June 23, 2009

ONTARIO RESEARCH FUND

RESEARCH EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

Through the Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence program Round Three the McGuinty government is investing $1,979,661 to support 10 world-class researchers at Trent University.

Genomics Approaches to Mitigate Fungal Threats to Crops
Lead Institution: Trent University
Lead Researcher: Dr. Barry Saville
Number of Researchers Affected: 10
Provincial Funding: $1,979,661
Funding Program: Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence Program

In 2006, the total farm value of Ontario’s major crops was close to $2.7 billion. The economic value of the province’s forests and trees clearly affects its tourism, land value and timber harvest.  Fungal and fungal-like plant diseases have the potential to impact these sectors severely. Trent University’s research will create databases to provide knowledge on how fungal and fungal-like diseases are able to overcome crop resistance or become more virulent, causing epidemics. The fungal species for study include those that cause Wheat Leaf Rust, Wheat Stem Rust and Common Smut of Corn and the fungal-like pathogens that cause Sudden Oak Death and Damping Off. Understanding the impact of genetic variation on disease development will greatly improve the chances of developing sustainable means to combat these pathogens and protect Ontario’s field and greenhouse crops, and forestry sector.

Private Sector Partners: Operitel

Investing in research and innovation has been a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic planning since 2003 and is captured in Ontario’s Innovation Agenda. The agenda is a $3.2 billion plan to make Ontario one of the best places in the world to turn world-class research into world-class jobs.