Our research investigates species interactions (microbe-microbe,
microbe-plant, microbe-insect) that impact the sustainability and
productivity of cropping systems. Some of our current study systems
include:
Fusarium head blight of small grains
Most of our research projects connect to fusarium head blight, an
economically damaging plant disease that is associated with accumulation
of hazardous mycotoxins in grain. We are particularly interested in
achieving an ecological understanding of the fusarium head blight
pathogen and its interactions with cereal crops and with other
microbes.
Fusarium head blight on barley
Influence of soil microbes on root traits
We are exploring interactions between soil bacteria and the roots of
crop plants, aiming to understand how microbes that associate with roots
influence root traits relevant to nutrient uptake. This is a
collaborative project with Dr. Olivia Wilkins , Dr. George
diCenzo and others.
A young seedling with roots shown
Microbiology of malting
Malting is a process of controlled germination that is used to
stimulate the production of enzymes that convert starch into fermentable
sugars. There is also a lot of microbial activity that takes place
during malting. We study various aspects of the microbiology of the
malting environment, particularly with connections to the activity of
Fusarium spp., which have been linked to some malt quality
defects.
Germinating barley, with Fusarium growth evident as red
colouration
Microbial detoxification of mycotoxins
The amazing metabolic abilities of the microbial world are still
largely unknown. We are doing our small part to uncover this vast
potential by prospecting for microbes and enzymes that are able to
chemically transform mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol.
Chemical structure of deoxynivalenol
Soil microbiology and disease suppressive soils
Soils harbour astonishing microbial diversity, and those microbes
perform vital functions that support productivity. We are isolating and
genome-sequencing a collection of soil bacteria. One of the functions
we’re most interested in is the control of plant pathogens by other
members of the soil microbiome.
Newdale, Manitoba’s provincial soil; photo via University of
Manitoba