INDUSTRY DIRECTORY

CANADIAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS NEMATODE RESEARCH

Published online: Apr 08, 2011
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The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister of State (Agriculture), announced March 17 that the Centre de recherche Les Buissons inc. will receive up to $700,000 to develop an integrated parasite management strategy to combat potato cyst nematodes.

Potato cyst nematodes (PCN) are major parasites that negatively impact potato production. The funding announced will go towards studying the biological traits of the parasites in order to reduce the population below detectable levels. Researchers will be looking in particular at PCN virulence and resistance when exposed to different varieties of potatoes. The project will also study alternative, biological controls and develop best practices to limit the risk of contamination, such as using resistant potato varieties in rotation.

This research project to support industry-led science and technology is a part of the $159 million investment in the Growing Canadian Agri-Innovations Program. This five-year program promotes initiatives that help get new agricultural products onto the marketplace and contributes to the improvement of agricultural processes.

Source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News