SECURE
Stem canker of oilseed rape: Molecular tools and mathematical modelling to deploy durable resistance

The purpose of the SECURE project is to deliver a strategy for effective deployment of resistance to improve the durability of new resistance genes in oilseed rape cultivars. SECURE will use state-of-the-art molecular and modelling tools, and field and controlled environmental experiments.

Objectives
The objectives of the project are:
1) to develop a mechanistic model of the life cycle of Leptosphaeria maculans on oilseed rape, estimate values of parameters for five stages in the life cycle, and validate them against existing and new data
2) to study the molecular mechanisms responsible for the generation of new virulent races of L. maculans, and compare fitness of virulent/avirulent strains in controlled environment and field experiments
3) to analyse the effects of host genetic background/environment on the durability of major gene resistance in field/controlled environment experiments
4) to develop a model for the deployment of resistance to maximise durability of resistance and deliver recommendations for deployment of resistance through an interactive website, newsletters, demonstrations and workshops.

Progress to Date
Excellent progress has been made in the first six months of SECURE.
All project-funded staff (biologists and modellers) have been recruited.
The field experiments have been sown, and assessed a number of times. Molecular research staff have been recruited and the molecular studies have begun in earnest.
Development of inoculation techniques for the controlled environment experiments have begun and are progressing well.
Modelling work (using existing data) has also begun.

Results
Several publications have been produced and lectures given as a result of this project.
A website has been developed.

Classified in ARABLE CROPS, QUANTITATIVE APPROACHES AND MODELLING

Scientist responsible for the project