural industry (Limagrain, Elsoms, LS Plant Breeding, RSK ADAS, Royal Horticultural Society) on completion of their doctorates.
 
Description Influence on Chinese government policy in relation to import of oilseed rape seed from other countries
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Implementation circular/rapid advice/letter to e.g. Ministry of Health
Impact In response to our work, in November 2009 the Chinese government issued a quarantine measure restricting import of oilseed rape seed to ports in regions without the crop, unless seed was certified free from the pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans. This pathogen causes phoma stem canker, a serious disease of oilseed rape. The Chinese decision to protect its crops from this invasive species affected trade with Canada and Australia, and thus to intergovernmental discussions. Our recommendations to prevent entry of the pathogen that have been implemented by China include testing imported seed, surveying crops and training farmers to recognise disease symptoms.Subsequently, recommendations about the risks of crop debris (dockage) in seed cargoes has resulted in discussions between China and Canada, resulting in a high level agreement witnessed by the two prime ministers.
URL https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-china-canola-idUSL2N1BY1A0
 
Description Influence on Chinese government quarantine policy
Geographic Reach Multiple continents/international 
Policy Influence Type Citation in other policy documents
Impact This influenced Chinese quarantine policy in relation to import of oilseed rape seed into China from other countries. Further details of this influence are given in Zhang et al. (2014). Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146)
 
Description 14 ERA-CAPS Mechanistic Analysis of Quantitative Disease Resistance in Brassica by Associative Transcriptomics
Amount ÂŁ350,684 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/N005112/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2015 
End 10/2018
 
Description 16AGRITECHCAT5: Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK winter oilseed rape
Amount ÂŁ375,166 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/P00489X/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2016 
End 10/2020
 
Description Addressing vulnerabilities and project building capacity of agriculture to climate change in China
Amount ÂŁ633,600 (GBP)
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2011 
End 12/2014
 
Description Durable resistance - understanding factors affecting durability of crop resistance
Amount € 278,807 (EUR)
Funding ID 302202 
Organisation European Commission 
Sector Public
Country European Union (EU)
Start 01/2013 
End 12/2015
 
Description Effects of climate change on interactions between winter oilseed rape and Leptosphaeria species which cause phoma stem canker in the UK
Amount ÂŁ20,000 (GBP)
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2011 
End 12/2014
 
Description Effects of fungicides on interactions between phoma stem canker pathogens, severity of epidemics and oilseed rape yield
Amount ÂŁ45,000 (GBP)
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 10/2013 
End 02/2017
 
Description Exploitation of resistance genes from oilseed rape for control of light leaf spot
Amount ÂŁ54,000 (GBP)
Funding ID AHDB214-00xx 
Organisation Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2014 
End 07/2017
 
Description Genomics-led improvement of biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in mustard rape for economic and environmental sustainability
Amount ÂŁ1,764,019 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/R019819/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2018 
End 07/2022
 
Description HGCA Cereals and Oilseeds
Amount ÂŁ124,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RD-2009-3679 
Organisation Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2011 
End 11/2014
 
Description Improved management of light leaf spot in brassicas by exploiting resistance and understanding pathogen variation
Amount ÂŁ63,000 (GBP)
Organisation Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2013 
End 09/2016
 
Description Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network
Amount ÂŁ37,884 (GBP)
Funding ID CH0104 
Organisation Department For Environment, Food And Rural Affairs (DEFRA) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2018 
End 03/2023
 
Description Population dynamics of Pyrenopeziza brassicae under Irish field conditions
Amount € 92,000 (EUR)
Organisation Walsh Fellowship Foundation 
Sector Academic/University
Country Ireland
Start 01/2019 
End 12/2022
 
Description Research Award
Amount ÂŁ20,000 (GBP)
Organisation Chadacre Agricultural Trust 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2011 
End 12/2014
 
Description Research Excellence Framework
Amount ÂŁ1,077,000 (GBP)
Organisation United Kingdom Research and Innovation 
Department Research England
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 08/2022 
End 07/2025
 
Description Research award
Amount ÂŁ40,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RA2008/1 
Organisation Perry Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 01/2011 
End 12/2014
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape
Amount ÂŁ116,649 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/M028348/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2015 
End 08/2018
 
Description Sustainable yield of oilseed rape through improved resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans phoma stem canker
Amount ÂŁ95,042 (GBP)
Funding ID BB/N503848/1 
Organisation Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) 
Sector Public
Country United Kingdom
Start 09/2015 
End 09/2019
 
Description Understanding risks of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in the UK
Amount ÂŁ120,000 (GBP)
Funding ID RD-2140021105 
Organisation Agricultural and Horticulture Development Board 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2015 
End 03/2019
 
Description Understanding the durability of resistance to Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in oilseed rape
Amount ÂŁ41,500 (GBP)
Organisation Perry Foundation 
Sector Charity/Non Profit
Country United Kingdom
Start 04/2012 
End 03/2016
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation John Innes Centre
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation KWS Group
Country Germany 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation University of Copenhagen
Country Denmark 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation University of Göttingen
Country Germany 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation University of Lodz
Country Poland 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Analysis of early resistance against oilseed rape pathogens 
Organisation Wageningen University & Research
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Uh is a partner in a project led by John Innes Centre, with partners in Germany (univ Goettingen, KWS), Poland (University Lodz), Denmark(Copenhagen Univ), Netherlands (Wageningen). UH is involved in field and controlled environment experiments studying early stage resistance of brassicas against pathogens causing phoma stem canker and light leaf spot.
Collaborator Contribution Oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) is a major crop grown worldwide for production of edible and industrial oil, biodiesel and protein containing animal feed. Diseases are a major factor limiting production, a threat increasing due to climate change and the imminent withdrawal of agrochemicals in Europe. Improved disease control is an urgent priority and for this breeders are increasingly using quantitative disease resistance (QDR) which is considered broad-spectrum and durable. the consortium is identifying and characterising QDR to the most important pathogens of OSR: Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Verticillium spp, Leptosphaeria maculans, Alternaria brassicicola, Pyrenopeziza brassicae, and the model pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Botrytis cinerea. We are using a panel of 192 diverse OSR cultivars to screen for resistance against these pathogens in controlled environments and at field trial sites provided by our industrial partner, KWS. We are also quantifying induced defence responses to conserved pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and measuring salicylic acid, lignin, phenylpropanoid, glucosinolate and indole metabolites that are implicated in QDR mechanisms. By combining this data with transcribed sequence information, we are identifying candidate genes involved with defence responses and QDR to the OSR pathogens. We are also studying specific transporter genes GTR1 and GTR2 that control the allocation of glucosinolates to seeds and may impact on QDR.
Impact Mitrousia GK, Fell H, Gibbard C, Ridout CJ, Schoonbeek HJ, Stotz HU, Fitt BDL (2017) Potential identification of novel sources of resistance to pathogens in a Brassica diversity panel. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 213-219. Mitrousia G, Huang YJ, Noel K, Stotz H, Larkan N, Borhan H, Fitt B (2016) Effects of increased temperature on B. napus resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 93.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Fitness cost of virulence 
Organisation French National Institute of Agricultural Research
Department Biology and Management of Risks in Agriculture (BIOGER)
Country France 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of fitness cost of Leptosphaeria maculans mutatation from avirulent to virulent; assessing pathogen fitness cost of virulence to predict durability of coresponding R gene-mediated resistance.
Collaborator Contribution Dr Thierry Rouxel and Dr Mylène Balesdent provided near isogenic pathogen isolates for studying fitness cost; provided information from the Leptosphaeria maculans genome sequence to understand changes in L. maculans populations from avirulent to virulent (e.g. through gene deletion, repeat-induced-point mutation, etc.).
Impact Two research papers and several national and international conference presentations. Huang YJ, Balesdent MH, Li ZQ, Evans N, Rouxel T, Fitt BDL (2010). Fitness cost of virulence differs between the AvrLm1 and AvrLm4 loci in Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). European Journal of Plant Pathology 126, 279-291; Huang YJ, Li ZQ, Evans N, Rouxel T, Fitt BDL, Balesdent MH (2006). Fitness cost associated with loss of the AvrLm4 avirulence function in Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). European Journal of Plant Pathology 114, 77-89.
Start Year 2006
 
Description Fungicide control of phoma stem canker 
Organisation ADAS
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of effects of fungicides on control of the two pathogens causing phoma stem canker
Collaborator Contribution Provided fungicides; ran field trials; contributed to planning of experiments; provided knowledge of fungicides.
Impact Two research papers and several national and international conference presentations. Huang YJ, Hood JR, Eckert MR, Stonard JF, Cools HJ, Rossall S, Ashworth M, Fitt BDL (2011). Effects of fungicide on growth of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa in relation to development of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Plant Pathology 60, 607-620; Eckert MR, Rossall S, Selley A, Fitt BDL (2010). Effects of fungicides on in vitro spore germination and mycelial growth of the phytopathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). Pest Management Science 66, 396-405.
Start Year 2006
 
Description Fungicide control of phoma stem canker 
Organisation DuPont
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of effects of fungicides on control of the two pathogens causing phoma stem canker
Collaborator Contribution Provided fungicides; ran field trials; contributed to planning of experiments; provided knowledge of fungicides.
Impact Two research papers and several national and international conference presentations. Huang YJ, Hood JR, Eckert MR, Stonard JF, Cools HJ, Rossall S, Ashworth M, Fitt BDL (2011). Effects of fungicide on growth of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa in relation to development of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Plant Pathology 60, 607-620; Eckert MR, Rossall S, Selley A, Fitt BDL (2010). Effects of fungicides on in vitro spore germination and mycelial growth of the phytopathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). Pest Management Science 66, 396-405.
Start Year 2006
 
Description Fungicide control of phoma stem canker 
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of effects of fungicides on control of the two pathogens causing phoma stem canker
Collaborator Contribution Provided fungicides; ran field trials; contributed to planning of experiments; provided knowledge of fungicides.
Impact Two research papers and several national and international conference presentations. Huang YJ, Hood JR, Eckert MR, Stonard JF, Cools HJ, Rossall S, Ashworth M, Fitt BDL (2011). Effects of fungicide on growth of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa in relation to development of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Plant Pathology 60, 607-620; Eckert MR, Rossall S, Selley A, Fitt BDL (2010). Effects of fungicides on in vitro spore germination and mycelial growth of the phytopathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). Pest Management Science 66, 396-405.
Start Year 2006
 
Description Fungicide control of phoma stem canker 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of effects of fungicides on control of the two pathogens causing phoma stem canker
Collaborator Contribution Provided fungicides; ran field trials; contributed to planning of experiments; provided knowledge of fungicides.
Impact Two research papers and several national and international conference presentations. Huang YJ, Hood JR, Eckert MR, Stonard JF, Cools HJ, Rossall S, Ashworth M, Fitt BDL (2011). Effects of fungicide on growth of Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa in relation to development of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape (Brassica napus). Plant Pathology 60, 607-620; Eckert MR, Rossall S, Selley A, Fitt BDL (2010). Effects of fungicides on in vitro spore germination and mycelial growth of the phytopathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa (phoma stem canker of oilseed rape). Pest Management Science 66, 396-405.
Start Year 2006
 
Description INVESTIGATING MYCOVIRUS-MEDIATED SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE IN OILSEED RAPE 
Organisation University of Hertfordshire
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Oilseed rape, Brassica napus is attacked by many fungal diseases globally, especially light leaf spot (caused by Pyrenopeziza brassicae) and phoma stem canker (caused by Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa). Previously a quadrivirus (LbQV-1) was characterised that infects L. biglobosa, which then interferes with L. maculans pathogenicity. We are screening and characterising viruses in three fungal pathogens L. maculans, L. biglobosa and P. brassicae and quantifying how the host (oilseed rape) recognises and responds to each fungus. Virus-infected and virus-free isogenic lines of the Chinese L. biglobosa isolate (W10) have been revived to do challenge assays in planta. Endemic isogenic lines have also been produced. RT-PCR conditions were optimised, and LbQV-1 specific primers used to confirm virus presence by dsRNA isolation. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underpinning the observed phenotypes, samples were collected from different parts of challenge inoculated plants (i.e. stem, leaf, root, petiole etc.) and compared in terms of gene regulation using next-generation sequencing and quantitative PCR. Field isolates across Europe were collected and, to date, 48 L. maculans, 63 P. brassicae and 19 L. biglobosa isolates have been screened. Seven L. biglobosa isolates have been confirmed to contain LbQV-1, and one isolate from Canada with novel bands of viral dsRNA. Nine samples of British L. maculans have tested positive to the first incidence of a very large dsRNA strand, yet to be sequenced. None of the P. brassicae isolates from six countries across northern Europe appeared to be virus infected.
Collaborator Contribution University of Hertfordshire provides funding for the project and supervision of the student doing the practical work.
Impact Presentation at International Congress of Plant Pathology, Lyon, France, August 2023. INVESTIGATING MYCOVIRUS-MEDIATED SYSTEMIC RESISTANCE IN OILSEED RAPE. Locke-Gotel J, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ, Kotta-Loizou I and Coutts R Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and virologists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation DuPont
Department DuPont (UK) Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Grove Farm, UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Hutchinson H L Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Syntec Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Integrated control of Leptosphaeria pathogens on UK oilseed rape 
Organisation Weston Park Farm
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is a major disease of oilseed rape in the UK, causing yield losses > £100M p.a. The disease is caused by two related pathogens that attack in different ways: Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm) and L. biglobosa (Lb). Current control focuses only on Lm. Recent work showed that Lb can cause substantial yield losses and is less sensitive to some triazole fungicides than Lm. The pathogen Lb is a growing threat to UK oilseed rape production since no existing methods control it. This project will investigate stem canker epidemics caused by Lb and develop new tools/strategies to control them. To achieve this, we will (1) survey severity of phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Lb; (2) exploit new oilseed rape genomic data to identify genes for resistance against Lb; (3) determine efficacy of new non-triazole fungicides for control of both Lb and Lm; and (4) use Lb genomic information to investigate mechanisms of fungicide insensitivity in Lb; (5) develop new integrated control strategies.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved in field trials and consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, Cai X, Karandeni-Dewage CS, Gajula LH, Javaid A, Li GQ, Fitt BDL (2016). Understanding phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in the UK and China. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 43. Javaid A, Gajula H, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2017) Investigating the risk of severe phoma stem canker caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa on winter oilseed rape in UK. Crop Production in Southern Britain. Aspects of Applied Biology 134, 53-57.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Mechanisms of resistance against apoplastic pathogens 
Organisation Wageningen University & Research
Country Netherlands 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of mechanisms of crop resistance against apoplastic pathogens
Collaborator Contribution Prof Pierre de Wit from the University of Wageningen contributed to the initiation of the research and writing up the research paper.
Impact Publication of an opinion article. Stotz HU, Mitrousia GK, de Wit, PJGM, Fitt BDL (2014). Effector-triggered defence against apoplastic fungal pathogens. Trends in Plant Science 19, 491-500. Presentation of the work at international conferences: 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece; the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland
Start Year 2013
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Alberta Innovates
Department Alberta Innovates Technology Futures
Country Canada 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Huazhong Agricultural University
Country China 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Hubei Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau
Country China 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Inner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry Sciences
Country Mongolia 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Polish Academy of Sciences
Country Poland 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Rothamsted Research
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Prevent spread of Leptoshphaeria maculans into China 
Organisation Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau
Country China 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Modelled the potential spread of the aggressive Leptosphaeria maculans from imported affected oilseed rape seeds in spring and winter oilseed rape area; developed strategies to prevent the spread of L. maculans into China.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided data on disease survey in China and Canda; provided the data on detection of Leptoosphaeria maculans in imported oilseed rape seeds.
Impact Two research papers published. Zhang X, White RP, Demir E, Jedryczka M, Lange RM, Islam M, Li ZQ, Huang YJ, Hall AM, Zhou G, Wang Z, Cai X, Skelsey P, Fitt BDL (2014). Leptosphaeria spp., phoma stem canker and potential spread of L. maculans on oilseed rape crops in China. Plant Pathology 63, 598-612 (Doi: 10.1111/ppa.12146); Fitt BDL, Hu BC, Li ZQ, Liu SY, Lange RM, Kharbanda PD, Butterworth MH, White RP (2008). Strategies to prevent spread of Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) onto oilseed rape crops in China; costs and benefits. Plant Pathology 57, 652-664.
Start Year 2008
 
Description Quantitative resistance against phoma stem canker 
Organisation French National Institute of Agricultural Research
Department INRA Rennes Centre
Country France 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of quantitative resistance of oilseed rape operating against Leptosphaeria maculans by using doubled haploid lines with different levels of resistance
Collaborator Contribution Dr Regine Delourmem at INRA- Rennes in France, provided doubled haploid lines produced in her group for use in the BBSRC IPA and BBSRC LINK projects.
Impact Two research papers using their materials were published: PloS One, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; Plant Pathology 58: 314-323.
Start Year 2006
 
Description R gene-mediated resistance against L. maculans 
Organisation Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Country Canada 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Understanding effects of background quantitative on stability of R gene-mediated resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans by using the near isogenic lines produced in Canada
Collaborator Contribution A team at Saskatoon Agriculture and Agri-Food Research Centre, led by Dr Hossein Borhan, have produced near isogenic lines for different R genes; they provided their near isogenic lines for study in a BBSRC LINK project.
Impact Results of study presented at two conferences. (1) 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece; (2) British Society for Plant pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Chadacre Agricultural Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation DSV
Department DSV UK
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation DuPont
Department DuPont Pioneer
Country United States 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Elsoms Seeds
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Grainseed
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA)
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation LS Plant Breeding
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Limagrain
Country France 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Monsanto
Department Monsanto
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation National Farmers Union
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Public 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Saaten-Union Biotec GmbH
Department Saaten-Union UK Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Syngenta International AG
Country Switzerland 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Reduce risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics 
Organisation Wellcome Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Improved understanding of oilseed rape resistance against phoma stem canker pathogens and regional distribution of Leptosphaeria maculans races for effective deployment of effective resistance genes to reduce the risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics.
Collaborator Contribution Partners provided seeds for field experiments and controlled environment experiments; ran field experiments to sample pathogen populations and assess effectiveness of different resistance genes; run spore samplers to sample air-borne pathogen spores.
Impact One research paper and several presentations in national and international conferences. Huang YJ, Qi A, King GJ, Fitt BDL (2014). Assessing quantitative resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans (phoma stem canker) in Brassica napus (oilseed rape) in young plants. PLoS ONE 9: e84924. Doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0084924; (1) Oral presentations at the 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague, Czech Republic, 5th -9th June 2011. (2) Oral presentation at the IOBC-Working group meeting, Integrated Control in Oilseed Crops, Gottingen, Germany, 4-6 October 2011. (3) Oral and poster presentations at the Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference, Nice, France, 16-19 October 2012. (4) Poster presentations at the Crop Protection in Southern Britain, Association of Applied Biologists, Peterborough, UK, 27-28 November 2012 . (5) Poster presentations at the 11th International Epidemiology Workshop, Beijing, China, 22-25 August 2013 . (6) Oral and poster presentations at the 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Plant, Beijing, China, 25-30 August 2013.(7) Oral presentation at HGCA Agronomist conference, 10 Dec 2013. (8) Poster presentations at the BSPP presidential meeting, Birmingham, UK, 17-18 December 2013. (9) Oral presentation at the 19th Crucifer Genetics Workshop, Wuhan, China, 30 March - 2 April 2014 . (10) Poster presentations at the 16th International Congress on Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, 6-10 July 2014, Rhodes, Greece . (11) Poster presentations at the British Society for Plant Pathology Presidential Meeting, 1-2 September 2014, St Andrews University, UK . (12) Oral and poster presentations at the 11th Conference of the European Foundation for Plant Pathology, 8 - 13 September 2014, Kraków, Poland.
Start Year 2010
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation Grainseed
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation Hutchinson H L Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation LS Plant Breeding
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation Limagrain
Country France 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation Monsanto
Department Monsanto
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Strategies to increase durability of host resistance for effective control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape 
Organisation Woodhall Estate
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans, is a damaging disease on oilseed rape in the UK, causing annual yield losses > £100M despite use of fungicides. With recent loss of the most effective fungicides through EU legislation and predicted global warming, potential yield losses will increase. Use of host resistance to control this disease is becoming ever more important. However, new sources of resistance are often rendered ineffective due to pathogen population changes. This project will develop new control strategies to increase durability of host resistance. To achieve this, we will (1) monitor emergence of new virulent races of L. maculans; (2) investigate molecular mechanisms of mutation to virulence in L. maculans; (3) understand effects of environmental factors (e.g. temperature) on durability of resistance; (4) identify resistance genes that are durable by exploiting the most recent developments in pathogen and host genomics; (5) develop new targeted control strategies and deliver them to farmers. Effective control of this disease will save farmers £27M p.a., besides benefits to breeders, distributors and the environment.
Collaborator Contribution Partners are involved with field trials and attending consortium meetings
Impact Huang YJ, West JS, Mitrousia GK, Wood T, Bancroft I, Fitt BDL (2016) Identification of novel sources of pest and disease resistance in the UK OREGIN Brassica biodiversity collection. Abstracts. Brassica 2016, 3-7 October 2016, Melbourne, Australia, p. 151.
Start Year 2015
 
Description Understanding host resistance to improve control of light leaf spot on winter oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution The research team at the University of Hertfordshire is leading this research programme. the practical work is led by a PhD student, appointed for 4 years from Jan 2020, with supervision provided by members of staff in the Crop Protection and Climate Change group. All the laboratory work and experimental work in controlled plant growth facilities is done at the University of Hertfordshire, either on the College Lane or Bayfordbury campuses.
Collaborator Contribution The student spent the first year of this 4-year PhD project working with RSK ADAS. Most of this work was done from home due to pandemic restrictions. Subsequently, RSK ADAS have been involved in running field experiments for the students. Both RSK ADAS and Perry Foundation attend regular project meetings and HKEP are also represented at these meetings.
Impact This collaboration is resulting in presentations at research conferences, for example the International Congress of Plant Pathology, to be held at Lyon, France in August 2023. Offered presentation: 'Understanding Pyrenopeziza brassicae populations for effective control of light leaf spot in winter oilseed rape' by Sapelli, Karandeni Dewage, Ritchie, Fitt & Huang. Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2020
 
Description Understanding host resistance to improve control of light leaf spot on winter oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution The research team at the University of Hertfordshire is leading this research programme. the practical work is led by a PhD student, appointed for 4 years from Jan 2020, with supervision provided by members of staff in the Crop Protection and Climate Change group. All the laboratory work and experimental work in controlled plant growth facilities is done at the University of Hertfordshire, either on the College Lane or Bayfordbury campuses.
Collaborator Contribution The student spent the first year of this 4-year PhD project working with RSK ADAS. Most of this work was done from home due to pandemic restrictions. Subsequently, RSK ADAS have been involved in running field experiments for the students. Both RSK ADAS and Perry Foundation attend regular project meetings and HKEP are also represented at these meetings.
Impact This collaboration is resulting in presentations at research conferences, for example the International Congress of Plant Pathology, to be held at Lyon, France in August 2023. Offered presentation: 'Understanding Pyrenopeziza brassicae populations for effective control of light leaf spot in winter oilseed rape' by Sapelli, Karandeni Dewage, Ritchie, Fitt & Huang. Collaboration multidisciplinary, involving plant pathologists and geneticists
Start Year 2020
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Felix Cobbold Trust
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation Perry Foundation
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation RSK ADAS Ltd
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Private 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description Understanding interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa for improving control of phoma stem canker on oilseed rape in the UK 
Organisation University of Hertfordshire
Country United Kingdom 
Sector Academic/University 
PI Contribution Phoma stem canker is an economically damaging disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa. L. maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our work showed that L. biglobosa has an antagonistic effect on the production of sirodesmin PL if simultaneously co-inoculated. To further investigate the effects of sequential co-inoculation on interactions between the two pathogens in terms of sirodesmin PL production, clarified V8 broths were inoculated with L. maculans first, then L. biglobosa sequentially with 1, 3, 5, 7 days in-between, and vice versa. Controls were L. maculans only, L. biglobosa only and L. maculans & L. biglobosa co-inoculated simultaneously. Secondary metabolites were extracted from culture filtrates at 14 days post inoculation and analysed with HPLC. Mycelia were freeze-dried, weighed, and homogenised for DNA extraction and qPCR. There were no significant differences in mycelial weight between treatments. Both sirodesmin PL and its precursors were not produced if L. biglobosa was inoculated before L. maculans; this was due to L. biglobosa inhibiting the growth of L. maculans, confirmed by qPCR. However, the antagonistic effect of L. biglobosa was lost if it was co-inoculated 5 days after L. maculans.
Collaborator Contribution ADAS provides opportunities for field experiments to support work done in controlled or laboratory conditions. ADAS partners attend regular project meetings, as do other partners
Impact Fortune JA, Bingol E, Qi A, Baker D, Ritchie F, Karandeni Dewage CS, Fitt BDL, Huang YJ (2022). Leptosphaeria biglobosa inhibits production of the sirodesmin PL by L. maculans. Pest Management Science (in press; DOI 10.1002/ps.7275). Multidiciplinary; Biologists (Plant Pathologists) and chemists
Start Year 2021
 
Description 13th International Rapeseed Congress, Prague 
Form Of Engagement Activity Scientific meeting (conference/symposium etc.)
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Type Of Presentation keynote/invited speaker
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact The talk and poster presentations stimulated questions and discussions during and after the conference

Contacted by interested partities for collaboration
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description 2. Hutchinsons Winter Farmer Technical Conference 'More Science - more yield', 19th November 2015, the East of England Showground, Peterborough, PE2 6XE. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presented work at Stand at Hutchinson's Winter Technical Conference attended by several hundred farmers and members of the agricultural industry.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description 2014 Cereals 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talked to farmers, policy makers, researchers who visited the demonstration plots and the HGCA stand; This increased the awareness of public of the importance of control diseases on oilseed rape.

After the Cereals event, contacted by farmers asking for advice on control of diseases in their crops
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description ADAS open day 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Presented a poster which attracted attention to farmers and journalists , stimulated questions and discussions.

After the open day contacted by journalist to ask questions and write a press release article.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.hdc.org.uk/event/adas-boxworth-open-day-1
 
Description Agri-Tech East REAP Conference Today's knowledge meets tomorrow's technology, 7 Nov 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Attendance at Agri-Tech East conference where one of our students gave an invited presentation
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Attendance at AFCP (Agri-Food Charities Partnership) meetings 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Hosted AFCP meeting at University of Hertfordshire, 16 June 2021. Hybrid meeting, c. 25 attendees in person; c. 100 attendees virtually. Management of diseases and pests of oilseed rape.

Attended AFCP student forum, Cranfield University, 30 March 2022. c. 100 attendees in person.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021,2022
URL https://www.afcp.org.uk/
 
Description Attendance at workshop, New Crop Protection for Sustainable Farming, 22 Nov 2022, Rothamsted Research 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact Series of talks and discussions about funding for crop protection research from UK government initiatives
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2022
 
Description Brassica 2018, Crucifer Genetics Workshop, St Malo, France 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact International workshop to discuss Brassica genetics; presented talks and posters
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description British Society for Plant Pathology conference, Warwick, Dec 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attended British Society of Plant Pathology presidential conference, Warwick, with staff and post-graduate students from our group. Posters and oral presentations were made.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Cereals 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talked to farmers, policy makers, researchers who visited the demonstration plots and the HGCA stand; This increased the awareness of public of the importance of control diseases on oilseed rape.

After the Cereals event, contacted by farmers asking for advice on control of diseases in their crops; Contacted by HGCA to produce topic sheets on control oilseed rape diseases.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.cerealsevent.co.uk/
 
Description Cereals 2015, 10th - 11th June, The Old Rocket Site, Heath Lane, Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire. 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presentation of research at University of Hertfordshire stand at Cereals' 2015, an event attended by thousands of farmers and members of the agricultural industry, as well as politicians, press etc
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Coordination of UK Government 2015 spending for work on animal and plant diseases 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Policymakers/politicians
Results and Impact This was an advisory panel aimed at a coordinated bid to Treasury for work on plant and animal diseases across Government departments in the 2015 Government spending round. Intended to brief civil servants and government ministers across different government departments. Produced document for coordination of funding bids across government departments.

After the meeting, impacts of research on control of plant and animal diseases will be discussed in 2015 government spending round.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description GCIRC 15th International Rapeseed Congress, Berlin, June 2019 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact A group of staff/post-graduate students from the University of Hertfordshire attended this Congress and accompanying workshops. Our work was presented as oral presentations and posters. There were opportunities to interact with collaborators from around the world. I was part of the International Organising Committee and am a UK representative on GCIRC Council.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2019
URL https://www.irc2019-berlin.com/
 
Description Genetic Improvement Network Workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Talk on Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network at Workshop for stakeholders of all GINs, organised by Defra, Feb 22 "016, Norwich
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description HGCA agronomist conference 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact The talk stimulated questions and discussions about the risk of breakdown of important of resistance genes for control of phoma stem canker

After the talk, been contacted by journalist to ask questions and write a press release articles to increase public awareness of protection of novel resistance genes for disease control.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.hgca.com/media/329348/bruce_fitt_final.pdf
 
Description IOBC-Workshop 2011 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact The talk stimulated questions and discussion.

Contacted by interested parties for more information.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2011
 
Description International Congress of Plant Pathology, Boston, USA, July/Aug 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact This was an international conference. Attended with other staff and post-grad students from our group. Presented work as posters.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Management of diseases and pests of oilseed rape 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Agri-Food Charities Partnership forum for industry and academics working with oilseed rape. Attendance more than 100, from all over the world, including China, Australia, Canada and several European countries. Held on 16 June 2021 at University of Hertfordshire. Hybrid event with some attending in person and most from all over the world attending virtually. Provided an opportunity for a series of talks and wide-ranging discussion of the research. Book of Proceedings available on AFCP web-site and Amazon.
(https://www.amazon.co.uk/Management-Diseases-Pests-Oilseed-Rape/dp/B09NRBTPRB/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1VHCWPOXQ5FNL&keywords=Management+of+diseases+and+pests+of+oilseed+rape&qid=1645545284&sprefix=management+of+diseases+and+pests+of+oilseed+rape%2Caps%2C49&sr=8-2)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2021
URL https://www.afcp.org.uk/sites/default/files/Management%20of%20diseases%20and%20pests%20of%20oilseed%...
 
Description OREGIN stakeholders forum, Elsoms, Spalding, Lincs, Nov 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Meeting of Oilseed Rape Genetic Improvement Network stakeholder forum, attended by industry and academic members of OREGIN.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Plant Resistance Sustainability 2012 International Conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Talk and poster presentation about pathogen population changes to render host resistance ineffective sparked questions and discussion during and after the conference.

After the conference, contacted by interested parties for collaboration.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2012
URL https://colloque4.inra.fr/prs2012
 
Description Press release on Leptoshpaeria bigloobsa 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Increased the awareness of risk of severe phoma stem canker epidemics caused by Leptosphaeria biglobosa in oilseed rape

Contacted by interested parties to be involved in further research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://www.farmersguardian.com/arable-farming/phoma-pathogen-could-pose-additional-threat/65085.arti...
 
Description Press release on quantitative resistance 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Publicised the results of research

Contacted by interested parties on using the results of our research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL http://sciencedaily.pl/releases/2014/01/140127122330.htm
 
Description Stand at Cereals 2017, Boothby Graffoe, Lincolnshire 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Presented research at University of Hertfordshire stand at this event
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description Stand at Cereals' 2018, Duxford, Cambs 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Participated in University of Hertfordshire stand at Cereals' 2018, June 13-14 2018. Event attended by 1000s of farmers and other members of the agricultural industry, mostly from the UK but some from overseas
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Stand at Hutchinson's winter farming conference, Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough, 15 Nov 2017 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Manned stand to present our research to farming audience
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2017
 
Description TIPS review video 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Stimulated thinking about another way to identify host resistance genes

Contacted by interested parties to be involved in further research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9RoGrsZGCY
 
Description Talk at Brassica Genetics conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact The talk sparked questions and discussions

Contacted by interested parties on using the results of our research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Talk at EFPP conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Talk stimulated discussion about the importance of control phoma stem canker by targeting two causal pathogens

Contacted by interested parties to be involved in further research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Talk at FAO workshop 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Talk sparked questions and discussion aferwards

Contacted by interested parties to be involved in further research
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Talk at career event at UH 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Undergraduate students
Results and Impact The talk encouraged students to think a career in plant pathology

Contacted by individuals to consider doing a research degree (e.g. MSc, PhD)
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2014
 
Description Talk at event organised by Felix Cobbold Trust, November 2015 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Industry/Business
Results and Impact Talk at event organised by Felix Cobbold Charitable Trust, November 2015
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2015
 
Description Talk. Arable crop disease control, climate change and food security. 30 Sept 2016; Hawkesbury Institute, University of Western Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Visit to Hawkesbury Institute to discuss collaboration which is now occurring
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Talk; Arable crop disease control, climate change and food security. 28 Sept 2016; University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Seminar at University of Western Australia which we visited to discuss collaboration
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016
 
Description Talks to U3A science groups in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, Herts, Sept/Oct 2018 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Public/other audiences
Results and Impact Talks about arable crop diseases, climate change and food security to U3A science groups in Watford (60 participants) and Hemel Hempstead (40 participants).
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2018
 
Description Trustee Director, Perry Foundation (agricultural charity, especially funding PhD studentships in applied agricultural research) 
Form Of Engagement Activity A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Professional Practitioners
Results and Impact Attendance at charity board meetings (e.g. 30 Nov 2021, 5 Dec 2022), interviews for potential PhD students (e.g. 2 Feb 2022, 26 Jan 2023, at Farmers Club, London), attendance at related meetings (e.g. presentations by students to the industry). Main impact of this to to provide trained personnel for the UK agricultural industry, after completion of PhD (about four each year). Destinations have been plant breeding, agricultural consultancy, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Boiard etc.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019,2020,2021,2022,2023
 
Description UH Research Day 2013 
Form Of Engagement Activity A talk or presentation
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.)
Results and Impact Oral and poster presentations about our research on control of oilseed rape diseases increased the awareness of colleagues and students in the school about the importance of disease control and food security.

After the talk, contacted by undergratuate and MSc studens to do their projects in our group and cosider a career in Plant Pathology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
 
Description press release on HGCA Agronomist conference 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach National
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact The talk increased the awareness of the risk of breakdown of important of resistance genes for control of phoma stem canker

After the talk, we have been contacted by interested parties (e.g. breeding companies) to be involved in further research.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.fwi.co.uk/articles/13/12/2013/142510/phoma-resistance-genes-in-osr-under-threat.htm
 
Description press release on LmLb China 
Form Of Engagement Activity A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview
Part Of Official Scheme? Yes
Geographic Reach International
Primary Audience Media (as a channel to the public)
Results and Impact Increased the wareness of public on controlling spreading a damaging pathogen

Increased the concern of Chinese goverment for preventing the spread of a damaging pathogen into China to protect Chinese oilseed rape crops.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2013
URL http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/11/131128133917.htm