Stephen Strelkov
Contact
Professor, Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- strelkov@ualberta.ca
- Phone
- (780) 492-1969
- Address
-
4-16E Agriculture/Forestry Centre
9011 - 116 St NWEdmonton ABT6G 2P5
Director (Plant Biosystems), Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sci - Ag, Food & Nutri Sci Dept
- strelkov@ualberta.ca
Overview
About
Degree
PhD, University of Manitoba
Job/Research Area
Plant Pathology and Associate Chair (Grad Programs)
Research
Major Responsibilities/Research Interests
My main research interests are in the area of host-parasite interactions, particularly in the role of host-specific toxins in fungal pathogenicity and plant disease development. Our work has focused on the purification, characterization and mode of action of Ptr ToxB, a host-specific toxin produced by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis, the causal agent of tan spot of wheat. We have recently also began exploring the basic pathogenic ability of virulent and avirulent isolates of the pathogen, and its relationship to toxin production. Furthermore, since my arrival at the University of Alberta, my interests have expanded beyond the tan spot pathosystem to include a number of other areas in plant pathology. Of particular importance has been our work on clubroot of crucifers, caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, which is an emerging disease of canola in Alberta. Given the recent occurrence of this disease in the province, the scope of our research on clubroot has ranged from the basic to the applied. We have examined questions related to pathotype composition and diversity in populations of the pathogen from Alberta and throughout Canada, and have initiated work on molecular changes induced in susceptible canola genotypes in response to infection. In addition, we have started field research aimed at developing an integrated management strategy for control of clubroot on canola. This latter component of the work is closely related to a third area of recent interest, the development of integrated management strategies for dealing with root diseases of field crops in general. In order to strengthen and complement our research capabilities, I have established collaborations with a number of researchers at this University and at other institutions, both at the provincial and national level.
Courses
AFNS 582 - Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops
Diseases of cereal, oilseed, pulse, forage, vegetable, fruit, and ornamental crops. Normally offered in alternate years. Not to be taken if credit received for PL SC 481. Prerequisite: PL SC 380 or consent of instructor.
AFNS 583 - Principles of Plant Pathology
An advanced course on plant diseases; the nature of nonparasitic and parasitic causal agents such as air pollutants, temperature, viruses, bacteria, fungi, higher plants and nematodes; principles involved in disease prevention and control. Not to be taken if credit received for PL SC 380. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor.
AFNS 601 - Seminar
Covers specialized topics of current interest to graduate students in AFNS. Presentations by students, faculty and invited speakers. Students register in one of four sections - Animal Science, Plant Science, Food Science or Human Nutrition. Attendance is required of all graduate students throughout their program. MSc students normally register for one term in year 2, and are required to present one seminar; PhD students normally register for one term in each of year 1 and 3, and are required to present one seminar per term.
PL SC 380 - Principles of Plant Pathology
An introduction to plant diseases; the nature of nonparasitic and parasitic causal agents such as air pollutants, temperature, viruses, bacteria, fungi, higher plants and nematodes; principles involved in disease prevention and control. Prerequisite: BIOL 107 recommended.
PL SC 481 - Diseases of Field and Horticultural Crops
Diseases of cereal, oilseed, pulse, forage, vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops. Normally offered in alternate years. Prerequisite: PL SC 380.