Plant cuticle-fungicide interaction models for enhanced disease control
Develop predictive models to optimize fungicide performance by studying plant cuticle composition and structure. This research uses plant mutants and advanced analysis methods to correlate fungicide absorption and retention with cuticle characteristics, enhancing agricultural disease control.
Overview
This research initiative aims to develop predictive models to optimize the performance of fungicides in agricultural settings by investigating the interactions between plant cuticles and fungicides. The study focuses on the hypothesis that the composition and structure of plant cuticles significantly influence the absorption and retention of lipophilic fungicides, thus affecting their overall efficacy. By analyzing plant mutants with altered cutin or wax content, this research seeks to establish correlations that can guide the formulation and application strategies of fungicides for improved disease control.
Technical specifications
Research Approach:
- Utilize plant mutants with variations in cutin and wax content to study cuticle composition.
- Conduct gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to evaluate leaf cuticle composition and fungicide concentration.
- Apply fungicides on both sides of leaves and analyze their distribution across surface, cuticle, and internal leaf layers.
- Use 14C-radiolabeled fungicides for radioactivity quantification when GC analysis is unsuitable.
- Develop kinetic models correlating cuticle composition with fungicide concentration and uptake.
- Analyze cuticle structure using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to understand the relationship between cuticle ultrastructure and fungicide kinetics.
Technology readiness level
The research is currently at Technology Readiness Level 2, indicating that the technology is in the stage of formulating the scientific principles and determining the interactions between plant cuticles and fungicides. The next steps involve further validation and refinement of the models for practical agricultural applications.
About Algoma University
Algoma University is a public, student-centered university operating three campuses in Sault Ste. Marie, Brampton, and Timmins, combining an intimate scale with a mission rooted in partnership with Indigenous communities. Industry engages through co-op education, capstone collaboration, and applied research spaces embedded across northern and urban campuses, linking regional ecosystems. A distinctive resource for partners is the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, an archival and research hub that supports community-engaged, ethically grounded projects. Research activity is supported by competitive provincial and federal funding in Canada. A dedicated research office is expanding commercialization capacity through a developing plan for IP support, agreements, and startup collaboration.
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