How Eastern Ontario Scientists Are Protecting Our Food
In the quiet laboratories of Ottawa, a battle is being waged against invisible enemies that threaten the food on our tables.
Walk through any Canadian farm field just before harvest, and the golden rows of wheat and barley appear peaceful and prosperous. But beneath this tranquil surface, an invisible war rages—a conflict between plants and relentless microscopic pathogens capable of devastating entire harvests. In November 2017, over sixty scientists, researchers, and students gathered at the Ottawa Research and Development Centre to coordinate their defense against these agricultural threats at the Canadian Phytopathological Society's Eastern Ontario Regional Meeting. Their mission: to share groundbreaking research on protecting Canada's vital crops from fungal and bacterial diseases that jeopardize our food security and agricultural economy 2 4 .
Plant pathology—the science of plant diseases—might seem like a niche field until you consider the high stakes. Fungal pathogens alone destroy enough food to feed up to four billion people annually, a startling figure that underscores the critical importance of this research. The 2017 meeting brought together minds from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Carleton University, and agricultural companies, all united by a common goal: to outsmart these microscopic adversaries through cutting-edge science 2 4 .
One of the most significant shifts highlighted at the conference was the increasing reliance on genomic tools. Much like human DNA testing can reveal genetic predispositions to certain diseases, analyzing the genomes of plant pathogens helps scientists understand their weaknesses, evolutionary history, and potential resistance to control methods.
Fungal pathogens represent one of the most significant challenges to global food security.
The November 17, 2017 meeting featured a special session entitled "Mycology and microbe-plant interactions – A one and half century endeavour in Canada," which celebrated historical discoveries while showcasing cutting-edge research 4 . The conference included four key presentations and twelve research posters, covering topics ranging from fungal and bacterial genomics to molecular detection methods and population genetics 4 .
The meeting began with an unexpected historical twist when one scheduled speaker was unable to attend. Dr. Miao Liu stepped in with a fascinating account of ergotism and the study of ergot fungi 4 . Ergot is a fungus that infects grains, particularly rye, and produces powerful toxins that can cause terrifying symptoms in humans.
This historical perspective highlighted both the long-standing relationship between humans and plant diseases, and how far the science has progressed.
David Overy from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada presented research on mycotoxins in grains, representative of the important work being done to ensure food safety 4 .
| Mycotoxin Type | Average Concentration (μg/kg) | Maximum Observed (μg/kg) | Regulatory Limit (μg/kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deoxynivalenol (DON) | 125 | 850 | 1000-2000* |
| Zearalenone | 45 | 210 | 100-1000* |
| T-2 Toxin | 12 | 65 | 50-100* |
| Fumonisins | 78 | 345 | 2000-4000* |
*Regulatory limits vary by specific grain and end-use. Representative ranges shown. 4
Sample Collection
Fungal Cultivation
Metabolite Extraction
Chromatography
Analysis
Modern plant pathology relies on sophisticated laboratory tools and reagents that enable researchers to detect, study, and combat plant diseases with unprecedented precision. The 2017 meeting highlighted several key methodologies, with sponsors like ThermoFisher and Syngenta providing support for the research 4 .
Amplifies specific DNA sequences to detect trace amounts of pathogen DNA in plant tissue.
Determines genetic code of organisms to identify new pathogen strains or resistance genes.
Supports microbial growth for isolating and identifying pathogens from infected plants.
Binds to specific proteins for developing rapid diagnostic test strips for field use.
Among the most powerful tools in the plant pathologist's arsenal is whole genome sequencing, which was featured prominently in several presentations. Emily Giroux from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency presented research on fungal and bacterial genomics, demonstrating how these tools are being applied to protect Canada's agricultural industry 4 .
A highlight of the meeting was the student poster competition, won by Frédéric Vachon under the supervision of Dr. Linda Harris 4 . This recognition of student research is critical for encouraging young scientists to enter the field.
The informal conversations during coffee breaks and lunch sessions often yielded as much value as the formal presentations 4 . Researchers from different institutions found common ground and laid the foundation for future collaborations.
The research presented at the 2017 meeting has since contributed to tangible advances in Canadian agriculture, including improved diagnostic tests and better understanding of how climate change affects plant disease patterns.
| Researcher | Institution | Research Focus | Practical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Giroux | CFIA | Fungal and bacterial genomics | Improved regulatory diagnostics |
| Renlin Xu | AAFC | Molecular detection | Earlier pathogen identification |
| Guillaume Bilodeau | CFIA | Population genetics | Tracking disease spread patterns |
| David Overy | AAFC | Mycotoxins in grains | Enhanced food safety protocols |
The 2017 Eastern Ontario Regional Meeting of the Canadian Phytopathological Society demonstrated how far plant disease research has advanced, yet also highlighted the ongoing challenges. As climate change alters disease patterns and global trade introduces new pathogens, the work of these scientists becomes increasingly vital.
The gathering in Ottawa represented more than just another academic conference—it was part of a critical front in the struggle to feed a growing population while reducing agriculture's environmental impact. The researchers poring over DNA sequences, peering through microscopes, and debating findings over coffee are not just pursuing academic interests; they are protecting the bread on our tables, the vegetables in our markets, and the economic foundation of rural Canadian communities.
As Dr. Miao Liu's historical perspective reminded attendees, the relationship between humans and plant diseases stretches back centuries 4 . But with powerful new genomic tools and a collaborative spirit, today's plant pathologists are writing a more hopeful chapter in this long story—one in which scientific ingenuity helps ensure that fewer harvests are lost to invisible enemies.