The development of RNA interference-based biotechnologies for the sustainable management of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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dc.contributor.authorMcLoughlin, Austein
dc.contributor.examiningcommitteeHarris, Steven (Biological Sciences) Fernando, Dilantha (Plant Science)en_US
dc.contributor.supervisorBelmonte, Mark (Biological Sciences) Whyard, Steve (Biological Sciences)en_US
dc.date.accessioned2018-01-09T21:58:02Z
dc.date.available2018-01-09T21:58:02Z
dc.date.issued2018
dc.degree.disciplineBiological Sciencesen_US
dc.degree.levelMaster of Science (M.Sc.)en_US
dc.description.abstractNecrotrophic pathogens, such as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea, threaten global agricultural production. Traditional agrochemicals may negatively impact the environment and chemical resistance is rising. Therefore, novel strategies are needed to overcome these obstacles. RNA interference (RNAi), a cellular defence pathway for targeted mRNA degradation using double stranded RNA (dsRNA), could be a next-generation fungicide. RNA sequencing of the host-pathogen interface identified hundreds of genes for RNAi-based control development. I first demonstrated the dsRNA molecules elicited gene silencing in vitro. Next, I formulated foliar applications to protect both Brassica napus and Arabidopsis thaliana from S. sclerotiorum and B. cinerea using designer molecules targeting homologous transcripts. Finally, I engineered host induced gene silencing (HIGS) to suppress fungal colonization on A. thaliana and explored host defense and death responses during HIGS. Together, these findings provide compelling evidence for an RNAi-based biotechnological management strategy and will be a valuable resource for future research endeavours.en_US
dc.description.noteFebruary 2018en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/32757
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.subjectSclerotinia sclerotiorumen_US
dc.subjectRNA interferenceen_US
dc.subjectPhytopathogensen_US
dc.subjectBiotechnologyen_US
dc.titleThe development of RNA interference-based biotechnologies for the sustainable management of Sclerotinia sclerotiorumen_US
dc.typemaster thesisen_US
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