LOCATION: Embassy A-E
THURSDAY, February 11, 2027 – 3:10 – 3:50pm
Dr. Hossein Borhan is a Research Scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Saskatoon Research and Development Centre, where he conducts genetics, genomics, and molecular biology research on canola diseases. His research focuses on understanding canola resistance and pathogen virulence associated with blackleg, Verticillium stripe, and clubroot. His laboratory has identified and characterized several canola resistance genes and pathogen virulence genes and has developed resources and tools to support disease resistance breeding and pathogen characterization. Dr. Borhan works closely with canola breeders and growers to support the development and deployment of durable disease resistance. His research also explores natural compounds that enhance plant immunity and RNA-based approaches for disease control.
RNA-Based Fungicides: A New Approach to Managing Canola Diseases
Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), using double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) targeting pathogen genes, is emerging as a promising new approach for crop disease management. This presentation will highlight our laboratory research on the application of SIGS to control three important canola diseases: blackleg, Verticillium stripe, and clubroot, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm), Verticillium longisporum (Vl), and Plasmodiophora brassicae (Pb), respectively. Under controlled-environment conditions we have been able to control Lm, Vl and Pb by foliar application of dsRNA targeting genes essential for pathogen growth and infection. The next step is to evaluate the effectiveness, durability, and practical application of SIGS under field conditions.