Improvement of Bacterial Blight Resistance in Rice Cultivars Jyothi and IR50 via Marker-Assisted Backcross Breeding

Abstract

In pathogen population analysis of 208 Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae(Xoo) strains that were assembled from different parts of India, 21 pathotypes were identified on the basis of disease reactions on near-isogenic lines (NILs) and 13 pathotypes, on rice differentials. Rice cultivars, Jyothi and IR50, which are high yielding but highly prone to bacterial blight (BB) caused by pathogen populations of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in India, were chosen. To improve the BB resistance of these two varieties, a pyramid line, NH56, containing four R-genes, Xa4, xa5, xa13, and Xa21, was selected as the R-donor based on resistance to existing pathogen population. The four R-genes were successfully transferred to cultivars through a traditional backcross method and their presence was documented with marker-aided selection (MAS). Thirty BC₄F₂ plants derived from JxNH56 (cv. Jyothi) and 45 BC₄F₂ plants derived from IR50xNH56 (cv. IR50) had all four resistance genes (Xa4, xa5, xa13, and Xa21), which should be useful resistance donors for breeding other BB-resistant elite indica varieties.     

Improvement of bacterial blight resistance of hybrid rice in China using the Xa23 gene derived from wild rice (Oryza rufipogon)

A novel bacterial blight (BB) resistance gene, Xa23, identified from Oryza rufipogon was introgressed into three popular restorer lines (Minghui63, YR293 and Y1671) for wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility by marker-assisted backcross breeding approach in combination with artificial inoculation and stringent phenotypic selections. The three derived BB resistant restorer lines (Minghui63-Xa23, YR293-Xa23 and Y1671-Xa23) and their hybrid combinations with Zhenshan97A (Shanyou63-Xa23), NongfengA (Fengyou293-Xa23) and Zhong9A (Zhongyou1671-Xa23) demonstrated similar BB resistance spectrum as the donor parent, CBB23 (B). The newly developed BB resistant restorers and their derived hybrids were identical to their respective original versions for agronomic traits especially under disease free condition. However, under severe disease condition, the three BB resistant restorer lines exhibited significantly higher grain weight and spikelet fertility as compared to the respective original restorer lines thus further resulting in BB resistant hybrids with significantly higher grain yields than their respective popular original hybrids. The results indicated that the Xa23 gene could completely express its dominant broad spectrum resistance in different backgrounds of both restorer and male sterile lines across different growth stages, suggesting its immense breeding value in BB resistance improvement for hybrid rice. Moreover, a reasonable utilization and deployment of Xa23 gene for efficient control of BB disease in hybrid rice production was recommended.     

A Single-Tube,Functional Marker-Based Multiplex PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Major Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes Xa21,xa13 and xa5 in Rice

In marker-assisted breeding for bacterial blight(BB) resistance in rice, three major resistance genes, viz., Xa21, xa13 and xa5, are routinely deployed either singly or in combinations. As efficient and functional markers are yet to be developed for xa13 and xa5, we have developed simple PCR-based functional markers for both the genes. For xa13, we designed a functional PCR-based marker, xa13-prom targeting the In Del polymorphism in the promoter of candidate gene Os8N3 located on chromosome 8 of rice. With respect to xa5, a multiplex-PCR based functional marker system, named xa5 FM, consisting of two sets of primer pairs targeting the 2-bp functional nucleotide polymorphism in the exon II of the gene TFIIA5(candidate for xa5), has been developed. Both xa13-prom and xa5 FM can differentiate the resistant and susceptible alleles for xa13 and xa5, respectively, in a co-dominant fashion. Using these two functional markers along with the already reported functional PCR-based marker for Xa21(p TA248), we designed a single-tube multiplex PCR based assay for simultaneous detection of all the three major resistance genes and demonstrated the utility of the multiplex marker system in a segregating population.     

Improving Rice Blast Resistance by Mining Broad-Spectrum Resistance Genes at Pik Locus

Magnaporthe oryzae is known for its genetic diversity and pathogenic variability, leading to rapid breakdown of resistance in rice. Incorporating multiple broad-spectrum blast resistance genes into rice cultivars would extend disease resistance longevity. Effective resistance breeding in rice therefore requires continual enrichment of the reservoir of resistance genes and alleles. We conducted a large-scale screen of rice blast resistance in about 2 000 rice accessions. Among them, 247 accessions showed at least medium resistance to the natural infection of rice blast and 7 novel Pik alleles were identified from them. Variations in gene sequences were then correlated with the phenotypic trait to enable the identification of favorable alleles. Among the seven novel Pik alleles, the resistant rate of Pik-R0/ME/7017 donors was greater than 80%, and the disease score was less than 3. Through molecular marker-assisted backcross breeding, we successfully transferred the three Pik alleles, Pik-R0/ME/7017, into an elite cultivated line Kongyu 131 to obtain BC₃F₂ lines, which showed enhanced resistance to rice blast compared with the recurrent parent. Assessment of these near-isogenic lines in the greenhouse using 31 isolates of M. oryzae from Heilongjiang Province of China revealed that the resistant levels of the BC₃F₂ lines with Pik-R0/ME/7017 were significantly higher than those of the established cloned resistance genes Pik-m and Pi1. Exploring such alleles will enrich our gene library for resistance to rice blast.     

Identification of QTLs underlying resistance to a virulent strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae in rice cultivar DV85

Bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is one of the most devastating diseases of rice in China. A strongly virulent Xoo strain, designated Z-173, is widely distributed across China and Southeast Asia. Indica rice DV85 is known to carry the two resistance genes, xa5 and Xa7. However, their effectiveness against Z-173 is unknown. Using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between DV85 and the susceptible cultivar Kinmaze, we have identified the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for the resistance of DV85 to Z-173. Following 2 years of phenotyping, three QTLs associated with the resistance were detected. These were linked to RFLP markers X362, X292 and G1091 on chromosomes 3, 5, and 6, respectively. Qxa-5 and Qxa-6 probably correspond to xa5 and Xa7, respectively. Both the xa5 and Xa7 resistances are stable over different years, and act independently of one another in determining resistance. The effect of xa5 was larger than that of Xa7. Efficient ways to improve the resistance to Z-173 are discussed.     

Breeding of R8012,a Rice Restorer Line Resistant to Blast and Bacterial Blight Through Marker-Assisted Selection

Genetic improvement is one of the most effective strategies to prevent rice from blast and bacterial blight(BB) diseases,the two most prevalent diseases jeopardizing rice production.Rice hybrids with dural resistance to blast and BB are needed for sustainable production of food.An incomplete diallele design resulted in 25 crosses between five blast and five BB resistant germplasm accessions.Only one pair of parents,DH146 × TM487,showed polymorphism for all the markers to identify one blast resistance gene Pi25 and three BB resistance genes,Xa21,xa13 and xa5,thus it was used in the marker-assisted selection(MAS).F2 individuals of DH146 × TM487 were genotyped using flanking markers of RM3330 and sequence tagged site(STS) marker SA7 for Pi25.The resistant F2 plants with Pi25 were used for pyramiding BB resistance genes Xa21,xa13 and xa5 identified by the markers pTA248,RM264 and RM153,respectively in subsequent generations.Finally,after selection for agronomic traits and restoration ability among 12 pyramided lines,we acquired an elite restorer line,R8012 including all four target genes(Pi25+Xa21+xa13+xa5).Hybrid Zhong 9A/R8012 derived from the selected line showed stronger resistance to blast and BB,and higher grain yield than the commercial checks uniformally in experimental plots,2007 state-wide yield trial and 2008 nation-wide yield trial.This study provides a paradigmatic example to show that MAS is a practically feasible tool in effectively pyramiding multiple resistance genes.The resultant restoring line and its hybrid would play an important role in securing rice production in China.     

Genetics and Improvement of Bacterial Blight Resistance of Hybrid Rice in China

Since 1980s,rice breeding for resistance to bacterial blight has been rapidly progressing in China. The gene Xa4 was mainly used in three-line indica hybrid and two-line hybrid rice. The disease has been ‘quiet’ for 20 years in China,yet in recent years it has gradually emerged and been prevalent in fields planted with newly released rice varieties in the Changjiang River valley. Under the circumstances,scientists inevitably raised several questions:what causes the resurgence and what should we do next? And...     

Breeding Novel Short Grain Rice for Tropical Region to Combine Important Agronomical Traits,Biotic Stress Resistance and Cooking Quality in Koshihikari Background

Breeding program strategies to develop novel short grain white rice varieties such as japonica (short grain) that introgress biotic stress resistance and high grain quality have been developed using indica rice (Pin Kaset + 4 and Riceberry) for applications in japonica rice (Koshihikari) improvement. Four breeding lines showing promising agronomic performance with short grain and low amylose content (< 20%) were obtained. In addition, sensory testing of these breeding lines showed high scores that similar to Koshihikari. Two promising lines, KP48-1-5 and KP48-1-9, which possessed a combination of four genes resistance to different biotic stresses (Bph3 + TPS + Xa21 + Pi-ta) and four genes for grain quality (GS3 + SSIIa + wx^b + badh2), were developed using marker-assisted selection (MAS) with the pedigree method. The current study clearly illustrated the successful use of MAS in combining resistance to multiple biotic stresses while maintaining a high yield potential and preferred grain quality. Moreover, the results indicated that this breeding program, which includes crossing temperate japonica with indica, can create novel short grain rice varieties adapted to a tropical environment, like the japonica type.     

Occurrence of rice blast (Magnaporthe oryzae) and identification of potential resistance sources in Uganda

Rice blast caused by Magnaporthe oryzae continues to be the most destructive disease of rice worldwide, and is a number one disease of rice in Uganda. We present the footprints of M. oryzae importance, distribution, incidence and severity in the rice growing agro-ecologies of Uganda for 2009/2010, and the potential mitigation measures. Our data show that rice blast affects more than 50% of the cultivated rice area on average, and ranks as the most important disease encountered in the field. Between and within agroecologies, both incidence and severity varied (P < 0.05) reflecting the contribution of different cropping practices on rice blast epiphytotics. The highest blast incidence and severities were recorded in Bugiri, Butaleja, Mbale and Lira farmlands, which are the ancestral rice cultivation areas in Uganda. These areas showed mean yield reductions of >30% relative to other locations, suggesting that rice production history played a significant role in rice blast outbreaks. Broadcasting and drill seeding yielded 42.4% less than transplanted rice. Growing two rice crops per year is one of the methods suggested to increase rice production in Uganda, but there was a higher disease incidence in the late season than in the early season, indicating the need for improved resistant varieties. Four blast resistance genes (Pi9, Piz-t, Pi19 and Piz-5) and the cultivar Tetep had the lowest (≤4) blast severity scores in all the test locations. It could be suggested that these genes are potential resistance sources for developing varieties, which would be more relevant for the double cropping systems.     

Identification of New Resistance Loci Against Sheath Blight Disease in Rice Through Genome-Wide Association Study

Sheath blight (SB) caused by the soil borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani is one of the most serious global rice diseases. Breeding resistant cultivar is the most economical and effective strategy to control the disease. However, no rice varieties are completely resistant to SB, and only a few reliable quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked with SB resistance have been identified to date. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of SB resistance using 299 varieties from the rice diversity panel 1 (RDP1) that were genotyped using 44 000 high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Through artificial inoculation, we found that only 36.5% of the tested varieties displayed resistance or moderate resistance to SB. In particular, the aromatic and aus sub-populations displayed higher SB resistance than the tropical japonica (TRJ), indica and temperate japonica sub-populations. Seven varieties showed similar resistance levels to the resistant control YSBR1. GWAS identified at least 11 SNP loci significantly associated with SB resistance in the three independent trials, leading to the identification of two reliable QTLs, qSB-3 and qSB-6, on chromosomes 3 and 6. Using favorable alleles or haplotypes of significantly associated SNP loci, we estimated that both QTLs had obvious effects on reducing SB disease severity and can be used for enhancing SB resistance, especially in improving SB resistance of TRJ sub-population rice varieties. These results provided important information and genetic materials for developing SB resistant varieties through breeding.     

Genome-Wide Analysis of von Willebrand Factor A Gene Family in Rice for Its Role in Imparting Biotic Stress Resistance with Emphasis on Rice Blast Disease

von Willebrand factor A (vWA) genes are well characterized in humans except for few BONZAI genes, but the vWA genes are least explored in plants. Considering the novelty and vital role of vWA genes, this study aimed at characterization of vWA superfamily in rice. Rice genome was found to have 40 vWA genes distributed across all the 12 chromosomes, and 20 of the 40 vWA genes were unique while the remaining shared large fragment similarities with each other, indicating gene duplication. In addition to vWA domain, vWA proteins possess other different motifs or domains, such as ubiquitin interacting motif in protein degradation pathway, and RING finger in protein-protein interaction. Expression analysis of vWA genes in available expression data suggested that they probably function in biotic and abiotic stress responses including hormonal response and signaling. The frequency of transposon elements in the entire 3K rice germplasm was negligible except for 9 vWA genes, indicating the importance of these genes in rice. Structural and functional diversities showed that the vWA genes in a blast-resistant rice variety Tetep had huge variations compared to blast-susceptible rice varieties HP2216 and Nipponbare. qRT-PCR analysis of vWA genes in Magnaporthe oryzae infected rice tissues indicated OsvWA9, OsvWA36, OsvWA37 and OsvWA18 as the optimal candidate genes for disease resistance. This is the first attempt to characterize vWA gene family in plant species.     

Phylogenomic Relationships of Rice Oxalate Oxidases to the Cupin Superfamily and Their Association with Disease Resistance QTL

Rice oxalate oxidase genes (OXO) may play a role in resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae. Genome analyses showed four tandemly duplicated OXO genes, OsOXO1–OsOXO4, which mapped to a blast resistance QTL in chromosome 3. These genes have >90% nucleotide and amino acid identity, but they have unique gene structures, conserved motifs, and phylogeny compared to the 70 other members of the cupin superfamily in the Nipponbare genome, which were divided into several classes. In resistant and susceptible Vandana/Moroberekan advanced backcross lines, only OsOXO4 was expressed during rice–M. oryzae interactions, and its expression increased earlier in resistant than susceptible lines. The earlier expression of OsOXO4 in resistant lines correlated with a 26-bp promoter insertion containing an additional copy of the bacterial responsive nodulation cis-element. Our results showed that OsOXO1–4 are in a separate class of rice cupin genes and supports a role for the promoter variant of OsOXO4 in resistance to M. oryzae.     

Changing allele frequencies associated with specific resistance genes to leaf blast in backcross introgression lines of Khao Dawk Mali 105 developed from a conventional selection program

Key genomic regions associated with blast resistance against a broad spectrum of isolates could be identified in backcross introgression lines developed by conventional breeding program. In this article, eighty three BC₃F₂ backcross introgression lines (BILs) derived from a cross between IR68835-98-2-B-2-1-1 (a broad spectrum blast resistance variety) and KDML105 (a susceptible variety) were developed by phenotypic selection against a mixture of six virulent blast isolates (MXL) that are widely spread out in the rainfed lowland of the North and Northeast of Thailand. The resistance spectrum of the BILs was assessed by inoculating with 12 different Magnaporthe oryzae isolates that showed differential responses on the parental cultivars and the MXL that was used for phenotypic selection. All BILs showed highly resistant reactions (low disease score) to the MXL and to two blast isolates THL48 and THL149. Four markers, i.e., RM246, RM241, RM303 and RM164 completely favoring the IR68835 allele (shifting of allele frequencies from KDML105 to IR68835) were identified on chromosomes 1, 4 and 5, respectively. Therefore, these markers could be linked to the resistance genes functioning against the MXL, THL48 and THL149. Furthermore, significant shifting of alleles was identified at six markers located on chromosomes 2, 4, 8, 9 and 12. Seven DNA markers linked to specific resistance genes were identified, in which allele from IR68835 at 6 markers, i.e., RM6, RM205, RM211, RM252, RM273 and RM342 reduced disease score (DS), against blast isolates THL16, THL329, THL458, THL831, THL868 and THL96036 while allele from KDML105 at RM208 (Pi-kd on chromosomes 2) reduce DS against THL84, THL191, THL557 and THL1108. In this study, the use of DNA markers enabled the identification of specific resistance genes in the backcross breeding materials developed from routine rice breeding program through the conventional phenotypic selection. In this experiment, the usefulness of breeding materials from conventional breeding program in identifying genes corresponding to the selection was illustrated. Linked markers and their genomic location provide necessary information for further use of marker-assisted selection to improve blast resistance in rice breeding program.     

疣粒野生稻抗白叶枯病新基因的初步鉴定

以10个菲律宾白叶枯病菌小种和1个中国白叶枯病菌小种为供试菌系,以高感白叶枯病水稻品种IR24及携有不同抗白叶枯病基因的近等基因系IRBB1等16个材料作为参照,对粳稻品种8411/疣粒野生稻体细胞杂交获得的两个抗白叶枯病新种质SH5和SH76进行了白叶枯病抗谱鉴定。结果表明SH5和SH76在苗期的抗谱较广,并且与已知抗病基因的抗谱不同,但与IRBB5(xa5)和IRBB7(Xa7)相似。分别用xa5和Xa7的分子标记2F_1R和M5进行检测,确定SH5和SH76中不含有xa5和Xa7基因。初步推测SH5、SH76可能含有一个新的抗病基因或者一个连锁的基因簇群。     

稻瘟病抗性分子育种研究综述

对稻瘟病菌致病机理、抗性鉴定方法、抗源筛选、抗性基因定位和克隆及无毒基因研究、分子标记辅助育种和转基因育种等方面的研究进展进行了综述,同时对抗性基因的利用以及聚合育种进行了展望.     

Improvement of Upland Rice Variety by Pyramiding Drought Tolerance QTL with Two Major Blast Resistance Genes for Sustainable Rice Production

Varalu is an early maturing rice variety widely grown in the rainfed ecosystem preferred for its grain type and cooking quality. However, the yield of Varalu is substantially low since it is being affected by reproductive drought stress along with the blast disease. The genetic improvement of Varalu was done by introgressing a major yield QTL, qDTY_12.1, along with two major blast resistance genes i.e. Pi54 and Pi1 through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Both traits were transferred till BC₂ generation and intercrossing was followed to pyramid the two traits. Stringent foreground selection was carried out using linked markers as well as peak markers (RM28099, RM28130, RM511 and RM28163) for the targeted QTL (qDTY_12.1), RM206 for Pi54 and RM224 for Pi1. Extensive background selection was done using genome-wide SSR markers. Six best lines (MSM-36, MSM-49, MSM-53, MSM-57, MSM-60 and MSM-63) having qDTY_12.1 and two blast resistance genes in homozygous condition with recurrent parent genome of 95.0%-96.5% having minimal linkage drag of about 0.1 to 0.7 Mb were identified. These lines showed yield advantage under drought stress as well as irrigated conditions. MSM-36 showed better performance in the national coordinated trials conducted across India, which indicated that improved lines of Varalu expected to replace Varalu and may have an important role in sustaining rice production. The present study demonstrated the successful marker-assisted pyramiding strategy for introgression of genes/QTLs conferring biotic stress resistance and yield under abiotic stress in rice.     

Current Status of Conventional and Molecular Interventions for Blast Resistance in Rice

Pyricularia oryzae anamorph of Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most notorious fungal pathogens causing severe economic loss in rice production worldwide. Various methods, viz. cultural, biological and molecular approaches, are utilized to counteract this pathogen. Moreover, some tolerant or resistant rice varieties have been developed with the help of breeding programmes. Isolation and molecular characterization of different blast resistance genes now open the gate for new possibilities to elucidate the actual allelic variants of these genes via various molecular breeding and transgenic approaches. However, the behavioral pattern of this fungus breakups the resistance barriers in the resistant or tolerant rice varieties. This host-pathogen barrier will be possibly countered in future research by comparative genomics data from available genome sequence data of rice and M. oryzae for durable resistance. Present review emphasized fascinating recent updates, new molecular breeding approaches, transgenic and genomics approaches(i.e. mi RNA and genome editing) for the management of blast disease in rice. The updated information will be helpful for the durable, resistance breeding programme in rice against blast pathogen.     

辽宁省粳稻品种稻瘟病抗性基因分析

【目的】为明确辽宁省260份粳稻品种中稻瘟病抗性基因的类型,评价抗性基因利用价值,为辽宁省水稻抗病育种提供参考。【方法】选用9个稻瘟病抗性基因的特异引物分析辽宁省已审定的260份粳稻品种抗性基因种类、基因组合类型及地域分布情况,基于抗病基因检测条带的有无进行品种聚类分析,苗期人工喷雾接种、分蘖盛期和蜡熟期田间自然发病调查,评价9个抗性单基因系的抗病性。【结果】辽宁省粳稻品种中含有抗性基因数量从0～7个不等,抗性基因Pikh检出率最高,其次是Pikm和Pi1;所有参试品种均未检测到Pi9基因,仅在辽宁省农业科学院育成的辽粳421中检测到Pi40基因。参试的水稻品种中共有62个基因组合类型。基于抗性基因检测结果进行聚类分析,可以将260份粳稻材料分为11个类群。9个抗性单基因系中,Pi40抗性最好;其次是Pi9、Pigm和Pita。【结论】抗性基因Pi40、Pi9、Pigm和Pita在辽宁省粳稻品种选育和生产上具有重要的应用潜力;参试品种的80.38%集中在第Ⅴ、Ⅵ、Ⅶ和Ⅸ类群,没有明显的地域差异;参试品种抗病基因组合类型不够丰富,亲缘关系较近。     

Marker-Assisted Pyramiding of Genes Conferring Resistance Against Bacterial Blight and Blast Diseases into Indian Rice Variety MTU1010

Two major bacterial blight(BB) resistance genes(Xa21 and xa13) and a major gene for blast resistance(Pi54) were introgressed into an Indian rice variety MTU1010 through marker-assisted backcross breeding. Improved Samba Mahsuri(possessing Xa21 and xa13) and NLR145(possessing Pi54) were used as donor parents. Marker-assisted backcrossing was continued till BC2 generation wherein PCR based functional markers specific for the resistance genes were used for foreground selection and a set of parental polymorphic microsatellite markers were used for background selection at each stage of backcrossing. Selected BC2F1 plants from both crosses, having the highest recoveries of MTU1010 genome(90% and 92%, respectively), were intercrossed to obtain intercross F1(ICF1) plants, which were then selfed to generate 880 ICF2 plants possessing different combinations of the BB and blast resistance genes. Among the ICF2 plants, seven triple homozygous plants(xa13xa13Xa21Xa21Pi54Pi54) with recurrent parent genome recovery ranging from 82% to 92% were identified. All the seven ICF2 plants showed high resistance against the bacterial blight disease with a lesion lengths of only 0.53–2.28 cm, 1%–5% disease leaf areas and disease scoring values of ‘1' or ‘3'. The seven ICF2 plants were selfed to generate ICF3, which were then screened for blast resistance, and all were observed to be highly resistant to the diseases. Several ICF3 lines possessing high level of resistance against BB and blast, coupled with yield, grain quality and plant type on par with MTU1010 were identified and advanced for further selection and evaluation.