Sara Stricker

Email:

strickes@uoguelph.ca

Lab:

Dr. Tom Hsiang

Sara's research involved the turf pathogen Microdochium nivale, which is the causal agent of both Microdochium patch and pink snow mould disease. Sara worked with a commercially available product that may prove to be a potential alternative to fungicides, which are historically how these turf diseases have been prevented/controlled.

Activated Resistance of Bentgrass Cultivars to Microdochium nivale under Predicted Climate Change Conditions

The potential impact of predicted climate change on Microdochium nivale, which causes Microdochium patch on turfgrasses was investigated. Turfgrasses exposed to temperature fluctuations exhibited increased yellowing caused by M. nivale compared to a constant lower temperature incubation. The effect of increased CO₂ (from 400 ppm to 800 ppm) on M. nivale hyphal growth, percent yellowing, and biochemical response was assessed for Agrostis spp. and Poa annua cultivars. The efficacy of the resistance activator, Civitas + Harmonizer, was assessed under conditions of increased CO₂, two temperatures, and field conditions. Civitas + Harmonizer often decreased disease symptoms, and suppression varied by cultivar and environmental conditions. Elevated CO₂ did not affect the growth of M. nivale, although evidence from growth room trials suggests it may decrease Microdochium patch disease severity in the future. However, the interactive effects of temperature, snow cover conditions, and moisture availability in the field under future conditions is unknown.

Courses:

ENVS*6900	Research Seminar in Env Sci
STAT*6950	Statistical Methods: Life Sci
ENVS*6882	Special Topics in Plant & Environmental Health
PLNT*6170	Statistics: Plant Agriculture

Publications:

S. Stricker. 2017. Activated Resistance of Bentgrass Cultivars to Microdochium nivale under Predicted Climate Change Conditions. MSc Thesis, University of Guelph.

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. 2017. Reaction of bentgrass cultivars to a resistance activator and elevated CO₂ levels when challenged with Microdochium nivale, the cause of Microdochium patch. International Turfgrass Society Research Journal 13(1): 229–234. DOI: 10.2134/itsrj2016.08.0666

L. B. Costa., M. A. C. Morandi, S. Stricker, and A. Bettiol. 2016. UV-B radiation reduces biocontrol ability of Clonostachys rosea against Botrytis cinerea. Biocontrol Science and Technology 26(12): 1736–1749. DOI:10.1080/09583157.2016.1241981

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. 2016. Improved resistance of bentgrasses to Microdochium nivale under climate change (poster abstract). Southwestern Ontario Regional Meeting, 2015, Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 38:1, 138-140, DOI: 10.1080/07060661.2016.1139309

Presentations:

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. Management of bentgrass cultivars for improved resistance to Microdochium patch under climate change conditions. NIBIO Landvik Field Day, Grimstad, Norway. Jun 21, 2017

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. Effect of Temperature on Microdochium Disease Severity. Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, Guelph, ON, Canada. Feb 22–23, 2017

S. Stricker. The effects of climate change on a fungal plant pathogen, and a novel control method. Three Minute Thesis, Guelph, ON, Canada. Mar 23, 2016

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. Management of bentgrass cultivars for improved resistance to Microdochium Patch (Microdochium nivale) under climate change conditions. Plant Microbe Adaptation to the Cold, Seattle, WA, USA. May 22–25, 2016

S. Stricker, T. Hsiang, and A. Bertrand. Management of bentgrass cultivars for improved resistance to Microdochium patch (Microdochium nivale) under climate change condition. Ontario Turfgrass Symposium, Guelph, ON, Canada. Feb 17–18, 2016

S. Stricker, and T. Hsiang. Management of bentgrass cultivars for improved resistance to Microdochium patch (Microdochium nivale) under climate change conditions. Ontario Pest Management Conference, Guelph, ON, Canada. Nov 9, 2015

S. Stricker, and T. Hsiang. Management of bentgrass cultivars for improved resistance to Fusarium patch (Microdochium nivale) under climate change conditions. Botany 2015, Edmonton, AB, Canada. Jul 25–29, 2015

Scholarships:

Gordon Nixon Leadership Award. $2000 for the OAC Graduate Student Council, to organize the OAC Cross Campus Conference. Annual grant funding to student organizations for support of significant new initiatives that promote student involvement, service and leadership.

Alumni and Friends Grad Bursary. $600 to support Ontario Agricultural College graduate students who wish to study but who need financial support.

Graduate Access Bursary. $600 access bursary awarded by the University of Guelph

Registrar’s Travel Grant. $301 to assist graduate students in travel related to their research. Winners are selected by the Office of Graduate Studies Awards Committee on the basis of financial need, academic ability, and the strength of the proposal.

ITRC Travel Award. Funding to attend the International Turfgrass Research Conference. Awarded by the International Turfgrass Society.

Taffy Davison Research Travel Grant. $1200 awarded to students conducting research in environmental biology, resource development or related fields.

First Place CPS Video Competition. $1000 from the Canadian Phytopathological Society for creating an educational video.

Sponsorship to attend Advancing Women Conference. This sponsorship covered the registration fee to the conference as well as lodgings at the conference in Toronto, ON. Awarded by the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering.

Certificate of Recognition. Awarded for outstanding volunteer service with Let’s Talk Science

Robb Graduate Research Travel Grant– $200 awarded to graduate students registered in a program offered by OAC to attend a scientific meeting.