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Fungicide resistance discovered in major oilseed rape pathogen
New research reveals widespread resistance in UK populations of a key Phoma stem canker pathogen.
Scientists have identified resistance to a major group of fungicides in populations of the oilseed rape pathogen Plenodomus biglobosus for the first time worldwide. The discovery raises concerns that control of Phoma stem canker, one of the most important diseases of oilseed rape, could become increasingly challenging.
Phoma stem canker can cause substantial yield losses in oilseed rape and is caused by two related fungal pathogens, Plenodomus lingam and P. biglobosus. While P. lingam has historically received greater attention, P. biglobosus has become increasingly important in UK and European crops.
In research published in Pest Management Science, scientists from Rothamsted Research screened populations of P. biglobosus collected from the UK and Poland. They found that 95% of UK isolates were resistant to the SDHI (succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor) fungicides boscalid and fluxapyroxad, compared with just 6% of Polish isolates. Some UK isolates showed up to a 500‑fold drop in how well fungicides work against them under laboratory conditions. The researchers showed that resistance was linked to mutations in genes encoding the fungal succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme, the target of SDHI fungicides. The study also found little evidence that these mutations reduce the pathogen's fitness, suggesting resistant strains may persist in field populations.
"The scale of resistance we detected in UK populations was striking," said Rothamsted's Dr Kevin King, who led the research. "This is the first confirmed report of SDHI resistance in P. biglobosus anywhere in the world. Further research is now needed to determine what impact this may have on phoma disease control under field conditions."
The findings follow recent Rothamsted reports of reduced sensitivity to azole fungicides in European populations of both Phoma stem canker pathogens, highlighting the growing importance of resistance monitoring and integrated disease management strategies.
"This work highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance," said Professor Jon West, co-author of the study. "SDHI-resistant P. lingam has recently been detected in Australia but not yet in Europe. Monitoring both Phoma pathogens will provide early warning of emerging resistance threats and help protect the long-term effectiveness of fungicides."
Publication
Notes to Editors
This work was supported by the BBSRC-funded Growing Health and Resilient Farming Futures Institute Strategic Programmes at Rothamsted Research.
Contacts
Dr Kevin King
Plant Pathologist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.