Pathogenicity genes of the blackleg fungal pathogen of canola. Blackleg disease, caused by the fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, is the most serious disease of canola (Brassica napus) Australia and worldwide. Control strategies require knowledge of mechanisms of both plant defence (resistance) and fungal pathogenicity; little is known about such processes for blackleg. I will make pathogenicity mutants of L.maculans (unable to attack canola) and characterise the mutated genes. This project will ....Pathogenicity genes of the blackleg fungal pathogen of canola. Blackleg disease, caused by the fungus, Leptosphaeria maculans, is the most serious disease of canola (Brassica napus) Australia and worldwide. Control strategies require knowledge of mechanisms of both plant defence (resistance) and fungal pathogenicity; little is known about such processes for blackleg. I will make pathogenicity mutants of L.maculans (unable to attack canola) and characterise the mutated genes. This project will develop a better understanding of the disease process for blackleg, identify novel disease control targets in this important fungus and lead to disease resistant canola.Read moreRead less