Active ingredients for Fusarium disease control in soil
Research at Dalhousie University developing biological control solutions for Fusarium wilt and grain storage contamination using antagonistic microorganisms such as Trichoderma, Penicillium, Pseudomonas, and Streptomyces species.
Overview
Soil-borne Fusarium pathogens cause significant crop losses through seedling rot, wilt, and grain spoilage during storage. Fusarium species also produce mycotoxins that pose serious health risks to humans and livestock, including carcinogenic effects when infested seeds are consumed. This research program focuses on isolating and identifying Fusarium species associated with stored grains, then evaluating antagonistic fungi and microorganisms as biological control agents to suppress Fusarium growth. Prior laboratory work has demonstrated that selected Trichoderma species, complementary biocontrol agents, fungicides, and plant extracts significantly reduced Fusarium wilt development in chickpea compared to untreated controls, providing a strong foundation for advancing these active ingredients toward practical crop protection solutions.
Technical specifications
- Target pathogen: Fusarium spp. responsible for seedling rot, wilt, and post-harvest grain deterioration
- Biological control agents under investigation: Antagonistic fungi including Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Streptomyces spp.
- Comparative evaluation: Bioactive plant extracts and conventional fungicides benchmarked alongside microbial antagonists
- Application scope: Pre-planting soil treatment for wilt suppression and post-harvest protection of stored grains
- Health impact addressed: Reduction of mycotoxin contamination in food and feed chains
Technology readiness level
The project builds on completed preliminary testing in which Trichoderma spp., other biocontrol agents, fungicides, and plant extracts demonstrated significant reduction of Fusarium wilt in chickpea. Current validation work is focused on isolating and identifying Fusarium species from stored grains across multiple sources and quantifying the efficacy of antagonistic fungi against these isolates. The research is positioned at an early-to-mid stage of development, with laboratory validation underway and field-scale and storage-condition trials representing the next steps toward commercial formulation and deployment.
About Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a comprehensive public research university with campuses in Halifax and Truro, recognized for combining broad academic breadth with strong industry connectivity across Atlantic Canada. Its coastal location provides direct access to the North Atlantic, enabling sea-to-lab testing through research vessels and coastal facilities, and situating partners within a growing ocean-technology and shipbuilding cluster. A mature co-op program and professional internships supply experienced talent; integration with regional hospitals and the provincial health system supports clinical translation. A dedicated technology transfer office advances IP, licensing, and startup formation, and research is backed by competitive funding from NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
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