P-196 - Toward the development and validation of diagnostic assays for fungal pathogens of Northern wild rice (Zizania palustris L.) in North America

Tuesday, August 5, 2025

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM HST

Location: Exhibit Hall 3

Presenting Author(s)

CC

Claudia V. Castell-Miller

Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States

Author(s)

MB

Matthew Bakker

Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
AK

Anthony Kern

Math, Science and Technology, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 56716, USA
Crookston, Minnesota, United States
AR

Ashish Ranjan, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
St Paul, MN, USA
DS

Daniel Schlatter

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Unit, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
DS

Deborah Samac

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Plant Science Research Unit, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
JK

Jennifer Kimball

Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States

Abstract Text: Northern wild rice (NWR) is a North American endemic, aquatic species of the Poaceae, known for its edible and nutritious grain. In Minnesota, USA, it is cultivated in constructed paddies, while in Manitoba, Canada, the grain is harvested from shallow waters of lakes and rivers. In both environments, fungal diseases are frequently present and can inflict serious grain losses, which not only threaten market supply stability but also conservation efforts for natural reseeding and the diversity of the germplasm. To anticipate management of diseases in these two divergent situations, we are developing tools to rapidly identify NWR pathogens. We developed PCR-based assays for the most common fungal pathogens using the Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA, the Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G3PD), and other genes. PCR assays with species-specific G3PD primers identified Bipolaris oryzae, B. sorokiniana, and B. zeicola. Those targeting the ITS sequence differentiated Nakatea oryzae from other NWR-associated fungi. ITS amplicons of Manitoba and Minnesota B. sorokiniana isolates are identical. The specific PCR assays identified Bipolaris spp. from lesions after artificial inoculation. Additional refinement of PCR assays and complementary methods at the population level are underway. This collaborative work could improve understanding of microbial variability and anticipate control measures in areas where NWR is found.