Inheritance of Russian wheat aphid resistance in PI 140207 spring wheat

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), has become a serious, perennial pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in many areas of the world. This study was initiated to determine the inheritance of RWA resistance in PI 140207 (a RWA-resistant spring wheat) and to determine its allelic relationship with a previously reported RWA resistance gene. Crosses were made between PI 140207 and ‘Pavon’ (a RWA-susceptible spring wheat). Genetic analysis was performed on the parents, F₁, F₂, backcross (BC) population and F₂-derived F₃ families. Analyses of segregation patterns of plants in the F₁, F₂, and BC populations, and F₂-derived F₃ families indicated single dominant gene control of RWA resistance in PI 140207. Results of the allelism test indicated that the resistance gene in PI 140207, while conferring distinctly different seedling reactions to RWA feeding, is the same as Dn 1, the resistance gene in PI 137739.     

Mapping antixenosis genes on chromosome 6A of wheat to greenbug and to a new biotype of Russian wheat aphid

Greenbug and Russian wheat aphid (RWA) are two devastating pests of wheat. The first has a long history of new biotype emergence and recently. RWA resistance has just started to break down. Thus, it is necessary to find new sources of resistance that will broaden the genetic base against these pests in wheat. Seventy‐five doubled haploid recombinant (DHR) lines for chromosome 6A from the F₁ of the cross between “Chinese Spring’ and the “Chinese Spring (Synthetic 6A) (Triticum dicoccoides × Aegilops tauschii)” substitution line were used as a mapping population for testing resistance to greenbug biotype C and to a new strain of RWA that appeared in Argentina in 2003. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) (br antixenosis to greenbug was significantly associated with the marker loci Xgwm1009 and Xgwm1185 located in the centromere region of chromosome 6A. Another QTL which accounted for most of the antixenosis against RWA was associated with the marker loci Xgwm1291 and Xiinni1150. both located on the long arm of chromosome 6A. This is the first report of greenbug and RWA resistance genes located on chromosome 6A. It is also the first report of antixenosis against the new strain of RWA. As most of the RWA resistance genes present in released cultivars have been located in [he D‐ genome, it is highly desirable to find new sources in other genomes to combine the existing resistance genes with new sources.     

Detection of Resistance to the Russian Wheat Aphid in Hexaploid Wheat

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), poses a serious threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in many parts of the world. This research was initiated to evaluate wheat accessions for detection of resistance to the RWA. Over 12,000 wheat cultivars and plant introductions (PIs) from the USDA-ARS National Small Grains Collection were evaluated for reaction to RWA feeding damage. Twenty-nine PIs from Iran, Afghanistan, and the former Soviet Union, of various agronomic backgrounds were identified as having moderate to high levels of RWA resistance. This information is useful to wheat breeders searching for sources of resistance to the RWA to incorporate into their breeding programmes.     

Inheritance and allelism of Russian wheat aphid resistance in several wheat lines

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) has caused serious reduction in wheat production in 17 Western states of the United States since 1986. Inheritance of resistance to RWA in seven wheat lines and the allelism of the resistance genes in these lines with three known resistance genes Dn4, Dn5, and Dn6 were studied. The seven resistant lines were crossed to a susceptible wheat cultivar ‘Carson’ and three resistant wheats: CORWA1 (Dn4), PI 294994 (Dn5), and PI 243781 (Dn6). Seedlings of the parents, F₁, and F₂ were screened for RWA resistance in the greenhouse by artificial infestation. Seedling reactions were evaluated 21–28 days after the infestation using a 1–9 scale. The resistance level of all the F₁ hybrids was similar to that of the resistant parent, indicating dominant gene control. Only two distinctive classes were present and no intermediate types were observed in the F₂ population, suggesting qualitative, nonadditive gene action, in which the presence of any one of the dominant alleles confers complete resistance to RWA. Resistance in CI 2401 is controlled by two dominant genes. Resistance in CI 6501 and PI 94365 is governed by one dominant gene. Resistance in PI 94355 and PI 151918 may be conditioned by either one dominant gene or one dominant and one recessive gene. No conclusion can be made on how many resistance genes are in AUSVA1-F₃, since the parent population was not a pure line. Allelic analyses showed that one of resistance genes in CI 2401 and PI 151918 was the same allele as Dn4, the resistance gene in CI 6501 was the same allele as Dn6, and AUS-VA1-F₃ had one resistance gene which was the same allele as one of the resistance genes in PI 294994. One non-allelic resistance gene different from the Dn4, Dn5, and Dn6 genes in CI 2401, PI 94355, PI 94365, and PI 222668 was identified and should be very useful in diversifying gene sources in wheat breeding.     

Inheritance of resistance to the Russian wheat aphid in an Iranian durum wheat line

The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a major economic pest of small grains in many countries. An experiment was therefore conducted to determine the inheritance of gene(s) controlling resistance to RWA in a resistant tetraploid durum wheat line. This resistant line,‘1881′, was crossed to a susceptible line, ‘Orejy‐e‐Kazeroon’, and then F₁ F₂ and BCF₁ (backcross to susceptible line) seedlings were screened in a greenhouse for RWA resistance following artificial infection. Resistance in ‘1881’ was apparently controlled by one dominant gene. Since Dnl, Dn2, dn3, Dn4 and Dn5 have been reported to be located on genome D, it was reasoned that the resistance gene in ‘1881’ is not allelic to them.     

Mapping quantitative trait loci in wheat for resistance against greenbug and Russian wheat aphid

Breeding for genetic resistance against greenbug and Russian wheat aphid (RWA) is the most effective way of controlling these widespread pests in wheat. Earlier work had shown that chromosome 7D of a synthetic hexaploid wheat, ‘Synthetic’ (T. dicoccoides × Ae. squarrosa) (AABB × DD) gave resistance when transferred into the genetic background of an aphid‐susceptible cultivar, ‘Chinese Spring’, as the recipient. To map the genes involved, a set of 103 doubled haploid recombinant substitution lines was obtained from crossing the 7D substitution line with the recipient, and used to determine the number and chromosomal location of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling antixenosis and antibiosis types of resistance. Antixenosis to RWA was significantly associated with marker loci Xpsr687 on 7DS, and Xgwm437 on 7DL. Antibiosis to greenbug was associated with marker loci Xpsr490, Rc3 (on 7DS), Xgwm44, Xgwm111, Xgwm437, Xgwm121 and D67 (on 7DL). Similarly, antibiosis to RWA was linked to loci Xpsr490, Rc3, Xgwm44, Xgwm437 and Xgwm121. At least two QTL in repulsion phase, one close to the centromere either on the 7DS or 7DL arms, and a second distal on 7DL could explain antibiosis to RWA and, partially, this mechanism against greenbug.     

The use of low molecular weight glutenin subunits to distinguish between wheat cultivars with and without resistance to the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia

A number of resistance sources for the Russian wheat aphid have been reported in the last few years and were used to develop resistant cultivars from current commercial cultivars in various breeding programmes. It can be diffcult to distinguish between the cultivars with and without resistance without actual infestation and so in this study we looked at low molecular weight glutenin subunits (LMW-GS) of the two groups. Distinctly different banding patterns were found for the cultivars tested and their isogenic counterparts. Although the LMW-GS and DN1 and DN5 are coded on different chromosomes, the LMW-GS are highly repeatable and banding profiles of each cultivar can be used for the identification of unknown seed.     

Intergeneric Transfer (Rye to Wheat) of a Gene(s) for Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance

An octoploid triticale was derived from the F, of a Russian wheat aphid-resistant rye, ‘Turkey 77’, and ‘Chinese Spring’ wheat. The alloploid was crossed to common wheat, and to ‘Imperial’ rye/‘Chinese Spring’ disomic addition lines. F₂, progeny from these crosses were tested for Russian wheat aphid resistance and C-banded. A resistance gene(s) was found to be associated with chromosome arm IRS of the ‘Turkey 77’ rye genome. A monotelosomic IRS (‘Turkey 77’) addition plant was then crossed with the wheat cultivar ‘Gamtoos’, which has the 1BL.1RS ‘Veery’ translocation. Unlike the IRS segment in ‘Gamtoos’, the ‘Turkey 77’-derived 1 RS telosome did not express the rust resistance genes Sr31 and Ar26, which could then be used as markers. From the F, a monotelosomic 1 RS addition plant that was also heterozygous for the 1BL. 1 RS translocation was selected and testerossed with an aphid-susceptible common wheat, ‘Inia 66’ Meiotic pairing between the rye arms resulted in the recovery of five euploid Russian-wheat-aphid-resistant plants. One recombinant also retained Sr31 and Lr26 and was selfed to produce translocation homozygotes.     

A Monosomic Analysis of Russian Wheat Aphid Resistance in the Common Wheat PI 294994

Chromosome 7D of PI 294994 was indicated as carrying a single dominant gene for resistance to the Russian wheat aphid. The symbol Dn5 is proposed to designate the gene.     

Different types of resistance against greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rond, and the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko, in wheat

A collection of 26 cultivars of wheat Triticum aestivum were screened for resistance against the two main aphid pests of cereals, the greenbug Schizaphis graminum Rond. and the Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko. Since genetic variability has been found in Argentinean populations of both aphid species, this work was aimed at determining the response of different types of resistance in wheat cultivars when infested with aphids. Antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance were evaluated with traditional tests in controlled environmental conditions using a clone of greenbug biotype C and a clone of RWA collected on wheat. Genetic resistance was found against one or both aphid species in several wheats. Most of the highest levels of antixenosis, antibiosis and tolerance against the two aphids occurred in different cultivars; as a consequence the resistance mechanisms for both pests appear to be partly independent. Antibiosis against greenbug or RWA appears to be determined by two different sets of genes, one affecting development time and the other reducing fecundity and longevity. The antibiosis against both aphid species in terms of their development time and the intrinsic rate of population increase resulted in a partial cross effect of these aphid traits against the alternative insect species. Nonetheless, the same cultivars affected the total fertility and the longevity of both aphids. Since the highest plant performance levels and the least plant damage were recorded in different wheats, different patterns of tolerance were displayed against the greenbug and the RWA. Consequently, different genes appear to be involved in several traits of the resistance mechanisms against the two aphids. The genes that independently conferred resistance to aphids could be combined in new cultivars of wheat to broaden their genetic base of resistance against the greenbug and the RWA.     

Resistance against greenbug, Schizuphis graminum Rond., and Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko, in tritordeum amphiploids

A collection of tritordeum amphiploids (Hordeum chilense × Triticum turgadum) and their wheat parents were screened for resistance against the two main aphid pesis of cereals, the greenhug. Schizaphis graminum Rond. and ihe Russian wheat aphid (RWA) Diuraphis naxia Mord-vilko. Antixenosis. antibiosis and tolerance were evaluated in controlled environmental conditions using a. clone of greenbug biotypc C and a clone of RWA collected on pasta wheat. Tritordeum amphiploids pos-sess genetic resistance against greenbug and RWA; some of the lines tested were more resistant than the parental wheat line. Four principal components explained the resistance against both aphid species. The antixenosis shown against both pests was mainly contributed by their wheat parents. The antibiosis againsl both aphid species was obviously dependent on diflerent plant traits. The highest levels of antibiosis against the two aphids occurred in different amphiploids. Different genes are involved in the antibiotic reaction against the two aphids. The Tritordeum resistance to RWA is based on anlixenosis and ant-biosis since the tolerance trails were not independent of the other types of resistance. The level of tolerance shown to the greenbug was variable and appears to be controlled by differeni mechanisms. The tolerance to aphids shown by H. chilense is expressed in the amphiploids. but with some genomic interaction. Genes conferring resistance to aphids in H. chilensee could be incorporated into new cultivars of wheat to broaden their genetic base of resistance against greenbug and RWA.     

The Transfer of Resistance to the Russian Wheat Aphid from Triticum monococcum L. to Common Wheat

Two Triticum monococcum accessions were found to be highly resistant to the Russian wheat aphid. An attempt was made to transfer the resistance to common wheat through direct hybridization or by using bridge species. In each of the four crossing strategies tried, a gradual loss of resistance occurred as hybrids with higher ploidy levels were obtained. It appeared that the level of resistance observed was directly proportional to the ratio of the Triticum monococcum genome relative to other genomes. This would indicate suppression of the resistance gene(s) by the added genomes or dilution of its product(s) by those of homoeoloci. The degree of protection afforded by the gene(s) at the hexaploid level may prove to be small. Plants suspected to be homozygous for the resistance gene(s) were identified; however, further backcrossing to common wheat will be required to improve their agronomic types and meiotic regularities.     

Russian wheat aphid in Konya province

To determine the present situation of Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) in Konya province, five localities were surveyed at 7-10 day intervals during the 1989-1990 growing season. Population development, alternate hosts, and natural enemies of this species were observed. While D. noxia was found in small numbers in the autumn of 1989, its population suddenly increased to epidemic levels in 1990. This dramatic increase occurred at the end of wheat heading. The injury level of D. noxia in Turkey is relatively low. This is probably more related to the unsuitable conditions of wheat growth stages during which the pest population is increasing, rather than to the effects of its rich, natural enemy complex. After wheat harvest, the aphid moved to Hordeum murinum L. ssp. glaucum (Steudel) Tzvelev, Phalaris spp. and volunteer wheat and barley plants. The D. noxia population on late sown wheat was three times higher than that on early sown plants. Conversely, the numbers of parasitised aphids and predator mites were higher in early sown wheat. Varieties Kunduru 1149 and Atay 85 were found to be more susceptible, while K?raç 66, Bolal 2973 and Gerek 79, early maturing and drought tolerant varieties, were determined as relatively more resistant. A low level of antibiosis was also observed only on Bolal 2973 by laboratory tests. Threshold for development and thermal constant of D. noxia were 6.1 °C and 94.5 daydegrees, respectively. Theoretical generation number of this aphid in the Central locality of Konya province was 22.3 for 1990.     

Inheritance of resistance to Russian wheat aphid in barley

Summary The inheritance of resistance to Russian wheat aphid Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), in two resistant barleys, Hordeum vulgare L., ASE/2CM//B76BB and Gloria/Come, was studied in the field and in the greenhouse. The resistant genotypes were crossed with susceptible genotypes Esperanza and Shyri. Resistance reactions of F1, BC1, and F2 plants, and individual F2 plant derived F3 families indicated that resistance in each genotype was controlled by the same single dominant gene.     

Inheritance and allelism of resistances to the Russian wheat aphid in seven wheat lines

Summary Studies were conducted to determine the inheritance and allelic relationships of genes controlling resistance to the Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), in seven wheat germplasm lines previously identified as resistant to RWA. The seven resistant lines were crossed to a susceptible wheat cultivar Carson, and three resistant wheats, CORWA1, PI294994 and PI243781, lines carrying the resistance genes Dn4, Dn5 and Dn6, respectively. Seedlings of the parents, F₁ and F₂ were screened for RWA resistance in the greenhouse by artificial infestation. Seedling reactions were evaluated 21 to 28 days after the infestation using a 1 to 9 scale. All the F₁ hybrids had equal or near equal levels of resistance to the resistant parent indicating dominant gene control. Only two distinctive classes were present and no intermediate types were observed in the F₂ segregation suggesting major gene actions. The resistance in PI225262 was controlled by two dominant genes. Resistance in all other lines was controlled by a single dominant gene. KS92WGRC24 appeared to have the same resistance gene as PI243781 and STARS-9302W-sib had a common allele with PI294994. The other lines had genes different from the three known genes.     

DIBOA in wild Poaceae: Sources of resistance to the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) and the greenbug (Schizaphis graminum)

Hydroxamic acids are secondary metabolites typical of Poaceae that play a role in cereal resistance against pests and pathogens. The content of the hydroxamic acid aglucones DIBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) and DIMBOA (2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-1,4-benzoxazin-3-one) was evaluated in wild Poaceae belonging to the tribes Triticeae (genera Hordeum and Elymus) and Aveneae (genera Deschampsia and Phalaris). The concentration of DIBOA in seedling extracts of the wild barleys Hordeum chilense, H. brevisubulatum subsp. violaceum and H. bulbosum was negatively correlated with parameters related to performance of the cereal aphids Schizaphis graminum and Diuraphis noxia. The relevance of the results obtained for breeding programs aimed at increasing cereal resistance against aphids is discussed. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Inheritance and allelic relationships of resistances to the Russian wheat aphid in two Iranian wheat lines

Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov), is a serious pest of small grains in many countries. A previous study screened 70 genotypes, collected from different parts of Iran, for RWA resistance. Four crosses were made between two resistant lines (Shz.W-102 and Shz.W-104) and two susceptible lines (Shz.W-101 and Shz.W-103). Parents, F₁, F₂, and BCF₁ seedlings were screened for RWA resistance in the greenhouse by artificial infection. To determine allelism, the two resistant lines were intercrossed and F₁, and F₂ seedlings were evaluated. Resistance in Shz.W-102 and Shz.W-104, when crossed with Shz.W-101, was controlled by one dominant gene. However, resistance in Shz.W-102 and Shz.W-104, when crossed with Shz.W-103, was controlled by two dominant genes. Genes in two resistant lines segregated independently of each other. A three-gene system was proposed to govern resistance in the lines under study . This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Greenhouse evaluation of red winter wheats for resistance to the Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia,Mordvilko)

Summary The Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia, Mordvilko) (RWA) is responsible for significant economic damage to cereal crops in arid and semi-arid environments. In this research 20 red winter wheats originating from Iran were evaluated for resistance to RWA. Leaf rolling, leaf folding, and leaf chlorosis were measured using 0 to 3 scales. An overall mean damage score was calculated as the average of the three measured damage symptoms. Plants from seven central Asian accessions (PI222666, PI222668, PI225226, PI225267, PI225271, PI243630, and PI243642) had mean damage scores significantly lower (p < 0.001) than Stephens wheat (RWA susceptible) and not significantly different from Border oat (RWA resistant). These results are consistent with previous studies which found a high frequency of resistant wheats collected from the central Asian region.     

Genetic control of Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia) resistance in wheat accession PI 47545

The Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), is a major pest of cereal crops in many areas of the world, causing serious reduction in grain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Incorporating genetic resistance to D. noxia into wheat cultivars is paramount to effectively reduce damage inflicted by this pest. Genetic resistance to D. noxia has been identified in wheat, barley and rye germplasm, and several resistance genes are available for use for cultivar improvement. In the United States of America, only a few Russian wheat aphid (RWA) resistant winter wheat cultivars are currently available, and these cultivars contain only one of the six known RWA resistance genes. The objective of this study was to determine the inheritance of RWA resistance in wheat accession PI 47545, using a screening method based on differences in the leaf morphology of resistant and susceptible types following insect challenge. PI 47545 was selected for study, since it displayed high levels of resistance in a white-grained wheat background, the predominant wheat class produced in the Pacific Northwest of the USA. Segregation analysis was conducted on an F₂ population developed by cross-hybridizing the susceptible soft white winter wheat cultivar ‘Daws’ to the resistant accession PI 47545. Russian wheat aphid screening data from this population indicated that the resistance in PI 47545 is controlled by a single, dominant gene (χ² = 1.72; p ≤ 0.189). This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.