An STS marker distinguishing the rye-derived powdery mildew resistance alleles at the Pm8/Pm17 locus of common wheat

A sequence‐tagged site marker has been developed from restriction fragment length polymorphism marker probe IAG95 for the rye‐derived powdery mildew resistance Pm8/Pm17 locus of common wheat. This polymerase chain reaction marker enables the amplification of DNA fragments with different sizes from T1AL.1RS and T1BL.1RS wheat‐rye translocation cultivars with chromatin from ‘Insave’ and ‘Petkus’ rye, respectively, and therefore will be very useful in distinguishing Pm8‐carrying cultivars from Pm17‐carrying cultivars. Results obtained with that marker were compared with resistance tests performed on detached primary leaves of 29 wheat lines from two populations derived from doubled haploid production. The molecular assay corresponded well with the resistance tests in all the lines, and therefore will be helpful for the identification of Pm17 in lines in which other Pm genes or quantitative trait loci are present.     

Development and characterization of a new 1BL.1RS translocation line with resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew of wheat

The 1BL.1RS wheat-rye translocation from Petkus rye has contributed substantially to the world wheat production. However, following the breakdown of disease resistance genes in 1RS, its importance for wheat improvement decreased. We have developed a new 1BL.1RS line, R14, by means of crossing rye inbred line L155, selected from Petkus rye to several wheat cultivars. One new gene each, for stripe rust and powdery mildew resistance, located on 1RS of the line R14, are tentatively named YrCn17 and PmCn17. YrCn17 and PmCn17 confer resistance to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici pathotypes that are virulent on Yr9, and Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici pathotypes virulent on Pm8. These two new resistances, YrCn17 and PmCn17, are now available for wheat improvement programs. The present study indicates that rye cultivars may carry yet untapped variations as potential sources of resistance.     

Chromosomal location of powdery mildew resistance gene Pm16 in wheat using SSR marker analysis

The use of resistant cultivars is a most economical way to control powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Identification of molecular markers closely linked to resistance genes can greatly increase the efficiency of pyramiding resistance genes in wheat cultivars. The objective of this study was to identify molecular markers closely linked lo the powdery mildew resistance gene Pm16. An F₂ population with 156 progeny was produced from the cross‘Chancellor’(susceptible) ב70281’ (resistant), A total of 45 SSR markers on chromosomes 4A and 5B of wheat and 15 SSRs on chromosome 3 of rice was used lo lest the parents, as well as the resistant and susceptible bulks: the resulting polymorphic markers were used to genotype the F₂ progeny. Results indicated that the SSR marker Xgwm159, located on the short arm of chromosome 5B, is closely linked to Pm16 (genetic distance: 5.3 CM). The cytogenetical data presented in an original report, in combination with this molecular analysis, suggests that Pm16 may he located on a translocated 4A.5BS chromosome.     

Molecular mapping determines that Hessian fly resistance gene H9 is located on chromosome 1A of wheat

Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] is one of the major insect pests of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Hessian fly resistance gene H9 was previously reported to condition resistance to Hessian fly biotype L that is prevalent in many wheat‐growing areas of eastern USA and an RAPD marker, OPO05₁₀₀₀, linked to H9 in wheat was developed using wheat near‐isogenic lines (NILs). However, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) with RAPD markers is not always feasible. One of the objectives in this study was to convert an RAPD marker linked to the gene H9 into a sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) marker to facilitate MAS and to map H9 in the wheat genome. The RAPD fragment from OPO05₁₀₀₀ was cloned, sequenced, and converted into a SCAR marker SOPO05₉₀₉, whose linkage relationship with H9 was subsequently confirmed in two F₂ populations segregating for H9. Linkage analysis identified one sequence tagged site (STS) marker, STS‐Pm3, and the eight microsatellite markers Xbarc263, Xcfa2153, Xpsp2999, Xgwm136, Xgdm33, Xcnl76, Xcnl117 and Xwmc24 near the H9 locus on the distal region of the short arm of chromosome 1A, contrary to the previously reported location of H9 on chromosome 5A. Locus Xbarc263 was 1.2 cM distal to H9, which itself was 1.7 cM proximal to loci Xcfa2153, Xpsp2999 and Xgwm136. The loci Xgwm136, Xcfa2153 and SOPO05₉₀₉ were shown to be specific to H9 and not diagnostic to several other Hessian fly resistance genes, and therefore should be useful for pyramiding H9 with other Hessian fly resistance genes in a single genotype.     

Identification of resistance gene analogue markers closely linked to wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm31

Specific oligonucleotide primers, designed for the sequences of known plant disease resistance genes, were used to amplify resistance gene analogues (RGAs) from wheat genomic DNA. This method was applied in a bulked segregant analysis to screen for the RGA markers linked to the powdery mildew resistance gene Pm31, introgressed into common wheat from wild emmer. Two RGA markers (RGA200 and RGA390) were found to be closely linked to Pm31 and completely co‐segregating with the marker allele of Xpsp3029 linked to Pm31, with a genetic distance of 0.6 cM. These two RGA markers were then integrated into the formerly established microsatellite map of Pm31 region. The result showed the effectiveness of the RGA approach for developing molecular markers linked to disease resistance genes and demonstrated the efficiency of denaturing polyacrylamide‐gel electrophoresis for detecting polymerase chain reaction polymorphism.     

Genetic mapping and inheritance of Russian wheat aphid resistance gene in accession IG 100695

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), is an important pest of small‐grain cereals, particularly wheat, worldwide. The most efficient strategy against the RWA is to identify sources of resistance and to introduce them into susceptible wheat genotypes. This study was conducted to determine the mode of inheritance of the RWA resistance found in ICARDA accession IG 100695, to identify wheat microsatellite markers closely linked to the gene and to map the chromosomal location of the gene. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker scores were identified in a mapping population of 190 F₂ individuals and compared, while phenotypic screening for resistance was performed in F_2 : 3 families derived from a cross between ‘Basribey’ (susceptible) and IG 100695 (resistant). Phenotypic segregation of leaf chlorosis and rolling displayed the effect of a single dominant gene, temporarily denoted Dn100695, in IG 100695. Dn100695 was mapped on the short arm of chromosome 7D with four linked SSR markers, Xgwm44, Xcfd14, Xcfd46 and Xbarc126. Dn100695 and linked SSR markers may be useful for improving resistance for RWA in wheat breeding.     

Identification and molecular mapping of a leaf rust resistance gene in spelt wheat landrace Altgold

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is an important disease for wheat production, both in China and worldwide. In laboratory studies spelt wheat (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta) landrace Altgold was resistant to P. triticina races THT and PHT and genetic analysis indicated that it possessed a dominant leaf rust resistance gene, temporarily designated LrAlt. F₆ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross with the susceptible common wheat cultivar Nongda 3338 were used to map LrAlt with SSR markers. The resistance gene was distal to SSR loci Xbarc212, Xwmc382, Xgwm636, and Xwmc407 on the short arm of chromosome 2A. The closest markers Xbarc212 and Xwmc382 which co-segregated were 1.8 cM away from LrAlt. The relationships of LrAlt and other wheat leaf rust resistance genes located on the short arm of chromosome 2A were discussed, suggesting that LrAlt might be a new leaf rust resistance gene.     

Identification of a microsatellite marker associated with Pm3 resistance alleles to powdery mildew in wheat

The Pm3 resistance locus, located on chromosome 1A in wheat, confers race‐specific resistance to the obligate biotrophic fungus Blumeria graminis (DC) E.O. Speer f. sp. tritici, the causal agent of powdery mildew. Several Pm3 alleles are still effective in controlling the disease in Europe. A genetic map was constructed to map the Pm3g allele in the recombinant inbred line progeny from the cross ‘RE9001’ (susceptible) בCourtot’ (resistant). Two microsatellite markers were closely mapped to Pm3g. The PSP2999 marker, which cosegregates with this allele, was shown to detect the presence of the Pm3g resistance allele in other cultivars. A collection of 56 wheat cultivars or advanced lines carrying one Pm3 allele was used to assess the allele‐specific amplification of the PSP2999 marker. The same amplification pattern was obtained for lines with Pm3a, Pm3b, Pm3e, Pm3f and Pm3g alleles. Twenty genotypes carrying Pm3d showed a specific amplification pattern. This marker allowed the detection of the Pm3d allele in highly resistant lines whose resistance gene combinations were unknown. It was concluded that PSP2999 is a useful marker to detect Pm3 alleles in parents and to manage them in breeding programmes.     

Development of molecular markers linked to the wheat powdery mildew resistance gene Pm4b and marker validation for molecular breeding

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer f. sp. tritici, is an important disease in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was employed to identify SRAP (sequence‐related amplified polymorphism), sequence tagged site (STS) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to the Pm4b gene, which confers good resistance to powdery mildew in wheat. Out of 240 SRAP primer combinations tested, primer combinations Me8/Em7 and Me12/Em7 yielded 220‐bp and 205‐bp band, respectively, each of them associated with Pm4b. STS‐₂₄₁ also linked to Pm4b with a genetic distance of 4.9 cM. Among the eight SSR markers located on wheat chromosome 2AL, Xgwm382 was found to be polymorphic and linked to Pm4b with a genetic distance of 11.8 cM. Further analysis was carried out using the four markers to investigate marker validation for marker‐assisted selection (MAS). The results showed that a combination of the linked markers STS_?241, Me8/Em7_?220 and Xgwm382 could be used for marker‐assisted selection of the resistance gene Pm4b in wheat breeding programmes.     

Characterization of stem rust resistant derivatives of wheat cultivar Amigo

Summary Originally developed for resistance to greenbug derived from Insave rye, Amigo wheat carries two genes for resistance to stem rust. One of these genes is associated with a rye chromosome 1RS segment carrying the Sec-1 protein marker and presumably greenbug resistance. The second gene which is genetically linked to leaf rust resistance is associated with an Agropyron-derived segment. Rust tests in Canada confirmed that these genes were Sr24 and Lr24. In contrast to Agent and certain 3D/Ag derivatives from Dr. E.R. Sears, the Amigo source of Sr24/Lr24 freely recombined with white seed colour during backcrossing.     

Evaluation of leaf rust resistance genes Lr1 , Lr9 , Lr24 , Lr47 and their introgression into common wheat cultivars by marker-assisted selection

Epidemiological field controls in different Italian locations and seedling evaluations of the ‘Thatcher’ near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying the leaf rust resistance genes Lr1, Lr9, Lr24 and Lr47 were conducted during 5 years of testing. These genes confirmed their effectiveness in both field and greenhouse conditions. Moreover a backcross program was carried out by using as recurrent parents the susceptible high-quality common wheat cvs ‘Bolero’, ‘Colfiorito’, ‘Serio’ and ‘Spada’ and the ‘Thatcher’ NILs carrying the above mentioned genes as donor parents. The progenies of different cross combinations were selected by both resistance tests and marker assisted selection using molecular markers (STS, SCAR, CAPS) closely linked to Lr genes: a complete cosegregation was observed between the resistance genes used and the corresponding molecular markers.     

Identification of powdery-mildew-resistance genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em. Thell.). V. Old German cultivars and cultivars released in the former GDR

A total of 59 old wheat cultivars grown in Germany prior to 1960 were tested for mildew response using a collection of 12 differential isolates of Erysiphe graminis DC f. sp. tritici Marchal (Blumeria graminis (DC) Speer f. sp. tritici). Nineteen cultivars did not possess any major resistance gene and 25 were characterized by susceptible or intermediate responses. Fifteen cultivars revealed isolate-specific response patterns that could not be attributed to known major resistance genes or gene combinations. Many of the old German cultivars inherited a mildew-resistance gene from the Canadian cultivar ‘Garnet’ which is tentatively designated M1-Ga. Cultivars ‘Bretonischer Bartweizen’ (designated M1-Br) and ‘Adlungs Alemannen’ (designated M1-Ad) appeared to carry unknown resistance genes. Among 18 winter wheat cultivars released in the former GDR. eight showed susceptibility to all isolates used. Cv. “Borenos” carries resistance gene Pm3c. Five cultivars possess gene Pm4b. two cultivars gene pm5 and one cultivar a combination of genes Pm2 and Pm4b. Cultivar ‘Zentos’ was resistant to almost all isolates used. Its resistance might be conditioned by different unknown major resistance genes.     

Expression of 17 rye (Secale cereale L.) traits in a range of durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) and bread wheat (T. aestivum L.) genetic backgrounds

Summary Expression of 17 rye traits in 24 bread wheat x rye and 8 durum wheat x rye crosses was studied, using a self-compatible, homozygous, dwarf rye. Rye showed epistasis for hairiness on the peduncle in all the crosses of Triticum aestivum and T. durum wheats with rye. Dark greenness of leaves of rye was expressed in all the durum wheat x rye and in some of the bread wheat x rye crosses. Similarly, absence of auricle pubescence, a rye trait, was expressed in most of the durum wheat x rye crosses but not in the bread wheat x rye crosses, indicating the presence of inhibitors for these traits frequently on the D genome and rarely on the A and/or B genome of wheat. Most of the wide hybrids resembled rye fully or partially for intense waxy bloom on the leaf-sheath and for the absence of basal underdeveloped spikelets. Similarly, most of the amphihaploids resembled rye for the anthocyanin in the coleoptile, stem and node. The presence of some inhibitors on A and/or B genome of wheat was indicated in some of the wheat genotypes for the expression of rye traits viz. intense waxy bloom, anthocyanin in node and absence of basal underdeveloped spikelets. Enhancement in the level of expression of the intensity and length of bristles on the mid-rib of the glume of the hybrids might be due to wheat-rye interaction. Less number of florets/spikelet as in rye showed variable expression in different wheat backgrounds. Some other rye traits like absence of auricles, terminal spikelet and glume-awn were not expressed in the wheat background. The expression of some of the rye genes might have been influenced by their interaction with Triticum cytoplasm and/or the environment.     

Identification of powdery-mildew-resistance genes in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). VI. Wheat cultivars grown in China

A total of 26 common wheat cultivars and advanced breeding lines grown in China were tested with a set of 11 differential powdery-mildew isolates. Seven cultivars were susceptible. Another seven cultivars showed the response pattern of resistance gene Pm2, either individually or in combination with genes Pm3d or Pm4a. Five cultivars expressed the resistance of gene Pm4b singly or in combination with Pm6. Another four cultivars exhibited the response patterns of genes Pm5, Pm6 and Pm8, respectively. Three cultivars, which included one breeding line with a pair of substituted chromosomes from Haynaldia villosa, presumably carrying the resistance gene Pm21, showed resistance-response patterns to all the isolates tested.     

Molecular marker-facilitated pyramiding of different genes for powdery mildew resistance in wheat

Breeding durable resistance to pathogens and pests is a major task for modern plant breeders and pyramiding different resistance genes into a genotype is one way of achieving this. Three powdery mildew resistance gene combinations, Pm2+Pm4a, Pm2+Pm21, Pm4a+Pm21 were successfully integrated into an elite wheat cultivar ‘Yang047′. Double homozygotes were selected from a small F₂ population with the help of molecular markers. As the parents were near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of ‘Yang158′, the progenies showed good uniformity in morphological and other non‐resistance agronomic traits. The present work illustrates the bright prospects for the utilization of molecular markers in breeding for host resistance.     

Identification of Powdery Mildew Resistance Genes in Common Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Major genes for resistance to powdery mildew were analysed in 24 Czechoslovakian wheat cultivars and, in part, in their parents. For this purpose individual isolates of the pathogen, able to differentiate host lines with known resistance genes, were selected. Eight of nineteen winter wheat cultivars do not possess any major resistance gene. Three cultivars have one and seven have two genes. One cultivar carries a combination of three genes (Pm2, Pm4b, Pm8). The most common resistance genes are Pm4b, Pm5 and Pm8. Pm2 is once combined with Pm6. Only one of five spring cultivars lacked a major resistance gene. Mlk is once present alone and twice combined with Pm5. There is one spring cultivar with a novel combination of three genes: Pm1, Pm5 and another gene needing further characterization. The observations are discussed with additional results of parent lines and further information on pedigrees.     

Foliar diseases affect the eco-physiological attributes linked with yield and biomass in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Foliar diseases are the main biotic cause of yield loss in wheat crops (Triticum aestivum L.) in Argentina and other regions around the world. Most of the studies on foliar diseases take a phytopathological perspective, but few studies have analyzed the problem with an eco-physiological approach aimed at the understanding of which crop traits are affected by foliar diseases. The present study was designed to determine the effects of a foliar disease complex (including leaf rust, Septoria leaf blotch and tan spot), on (i) grain yield and (ii) the physiological components of biomass production; intercepted radiation (RI) and radiation use efficiency (RUE), in bread wheat crops growing under contrasting agronomic and environmental conditions (i.e. different cultivars, years, location and nitrogen supply). The experiments were carried out during 4 years in different locations (three in the rolling pampas of Argentina and one in northern of France). Five different commercial wheat cultivars were sown on early (E) and late (L) sowing dates (SD); and two contrasting nitrogen availability and two fungicide treatments (protected and unprotected) were applied. Foliar diseases appeared during the grain filling period and affected both, leaf area duration (LAD) and healthy area duration (HAD) during that period. Foliar diseases reduced both, above-ground biomass at harvest (1533 and 1703 g m⁻² for unprotected and protected treatments, respectively) and grain yield (646 and 748 g m⁻² for unprotected and protected treatments, respectively) without important effects on harvest index. Biomass reductions after anthesis, due to the effects of foliar diseases, were associated with a reduced capacity of the canopy to absorb solar radiation more than any effect on RUE. However, RUE was consistently lower—when leaf rust was the predominant disease in the crop, suggesting that this biotrophic pathogen could affect the photosynthetic activity at the leaf or canopy level.     

Identification and genetic mapping of a powdery mildew resistance gene in wild emmer (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum dicoccoides</Emphasis>) accession IW72 from Israel

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum) in China and worldwide, causing severe yield losses annually. Wild emmer (T. dicoccoides) accession IW72 collected from Israel is resistant to powdery mildew at the seedling and adult stages. Genetic analysis indicated that the resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene, temporarily designated MlIW72. The F₂ population and F₃ families derived from a hybrid between IW72 and susceptible durum wheat line Mo75 were used for molecular mapping of the resistance gene. MlIW72 was linked with SSR loci Xgwm344, Xcfa2040, Xcfa2240, Xcfa2257 and Xwmc525 on the long arm of chromosome 7A. In addition, two STS markers, MAG2185 (derived from RFLP marker PSR680) and MAG1759 (developed from EST CD452874), were mapped close to MlIW72. All these markers were physically located in the terminal bin 0.86–1.00 of 7AL. The chromosome location and genetic mapping results suggested that the powdery mildew resistance gene identified in wild emmer accession IW72 might be a new allele at the Pm1 locus or a new locus closely linked to Pm1.     

Development of SCAR markers linked to the Pm21 gene conferring resistance to powdery mildew in common wheat

Powdery mildew is an important disease in most of the wheat production areas of the world. The resistance gene Pm21 (6AL/6VS trans-location) derived from Haynaldia villosa confers resistance to all available isolates of Erysiphe (Blumeria) graminis f. sp. tritici in China and Europe. The objective of this study was to develop fast and reliable sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers linked to the Pm21 gene. A random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker for Pm21, OPH17₁₄₀₀, was converted to SCAR markers after sequencing the two ends of the polymorphic DNA fragment. Two SCAR markers, SCAR₁₂₆₅ and SCAR₁₄₀₀, were developed to detect the Pm21 gene in different genetic backgrounds. The specific SCAR₁₂₆₅ marker enable large-scale accurate screening for the presence/absence of Pm21 allele.     

Chromosome location of genes for resistance to powdery mildew in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) 1. Mlk and other alleles at the Pm3 locus

Summary Several wheat cultivars/lines were inoculated with isolates of Erysiphe graminis tritici to identify new genes/alleles for resistance. The wheats were tested with 13 isolates that had been characterized from responses on differential lines with known resistance genes. Gene Mlk which occurs in cultivars Kolibri, Syros, Ralle and several other European common wheats was found to be an allele at the Pm3 locus and is now designated Pm3d. The mildew resistance in an old Australian wheat, W150, is conferred by a single gene also allelic to Pm3 and now designated Pm3e. The near-isogenic line Michigan Amber/8^*Cc possesses another allele now designated Pm3f. A Syrian land variety of common wheat shows mildew resistance that is conditioned by the combination of genes Pm1 and Pm3a. Finally, two accessions of Triticum aestivum ssp. sphaerococcum appeared to possess the Pm3c allele.