Validation of two major quantitative trait loci for fusarium head blight resistance in Chinese wheat line W14

Identity of quantitative trait loci (QTL) governing resistance to fusarium head blight (FHB) initial infection (type I), spread (type II), kernel infection, and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation was characterized in Chinese wheat line W14. Ninety‐six double‐haploid lines derived from a cross of W14 × ’Pion2684’ were evaluated for FHB resistance in two greenhouse and one field experiment. Two known major QTL were validated on chromosomes 3BS and 5AS in W14 using the composite interval mapping method. The 3BS QTL had a larger effect on resistance than the 5AS QTL in the greenhouse experiments, whereas, the 5AS QTL had a larger effect in the field experiment. These two QTL together explained 33%, 35%, and 31% of the total phenotypic variation for disease spread, kernel infection, and DON concentration in the greenhouse experiments, respectively. In the field experiment, the two QTL explained 34% and 26% of the total phenotypic variation for FHB incidence and severity, respectively. W14 has both QTL, which confer reduced initial infection, disease spread, kernel infection, and DON accumulation. Therefore, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for both QTL should be implemented in incorporating W14 resistance into adapted backgrounds. Flanking markers Xbarc133 and Xgwm493 on 3BS and Xbarc117 and Xbarc56 on 5AS are suggested for MAS.     

Combining ability analysis of Fusarium head blight resistance in western European wheat lines

The inheritance of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance was investigated in eight western European wheat lines using a half-diallel of F₁ crosses. The parents and F₁ crosses were point-inoculated, with a highly aggressive isolate of Fusarium graminearum, in replicated field and glasshouse trials. Type II resistance was assessed by measuring the % FHB spread and % wilted tips. There was a good correlation between the two disease parameters, % FHB spread area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) and % wilted tips AUDPC (r = 0.86, P < 0.01). Correlation coefficients between the field and glasshouse environments were r = 0.46 (P < 0.01) for % FHB spread AUDPC and r = 0.40 (P < 0.05) for % wilted tips AUDPC. Both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects influenced the inheritance of FHB resistance, suggesting that in this set of parents both additive and non-additive (dominance or epistatic) effects influence the inheritance of type II FHB resistance. Highly significant GCA-by-environment (P < 0.0001) and SCA-by-environment (P < 0.005) interactions were also observed. Specific combinations of western European wheat varieties were identified with type II FHB resistance at a level equal to or more resistant than the winter wheat variety ‘Arina’.     

Employment of wheat grain properties in evaluation of Fusarium head blight resistance

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the most destructive fungal diseases. Wide spread of FHB causes yield loss, quality reduction, and accumulation of poisonous mycotoxins. Twenty-three Korean wheat cultivars and a known FHB resistant cultivar ‘Sumai 3’ were tested for Type I and Type II resistance to FHB and evaluated for grain characteristics. Wheat cultivars showed infection scores of 0.6 (the lowest) to 7.8 (the highest) in response to the Fusarium inoculation for Type I evaluation. Three Korean cultivars, ‘Chungkye’ (1.8), ‘Tapdong’ (1.8), and ‘Jinpoom’ (1.6) showed relatively good FHB resistance compared to ‘Sumai 3’ (0.6) for Type I evaluation. On the other hand, Type II evaluation scores ranged between 1.4 and 3.6. The infection scores of ‘Uri’ (1.4) and ‘Jinpoom’ (1.4) were particularly low and even lower than “Sumai 3” (1.6). The relationship between grain properties and FHB severity was evaluated. Grain length was positively correlated with Type II evaluation. Spike length and total polyphenol content were negatively correlated with FHB severity of Type I evaluation. Grain properties were negatively or positively correlated with FHB severity. The obtained results indicated that some of the grain parameters could be employed in the development of wheat lines with improved FHB resistance.     

Effect of 3B, 5A and 3A QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance on agronomic and quality performance of Canadian winter wheat

The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) the correlations between Fusarium head blight (FHB) index, deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and percentage of Fusarium‐damaged kernels (FDK) with agronomic and quality traits and (ii) the effect associated with the presence of single QTLs for FHB resistance on agronomic and quality traits in winter wheat. The population was derived from the cross between ‘RCATL33' (FHB resistance derived from ‘Sumai 3’ and ‘Frontana’) and ‘RC Strategy’. Parental lines and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were genotyped with SSR markers associated with the 3B, 5A and 3A QTLs. The population was planted in FHB‐inoculated nurseries and in agronomy trials. Lines in the 3B QTL class had the lowest FHB index, DON content and FDK level and did not have a significantly lower yield, thousand kernel weight or protein content compared with the lines grouped in other QTL classes (including no QTL class). Marker‐assisted selection of the 3B QTL for FHB resistance into high‐yielding FHB‐susceptible winter wheat is the recommended approach for the development of lines with increased FHB resistance without significant yield and quality penalties.     

Phenotypic and marker-assisted evaluation of spring and winter wheat germplasm for resistance to fusarium head blight

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium species, is among the most devastating wheat diseases, causing losses in numerous sectors of the grain industry through yield and quality reduction, and the accumulation of poisonous mycotoxins. A germplasm collection of spring and winter wheat, including nine reference cultivars, was tested for Type II FHB resistance and deoxynivalenol (DON) content. Genetic diversity was evaluated on the basis of Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers linked to FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers. The allele size of the SSR markers linked to FHB resistance QTLs from known resistance sources was compared to a germplasm collection to determine the presence of these QTLs and to identify potentially novel sources of resistance. Forty-two accessions were identified as resistant or moderately resistant to Fusarium spread, and two also had very low DON concentrations. Genetic relationships among wheat accessions were generally consistent with their geographic distribution and pedigree. SSR analysis revealed that several resistant accessions carried up to four of the tested QTLs. Resistant and moderately resistant lines without any known QTLs are considered to be novel sources of resistance that could be used for further genetic studies.     

Characterization of Chinese wheat germplasm for resistance to Fusarium head blight at CIMMYT, Mexico

Fusarium head blight (FHB) poses a challenge for wheat breeders worldwide; there are limited sources of resistance and the genetic basis for resistance is not well understood. In the mid-1980s, a shuttle breeding and germplasm exchange program launched between CIMMYT-Mexico and China, enabled the incorporation of FHB resistance from Chinese bread wheat germplasm into CIMMYT wheat. Most of the Chinese wheat materials conserved in the CIMMYT germplasm bank had not been fully characterized for FHB reaction under Mexican environments, until 2009, when 491 Chinese bread wheat lines were evaluated in a FHB screening nursery in Mexico, and 304 (61.9 %) showed FHB indices below 10 %. Subsequent testing occurred in 2010 for plant height (PH), days to heading (DH), and leaf rust response. In 2012, 140 elite lines with good agronomic types were further evaluated for field FHB reaction and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation. Most of the tested lines showed good resistance: 116 (82.9 %) entries displayed FHB indices lower than 10 %, while 89 (63.6 %) had DON contents lower than 1.0 ppm. Significant negative correlations were observed between FHB traits (FHB index, DON content, and Fusarium damaged kernels) and PH, DH, and anther extrusion. A subset of 102 elite entries was selected for haplotyping using markers linked to 10 well known FHB quantitative trait loci (QTL). 57 % of the lines possessed the same 2DL QTL marker alleles as Wuhan 1 or CJ 9306, and 26.5 % had the same 3BS QTL allele as Sumai 3. The remaining known QTL were of low frequency. These materials, especially those with none of the above tested resistance QTL (26.5 %), could be used in breeding programs as new resistance sources possessing novel genes for FHB resistance and DON tolerance.     

Mapping QTLs associated with Fusarium-damaged kernels in the Nanda 2419 × Wangshuibai population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), or scab, is a devastating wheat disease worldwide, reducing both grain yield and quality. The percentage of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) directly reflects the damage level caused by scab on wheat grains and its variation represents the so-called type IV scab resistance in germplasm. To identify genes governing type IV resistance and investigate its relationship with other scab resistance types, we mapped QTLs associated with percent FDK using data from three different field evaluations of the recombination inbred line (RIL) population derived from the susceptible cultivar Nanda 2419 × the scab-resistant cultivar Wangshuibai. Five QTLs related to percent FDK were identified in at least two different trials, for which Wangshuibai contributed four of the resistance alleles. Most of the FDK-related QTLs, including the three with larger effects, QFdk.nau-2B, QFdk.nau-3B and QFdk.nau-4B, mapped to intervals associated with either type IV resistance or type II resistance. Moreover, most of the major type I and type II resistance QTLs detected previously were associated with type IV resistance, suggesting that resistance to initial infection and disease spread play major roles in conditioning less FDK. Therefore, breeders have options to choose inoculation methods based on their expertise and resources without risking significant loss of information when using percent FDK as the disease index. The most useful scab resistance QTLs for breeding would be those with stable influences on FDK and/or deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation besides the initial infection and disease spread. Chunjun Li and Huilan Zhu contributed equally to this work.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> head blight resistance from wheat variety Wangshuibai

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive disease of wheat worldwide. FHB resistance genes from Sumai 3 and its derivatives such as Ning 7840 have been well characterized through molecular mapping. In this study, resistance genes in Wangshuibai, a Chinese landrace with high and stable FHB resistance, were analyzed through molecular mapping. A population of 104 F₂-derived F₇ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from the cross between resistant landrace Wangshuibai and susceptible variety Alondras. A total of 32 informative amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) primer pairs (EcoRI/MseI) amplified 410 AFLP markers segregating among the RILs. Among them, 250 markers were mapped in 23 linkage groups covering a genetic distance of 2,430 cM. In addition, 90 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were integrated into the AFLP map. Fifteen markers associated with three quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FHB resistance (P < 0.01) were located on two chromosomes. One QTL was mapped on 1B and two others were mapped on 3B. One QTL on 3BS showed a major effect and explained up to 23.8% of the phenotypic variation for type II FHB resistance.     

Different quantitative trait loci for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> resistance in wheat seedlings and adult stage in the Wuhan/Nyubai wheat population

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused primarily by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe), is an important wheat disease. In addition to head blight, F. graminearum also causes Fusarium seedling blight (FSB) and produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in the grain. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the relationship between resistance of wheat lines to F. graminearum in the seedlings and spikes and (2) to determine whether the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FSB were the same as QTLs for FHB resistance and DON level reported for the same population previously (Somers et al. 2003). There was no relationship between FSB infection and FHB index or DON content across the population. A single QTL on chromosome 5B that controlled FSB resistance was identified in the population; the marker WMC75 explained 13.8% of the phenotypic variation for FSB. This value implies that there may be other QTL with minor effects present, but they were not detected in the analysis. Such a QTL on chromosome 5B was not reported previously among the QTLs associated with FHB resistance and DON level in this population. However, because of recombination, some lines in the present study have Fusarium resistance for both seedling and head blight simultaneously. For example, DH line HC 450 had the highest level of resistance to FSB and FHB and was among the ten lines with lowest DON content. This line is a good candidate to be used as a parent for future crosses in breeding for Fusarium seedling resistance, together with breeding for head blight resistance. This approach may be effective in increasing overall plant resistance to Fusarium.     

Resistance to Fusarium head blight and deoxynivalenol accumulation in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (telomorph =Gibberella zeae (Schw.)), is an important wheat disease world‐wide. Production of deoxynivalenol (DON) by F. graminearum in infected wheat grain is detrimental to livestock and is also a safety concern in human foods. An international collection of 116 wheat lines was evaluated for FHB resistance and concentration of DON in grain. Plants were inoculated with mixed isolates of F. graminearum in the greenhouse by injecting conidia into a single spikelet of each spike and in the field by scattering F. graminearum‐infected wheat kernels on the soil surface. FHB symptoms were evaluated by visual inspection in both the greenhouse and field, and DON was analysed by HPLC. Significant differences in FHB ratings and DON levels were observed among cultivars. In the greenhouse test, visual symptoms varied from no spread of FHB from the inoculated spikelet to spread throughout the spike, and DON levels ranged from trace levels to 283 mg/kg. In the field test, DON ranged from 2.8 to 52 mg/kg. The greenhouse test identified 16 wheat lines from various origins that accumulated less than 2 mg/kg DON. These lines may be useful as sources for breeding wheat cultivars with lower DON levels. Correlation coefficients were significant between FHB symptom ratings, seed quality traits, and DON levels. Thus, the percentage of scabbed spikelets and kernels can be generally used to predict DON levels in harvested wheat grain. In breeding programmes, selection for plants having few scabbed spikelets and scabbed kernels is most likely to result in low DON levels.     

Comparison of rye,triticale, durum wheat and bread wheat genotypes for Fusarium head blight resistance and deoxynivalenol contamination

Small-grain winter cereal crops can be infected with Fusarium head blight (FHB) leading to mycotoxin contamination and reduction in grain weight and quality. Although a number of studies have investigated the genetic variation of genotypes within each small-grain cereal, a systematic comparison of the winter crops rye, triticale, durum and bread wheat for their FHB resistance, Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) contamination across species is still missing. We have therefore evaluated twelve genotypes each of four crops widely varying in their FHB resistance under artificial infection with one DON-producing F. culmorum isolate at constant spore concentrations and additionally at crop-specific concentrations in two environments. Rye and triticale were the most resistant crops to FHB followed by bread and durum wheat at constant and crop-specific spore concentrations. On average, rye accumulated the lowest amount of DON (10.08 mg/kg) in the grains, followed by triticale (15.18 mg/kg) and bread wheat (16.59 mg/kg), while durum wheat had the highest amount (30.68 mg/kg). Genotypic variances within crops were significant (p ≤ .001) in most instances. These results underline the differing importance of breeding for FHB resistance in the different crops.     

Quantitative trait loci for resistance to Fusarium head blight in recombinant inbred wheat lines from the cross Huapei 57-2 / Patterson

Fusarium head blight (FHB), primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum in North America, often results in significant losses in yield and grain quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Evaluation of FHB resistance is laborious and can be affected by environmental conditions. The development of DNA markers associated with FHB quantitative trait loci (QTL) and their use in breeding programs could greatly enhance selection. The objective of this study was to identify the location and effect of QTLs for FHB resistance using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A population of wheat recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross ‘Huapei57-2’/‘Patterson’ was characterized for type II resistance in one field experiment and two tests under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Bulked segregant analysis followed by QTL mapping was used to identify the major segregating QTLs. Results indicate that ‘Huapei 57-2’ may have the same resistance allele as ‘Sumai3’ at a QTL located on the short arm of chromosome 3B. Other QTLs of lower effect size were identified on the long arm of 3Band on chromosomes 3A and 5B. Our findings along with results from other studies demonstrate that the effect of the QTL on3BS is large and consistent across a wide range of genetic backgrounds and environments. Pyramiding this QTL with other FHB QTLs using marker-assisted selection should be effective in improving FHB resistance in a wheat breeding program. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Estimation of deoxynivalenol (DON) content by symptom rating and exoantigen content for resistance selection in wheat and triticale

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and triticale leads to contamination of the grain with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) that is harmful to animal and man. A fast, low-cost, and reliable method for quantification of the DON content in the grain is essential for selection. We analysed 113 wheat and 55 triticale genotypes for their symptom development on spikes, Fusarium exoantigen (ExAg) and DON content in the grain after artificial inoculation with a highly aggressive isolate of F. culmorum in three (wheat) and six (triticale) location-by-year combinations. Additionally, in triticale the amount of Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) was assessed. ExAg content was analysed by a newly developed Fusarium-specific plate-trapped antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (PTA-ELISA) and DON content by an immunoassay. A moderate disease severity resulted in an ExAg content of 0.87 optical density (OD) units in wheat and 1.02 OD in triticale. DON content ranged from 12.0 to 105.2 mg kg^–1 in wheat and from 24.2 to 74.0 mg kg^–1 in triticale. Genotypic and genotype-by-environment interaction variances were significant (P < 0.01). Coefficient of phenotypic correlation between DON content analysed by the immunoassay and ExAg content was r = 0.86 for wheat and r = 0.60 for triticale. The highest correlation between DON content and symptom rating was found by FHB rating in wheat (r = 0.77) and by FDK rating in triticale (r = 0.71). In conclusion, selection for reduced FHB symptoms should lead to a correlated selection response in low fungal biomass and low DON content in the grain.     

Effects of genotype and genotype—environment interaction on deoxynivalenol accumulation and resistance to Fusarium head blight in rye, triticale, and wheat

Fusarium culmorum is one of the most important Fusarium species causing head blight infections in wheat, rye, and triticale. It is known as a potent mycotoxin producer with deoxynivalenol (DON), 3‐acetyl deoxynivalenol (3‐ADON), and nivalenol (NIV) being the most prevalent toxins. In this study, the effect of winter cereal species, host genotype, and environment on DON accumulation and Fusarium head blight (FHB) was analysed by inoculating 12 rye, eight wheat, and six triticale genotypes of different resistance levels with a DON‐producing isolate at three locations in 2 years (six environments). Seven resistance traits were assessed, including head blight rating and relative plot yield. In addition, ergosterol, DON and 3‐ADON contents in the grain were determined. A growth‐chamber experiment with an artificially synchronized flowering date was also conducted with a subset of two rye, wheat and triticale genotypes. Although rye genotypes were, on average, affected by Fusarium infections much the same as wheat genotypes, wheat accumulated twice as much DON as rye. Triticale was least affected and the grain contained slightly more DON than rye. In the growth‐chamber experiment, wheat and rye again showed similar head blight ratings, but rye had a somewhat lower relative head weight and a DON content nine times lower than wheat (3.9 vs. 35.3 mg/kg). Triticale was least susceptible with a five times lower DON content than wheat. Significant (P = 0.01) genotypic variation for DON accumulation existed in wheat and rye. The differences between and within cereal species in the field experiments were highly influenced by environment for resistance traits and mycotoxin contents. Nevertheless, mean mycotoxin content of the grain could not be associated with general weather conditions in the individual environments. Strong genotype‐environment interactions were found for all cereal species. This was mainly due to three wheat varieties and one rye genotype being environmentally extremely unstable. The more resistant entries, however, showed a higher environmental stability of FHB resistance and tolerance to DON accumulation. Correlations between resistance traits and DON content were high in wheat (P = 0.01), with the most resistant varieties also accumulating less DON, but with variability in rye. In conclusion, the medium to large genotypic variation in wheat and rye offers good possibilities for reducing DON content in the grains by resistance selection. Large confounding effects caused by the environment will require multiple locations and/or years to evaluate FHB resistance and mycotoxin accumulation.     

Alleles on the two dwarfing loci on 4B and 4D are main drivers of FHB‐related traits in the Canadian winter wheat population “Vienna” × “25R47”

Fusarium head blight (FHB), leaf rust and stem rust are among the most destructive wheat diseases. High‐yielding, native disease resistance sources are available in North America. The objective of this study was to map loci associated with FHB traits, leaf rust, stem rust and plant height in a “Vienna”/”25R47” population. DArT markers were used to generate a genetic map, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed by evaluating 113 doubled haploid lines across three environments in Ontario, Canada. FHB resistance QTL were identified on chromosomes 4D, 4B, 2D and 7A, while a QTL for leaf and stem rust resistance was identified on chromosome 1B. The dwarfing alleles of both Rht‐B1 and Rht‐D1 were associated with increased FHB index and DON content.     

Selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in early generations reduces the deoxynivalenol (DON) content in grain of winter and spring wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) results in yield losses and contamination of kernels by mycotoxins, particularly deoxynivalenol (DON). For minimizing DON content in grain, indirect selection methods would increase gains from selection compared to the costly and time‐consuming DON analysis. The aim of this study was to examine whether an early selection for fewer FHB symptoms would lead to a reduced DON content in grain after inoculation with Fusarium culmorum. Starting with a double‐cross derived population of about 1,100 genotypes, 30 F_1:3 genotypes were selected for FHB rating in a two‐step selection in spring wheat with the non‐adapted resistance sources CM82036 and ‘Frontana’. In winter wheat, 30 F_1:2 genotypes were selected out of a double‐cross derived population of about 600 F₁ plants from crosses with German resistance sources (‘Dream’, G16‐92). Selected genotypes were grouped in three categories according to their FHB rating (low, moderate and high) and analysed afterwards for grain DON content. The three groups differed in their DON content illustrating that indirect selection should already be feasible in the earliest generations. Because of the wide genotypic ranges for DON contents within one grouping, a final DON analysis for selected materials is advisable to achieve full selection gain.     

Field evaluation of resistance to kernel infection and mycotoxin accumulation caused by Fusarium head blight in western Japanese wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Fusarium head blight (FHB) remains a serious problem that causes yield and grain quality losses, and mycotoxin accumulation in wheat production in western Japan. A 3-year field trial with artificial FHB inoculation was conducted to evaluate varietal characteristics of FHB resistance among 31 wheat cultivars/lines cultivated in western Japan, including one standard line. Severity of FHB, frequency of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), deoxynivalenol concentration (DON), nivalenol concentration (NIV), and grain yield showed significant differences among years and among cultivars/lines. Interaction between years and cultivars/lines was also significant in these traits, but F values were larger for cultivars/lines than for the interaction. Correlation analysis showed that cultivars/lines with lower FHB severities tended to have lower FDK, DON and NIV, and a higher yield. Resistance to kernel infection (RKI), residuals calculated by regressing FDK against FHB severity, and resistance to mycotoxin accumulation (RTA), residuals calculated by regressing DON + NIV against FDK, also differed significantly among cultivars/lines. These results indicated that varietal differences in response to FHB symptom development, RKI and RTA exist among wheat cultivars/lines in western Japan. Such information is important to aid producers in controlling the disease and for breeders to improve FHB resistance and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in commercial wheat cultivars.     

Optimizing phenotypic and genotypic selection for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB), or head scab, is an economically important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In developing FHB-resistant soft winter wheat cultivars, breeders have relied on phenotypic selection, marker assisted selection (MAS), or a combination of the two. The objectives of this study were to estimate heritability of resistance in a resistant × susceptible cross and to simulate selection in order to determine the optimal combination of phenotypic and genotypic selection. F₂ derived lines from the cross of KY93C-1238-17-2 (high yielding, susceptible) × VA01W-476 (resistant line with two exotic quantitative trait loci (QTL) and additional resistance) were grown under artificial inoculation in scab nurseries at Lexington (2007 and 2008) and Princeton (2008), KY. Visual symptoms were estimated on a 1–3 scale; percentage Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration were measured. VA01W-476 contributed resistance alleles at two major QTL: Fhb1 and a QTL on chromosome 2DL, QFhs.nau-2DL. In this genetic background, the effect of QFhs.nau-2DL was more pronounced than that of Fhb1: 55 vs. 25% DON reduction and 40 vs. 32% FDK reduction. Genotypic selection based on both QTL was equivalent to phenotypic selection of the most resistant 28% of the population for DON and the most resistant 24% of the population for FDK. We propose that an initial round of phenotypic selection at moderate selection intensity will enrich the population with major QTL resistance alleles while maintaining variation at minor scab resistance loci and for other traits in general. Genotyping can then be used to extract lines whose phenotypic worth has been demonstrated and which are homozygous for resistance alleles at the major QTL.     

Marker selection for <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium</Emphasis> head blight resistance based on quantitative trait loci (QTL) from two European sources compared to phenotypic selection in winter wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) infects all cereals including maize and is considered a major wheat disease, causing yield losses and mycotoxin contamination. This study aimed to compare the realized selection gain from marker and phenotypic selection in European winter wheat. A double cross (DC) combined three FHB resistance donor-QTL alleles (Qfhs.lfl-6AL and Qfhs.lfl-7BS from ‘Dream’, and one QTL on chromosome 2BL from ‘G16-92’) with two high yielding, susceptible winter wheats, ‘Brando’ and ‘LP235.1’. The base population of 600 DC derived F₁ lines was on one hand selected for the respective QTLs by SSR markers (marker-selected cycle, CM), resulting in 35 progeny possessing different combinations of beneficial donor-QTL alleles. On the other hand it was selected phenotypically, only by FHB rating, and the best 20 lines were recombined and selfed (phenotypically selected cycle, CP). The variants CP, CM, and an unselected variant (C0) were tested at four locations by inoculation of Fusarium culmorum. Resistance was measured as the mean of multiple FHB ratings (0–100%). FHB severity was reduced through both phenotypic and marker selection by 6.2 vs. 5.0%, respectively. On a per-year basis, marker selection by 2.5% was slightly superior to phenotypic selection with 2.1%, because the first variant saved 1 year. Marker-selected lines were on average 8.6 cm taller than phenotypically selected lines. A high genetic variation within the marker-selected variant for FHB resistance and the high effect of a resistance-QTL allele on straw length indicate that additional phenotypic selection will further enhance selection gain.     

Variation for resistance to head blight caused by Fusarium graminearum in wild emmer (Triticum dicoccoides) originating from Israel

Head blight of wheat (FHB, scab) caused by Fusarium spp. has been associated with yield and quality losses in many wheat-growing regions. In tetraploid wheat sources of resistance are scarce. In the search for novel sources of resistance, 151 Triticum dicoccoides genotypes, originating from 16 habitats in Israel and one habitat in Turkey together with several control genotypes, were evaluated for reaction to fungal spread (Type II resistance) in replicated greenhouse experiments. Significant genetic diversity was found among the tested genotypes, the broad sense heritability for Type II FHB resistance was 0.71. Most of the tetraploid accessions were highly susceptible, only a few showed moderate resistance. Among the eight T. dicoccoides lines with the lowest relative infection rates, five originated from the Mt. Gerizim population, and three from the Mt. Hermon population. None of the T. dicoccoides lines reached the level of resistance present in the common wheat cultivar Sumai3. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.