British Columbia is an important producer of fruits and vegetables, supplying local markets and exporting products worldwide. However, farmers are facing growing challenges from climate change, pests, and plant diseases that threaten crop production.
To address these issues, Genome BC is funding three research projects aimed at improving the detection and management of crop threats. The projects focus on helping farmers identify problems earlier and take action before significant damage occurs.
The first project targets plant-parasitic nematodes, microscopic worms that attack plant roots and reduce crop growth and yields. Researchers from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are developing advanced qPCR diagnostic tools to detect and measure eight important nematode species found in British Columbia.
These tools will help farmers and crop advisors identify pests sooner and make informed management decisions.
“RNAi is very, very target specific,” said Dr. John Husnik and his team at Renaissance Bioscience are developing a targeted, natural solution to protect crops from these pests using yeast and RNA interference (RNAi). This detail allows the team to select regions of gene sequences that match specific species in British Columbia, then validate their data against live wireworms to be trialed with the bait.
The second project is focused on wireworms, a major pest affecting potatoes, corn, cereals, and other crops. Scientists at Renaissance Bioscience are developing an environmentally friendly biopesticide using yeast and RNA interference technology.
The biodegradable treatment is designed to target wireworms while reducing reliance on traditional chemical pesticides. Researchers believe this innovation could provide growers with a sustainable and effective pest control option.
“As the demand for domestic food production increases, genomic tools can provide efficient, sustainable ways to manage and protect valuable output from growers in the province,” said Sally Greenwood, Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, Public Affairs at Genome BC. “Biotechnology and agrifoods are two important sectors in British Columbia. Linking them boosts the potential for both sectors to thrive and provide benefits for the people and province of BC.”
The third project aims to strengthen disease detection in berry and tree fruit crops. Researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food are developing new diagnostic tools for two damaging pathogens: Pseudomonas syringae complex and Phytophthora species.
These pathogens have caused significant losses in fruit production across the province. Using genome sequencing and advanced PCR technologies, the team is creating faster and more accurate tests that will improve disease identification and support targeted management strategies.