Integrated management of root rot in field pea using biopesticides

Project code : APMS/PRR22-010

Project Lead : Michelle Hubbard - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Objective : To develop an integrated management approach incorporating biopesticides Prestop® and ForetryxTM and other cultural practices to control the rot root complex in pea

Root rot, caused by a complex of soil-borne fungal pathogens dominated by Aphanomyces euteiches, Fusarium spp., Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia spp., is a serious concern for field pea growers in the Canadian prairies. Very few management tools are effective against this disease complex. The fungal-based biopesticide products, Prestop® (Gliocladium catenulatum) and ForetryxTM (Trichoderma asperellum and T. gamsii) have demonstrated significant control efficacy for multiple fungal pathogens causing root rot. Also, the above two biopesticides were identified by stakeholders as priority solutions for the control of root rot in multiple crops during the annual Canadian Pest Management Priority Setting Workshops in 2017. Both products are currently under regulatory review by Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency for the Canadian registration.

Additionally, some alternative cultural practices such as green manure have been previously examined for suppression of various soil-borne pathogens. For instance, when the residues of some brassica species are broken down in the soil, they release compounds such as glucosinolates and their break-down products isothiocyanates, which have been shown to act as “bio-fumigants” in soil, suppressing a range of soil-borne pathogens. Oat as a green manure has also been proven to have the potential to suppress populations of some root rot pathogens in soil.

This 2-year project (2022-2024) will be conducted under both greenhouse and field conditions in the Canadian prairies. The project aims to develop an integrated approach to optimize sustainable management of rot root complex in field pea. This approach will incorporate treatment with each of the two biopesticides (Prestop® and ForetryxTM ) on monocropped pea, pea intercropped with mustard, as well as pea grown in rotation with oat or brassica cover crops. Molecular technologies will be used to analyse the abundance of Gliocladium catenulatum, Trichoderma asperellum and T. gamsii, and pathogens in soils, rhizospheres and root tissues to assess their dynamics as a result of the tested treatments.

A knowledge and technology transfer plan will target both scientific and producer audiences, aiming to increase the likelihood of grower adoption of the knowledge and practices generated through this project. The plan includes summer field tours of the demonstration plots targeting local agronomists and pulse growers. The plan will also include presentations and discussions at producer-focused events and scientific conferences as well as scientific publication(s).