Page 302 - PC2019 Program & Proceedings

PLANT CANADA 2019

P177. In the footsteps of Dr. Margaret Newton: women plant pathologists leading the Canadian
Phytopathological Society
1
Kora, C. ; D. Gaudet 2
2
1 Pest Management Centre; Retired
th
On this 90 anniversary of the Canadian Phytopathological Society (CPS), we celebrate the contribution
of women scientists in plant pathology. We first highlight the remarkable accomplishments of a few
trailblazer women who earned recognition for their pioneering plant pathology work in the early days of
the Society at a time when it was difficult to break into the prevailing male-dominated scientific
community. With their dedication and audacity, they succeeded in tackling some challenging diseases of
economic importance for Canadian agriculture and forestry. Undoubtedly, these women became great role
models for future generations. Since the era of Dr. Margaret Newton, the first Canadian woman to obtain
a Ph.D. in agriculture in 1922, and others such as Drs. Irene Mounce, Mildred Nobles, Ruth Macrae and
Clara Fritz, many women scientists have pursued their careers in plant pathology research and have
contributed significant achievements to the science of crop protection in Canada. However, only within
the last 30 years have women scientists started to serve beyond their lab and field research or teaching in
classrooms, to provide a valuable contribution to advancing the cause of plant pathology as Presidents of
the Society. The election of Dr. Verna Higgins in 1989 marked the turning point. Here we feature the
distinguished women leaders in plant pathology who have served as CPS Presidents since the Society was
founded in 1929.

Cezarina Kora (cezarina.kora@canada.ca)

P178. Integrated management of Cucumber Downey Mildew: a strategic approach
2
1
1
Kora, C. ; C. Gagnon ; C. Trueman ; G. Marchand ; A. Munawar
4
3
1 Pest Management Centre
2
University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
3 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
University of Guelph
4
Cucumber downy mildew (CDM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis is the most important yield
reducing disease of cucumbers leading to significant economic losses. The disease is typically managed
by the application of fungicides following a 7-day calendar spray schedule. However, the regulatory use
pattern for some of these fungicides has recently changed, other fungicides are under regulatory re-
evaluation and some have shown decreased efficacy due to resistance development in the pathogen
population. To address the needs of producers for more efficient control solutions to diversify their CDM
toolbox and enable integrated CDM management, AAFC’s Pest Management Centre (PMC) established
the CDM strategy in 2012. As part of this strategy, funding support was provided for several projects.
First, a literature review documented existing gaps and recommended key areas in need of further
research regarding CDM epidemiology and best management practices. Then, three projects addressing
review recommendations studied: 1) CDM infection pathways and transmission sources to elucidate
pathogen lifecycle and disease epidemiology in Ontario; 2) the possibility of reducing the number of
fungicide applications to control CDM in partially resistant cucumber hybrids; and 3) the extent of
pathogen resistance to single-site fungicides through surveying infected greenhouse and field cucumbers
in Quebec and Ontario. In addition, new control products are currently being investigated by the PMC’s
Minor Use Pesticide Team. Outcomes from the above studies will be discussed.

Cezarina Kora (cezarina.kora@canada.ca)

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