Dilantha Fernando explaining the interaction between blackleg and verticillium at the University of Manitoba's field day at the Ian M. Morrison Research Centre in Carman in July.

Verticillium may undermine canola blackleg resistance

Co-infections with verticillium stripe may compromise blackleg resistance protection in canola, new Manitoba research suggests

University of Manitoba research finds verticillium stripe in canola can break down blackleg resistance, creating challenges for disease management and yield protection on the Prairies.

This image, captured using fluorescent microscopy, shows verticillium hyphae (in green) colonizing cells of root vascular tissue (in red).

Is canola on the path to withstand verticillium?

Seed companies are starting to tout canola with some verticillium stripe tolerance; meanwhile, researchers have a line on a genetic trait that might physically block infection

Seed companies are starting to tout some verticillium stripe tolerance in their new canola varieties. Meanwhile, researchers have a line on a genetic trait that might physically block infection.





Verticillium wilt is the main culprit for potato early die complex.

Early bird may dodge verticillium woes in potatoes

Pushing a problem field to the front of the planting queue may help limit infection

Verticillium wilt is a problem for a lot of crops in Manitoba, including canola, sunflowers and alfalfa. In potatoes, the fungus Verticillium dahlia is the main cause of potato early die complex. In a 2021 interview with the Co-operator, Mario Tenuta, University of Manitoba soil scientist and main investigator with the Canadian Potato Early Dying Network, suggested the condition