Inheritance of resistance to race F of broomrape in sunflower lines of different origins

A new race F of broomrape overcomes all known resistance genes in cultivated sunflower, but recently, sources of resistance against race F have been developed. The objective of the present research was to study the inheritance of resistance to race F in crosses between 12 resistant sunflower breeding lines, derived from three different sources of resistance, and the susceptible male‐sterile line P‐21. Parental lines and F₁, F₂, F₃ and BC₁ generations were evaluated for broomrape resistance. Segregations in the F₂ and BC₁ to resistant parent approached resistant to susceptible ratios of 1: 15 and 1: 3, respectively, in most of the crosses, suggesting a double dominant epistasis. However, segregations of 3: 13 and 1: 1 for F₂ and BC₁, respectively, indicating a dominant‐recessive epistasis, were also found. The F₃ data confirmed these results. Owing to the recessive nature of this resistance, it must be incorporated into both parental lines for developing resistant hybrid cultivars.     

Inheritance of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) race F in a sunflower line derived from wild sunflower species

Genetic resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) race F in sunflower line J1, derived from the wild perennial species Helianthusgrosseserratus Martens and Helianthus divaricatus L., has been reported to be controlled by dominant alleles at a single locus, Or6. However, deviations from this monogenic inheritance have been observed. The objective of the present study was to gain insight into the inheritance of resistance to broomrape race F in the sunflower line J1. F₁, F₂, F₃ and BC generations from crosses between J1 and three susceptible lines, P21, NR5 and HA821 were evaluated. F₁ hybrids showed both resistant (R) and moderately resistant (MR) plants, the latter having a maximum of five broomrape stalks per plant compared with >10 in the susceptible parents. This indicated incomplete dominance of the Or6 alleles. F₂ plants were classified as R, MR or susceptible (more than five broomrape stalks per plant). Three different segregation ratios were observed: 3 : 1, 13 : 3 and 15 : 1 (R + MR : S), suggesting the presence of a second gene, Or7, whose expression was influenced by the environment. A digenic model was confirmed, based on the evaluation of F_2:3 families.     

Mapping a new source of resistance to powdery mildew in mungbean

Both restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses were employed to map a new source of resistance to powdery mildew in mungbean. Disease scores of an F₂ population derived from the cross between a moderately resistant breeding line VC1210A and a susceptible wild relative (Vigna radiata var. sublobata, accession TC1966) showed a continuous distribution and was treated as a quantitative trait. Although no significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) that can explain the variation was detected by QTL analysis based on the reconstructed RFLP linkage map, new marker loci associated with resistance were discovered by AFLP analysis. The RFLP loci detected by two of the cloned AFLP bands are associated with resistance and constitute a new linkage group. A major resistance quantitative trait locus was found on this linkage group that accounted for 64.9% of the variation in resistance to powdery mildew. One of the probes developed in this study has the potential to assist in breeding for powdery mildew resistance in mungbean.     

Screening for resistance to broomrape (Orobanche cernua) in cultivated sunflower

Racial evolution of sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cernua) has been very rapid in Spain during recent years, in which resistance has been overcome several times and there has been an important increase in areas infested with this parasitic angiosperm. In order to find resistance to a highly virulent population of sunflower broomrape that could be used directly in breeding programmes, three different sets of cultivated plant material composed of 429 entries were tested by artificial inoculation. All evaluated inbred lines from Moden, Canada, were fully susceptible. Out of the 240 P.I. accessions tested, only 10 segregated for resistance to broomrape, the rest being susceptible. From the 160 USDA breeding lines evaluated, 5% were resistant and 19% segregated for resistance to O. cernua. These lines traced back mainly to crosses of RHA 274 and RHA 801 with Russian, Turkish and Romanian hybrids. The origin of P.I. accessions that segregated for resistance were primarily derived from the former USSR and from Romania.     

Mapping of QTL for resistance to powdery mildew and resistance gene analogues in perennial ryegrass

The objective of this study was to map resistance gene analogues (RGA) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for powdery mildew resistance in perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne  L.). The mapping population consisted of 184 F₂ genotypes produced from a cross between one genotype of a synthetic perennial ryegrass variety Veyo and one genotype from the perennial ryegrass ecotype Falster. The greenhouse infection was measured as number of sporulating colonies on a 10-cm leaf area with the maximum possible number of colonies to be counted set to 50. The range of infection scores in the population was 0–50 and the heritability was 71.7%. In total, two QTL for powdery mildew resistance were identified, and mapped to linkage groups (LG) LG3 and LG7. Individually, these QTL explained between 7.5% and 22.1% of the total phenotypic variation. Six RGA and three laccases were mapped to LG2, LG3, LG4, LG5 and LG7, however, no close linkage between RGA and QTL was observed.     

Variation of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) in tomatoes

Summary Twenty five tomato cultivars and one accession of wild tomato were evaluated for their resistance to branched broomrape (Orobanche ramosa) infestation. Tomato cultivars were found different in their resistance to Orobanche based on different growth parameters. Total Orobanche number, haustoria development and number of emerged Orobanche shoots were all different between tomato cultivars. Differences in the growth and fruit yield among tomato cultivars were also found in response to Orobanche infestation. Ranking tomato cultivars for Orobanche resistance indicates the existence of different resistance mechanisms in these cultivars. Relatively high to moderate levels of resistance were obtained in Tiny Tim, Acora, Castler, Pomodora, Orient, Red Alert and the accession LA 1478 of L. pimpinellifolium. The cultivar Tiny Tim showed the highest level of resistance for all measured parameters and in all experiments.     

Sources of resistance to broomrape (Orobanche crenata Forsk.) in narbon vetch

Little is known about the levels of resistance to Orobanche crenata available in narbon vetch. A germplasm collection of 200 accessions of narbon vetch (Vicia narbonensis L.) originating from different countries was screened for resistance to crenate broomrape under field conditions. Thirteen accessions were selected for more detailed screening under controlled conditions and for additional field testing. Resistance to O. crenata was manifested by lower germination of broomrape seeds, reduced emergence of Orobanche shoots and fewer root attachments per narbon vetch plant. Differences in pod yield among narbon vetch accessions were also found in response to Orobanche infestation. Finally, eight accessions were selected and identified as new sources of narbon vetch resistant to broomrape.     

Reproductive behaviour and broomrape resistance in interspecific hybrids of sunflower

Interspecific hybrids and backcross generations between the wild perennial species Helianthus resinosus, Helianthus paucifiorus, Helianthus laevigatus, Helianthus nuttallii ssp. nuttallii T. & G. and Helianthus giganteus, resistant to broomrape (Orobanche cernua) and susceptible inbred lines were obtained to study crossability to cultivated sunflower and the transmission and expression of resistance to this parasitic weed. Conventional crosses with all the species tested were successful except for the crosses with diploid H. giganteus, for which embryo rescue techniques were needed to overcome hybrid incompatibility. Pollen viability and seed set were highest for F₁ hybrids with hexaploid species and lowest for those with the diploid H. giganteus. We evaluated F₁, BC₁F₁, some BC₂F₁ plants and the wild and cultivated parents. The wild species and interspecific hybrids were resistant to broomrape infection except for H. nuttallii, which showed segregation, indicating that the resistance is dominant. The crossability and resistance of F₁, and back-cross generations of species with different ploidy levels indicate that the transfer of broomrape resistance to cultivated sunflower is feasible.     

Molecular mapping of a new gene for resistance to rice blast (Pyricularia grisea Sacc.)

A single dominant blast resistance gene conferring resistance to a Korean rice blast isolate was identified in rice variety `Suweon 365'. We report the chromosomal localization and molecular mapping of this blast resistance gene designated as Pi-18, which confers resistance to Korean isolate `KI-313' of the blast pathogen. To know whether there is a relationship among genes conditioning resistance to location-specific isolates of the blast pathogen and thereby to identify linked markers to resistance gene for isolate KI-313 collected in Korea, RFLP markers previously reported to be linked to major blast resistance genes in different rice germplasm and other markers mapped to nearby regions were surveyed for polymorphism between a resistant (`Suweon 365') and a susceptible (`Chucheongbyeo') parent. Linkage associations of the RFLP markers with the resistance gene were verified using an F2 and F3 segregating population of known blast reaction. RFLP analysis showed that Pi-18 was located near the end of chromosome 11, linked to a single copy clone RZ536 at a distance of 5.4 centiMorgans (cM) and that this gene was different from Pi-1(t). An allelism test revealed that this gene was also different from Pi-k. Currently, a combination of RAPD and microsatellite primers is being employed to find additional markers in this region. Tightly linked DNA markers will facilitate selection for resistant genotypes in breeding programs and provide the basis for map based cloning of this new blast resistance gene. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Mapping and candidate gene analysis for a new top spikelet abortion mutant in rice

Grain numbers is one of the determinations for rice yield and directly associated with spikelet numbers per panicle and its normal development. Lots of genes responsible for spikelet numbers and spikelet early development have been identified, but the molecular information about the spikelet development at later development is still limited. Here, we isolated a rice spikelet abnormal development mutant, which shows degenerated spikelet at the top panicle and named aborted top spikelet mutant 1(Ats1). The spikelets derived from the middle and bottom branches per panicle of Ats1 show normal development with those of wild type. However, a large number of branches and spikelets with arrested development were often observed only on apex panicle. The abnormality did not appear until the stage In8 when rachises elongate rapidly and reproductive organs get mature, based on observations through SEM analysis. The aborted spikelet could develop the complete floral organs with a pair of rudimentary glume, a pair of empty glume, two lodicule, six stamens and one carpel. But all these floral organs did not develop maturity. Genetic analysis on two F₂ populations indicated that the Ats1 was controlled by a single dominant gene. By using bulked segregant analysis of F₂ population developed from Ats1 crossing with Songjing6, ATS1 was mapped on chromosome 8 between RM3819 and RM5556. Then, the fine mapping was performed with 1078 F₂ population developed from Ats1 and IR36. The ATS1 locus was finely mapped in an 85.7 kb region between RM22448 and STS8‐2 with 8 genes according to the rice annotation project database. Sequence analysis of the candidate genes within the delimited region of the Ats1 and Akihikari showed two‐nucleotide changes, including single‐nucleotide substitutions corresponding to an amino acid substitution from asparagine to lysine acid in exons 3 and a 1‐bp deletion resulting in a premature stop codon in exon 22 at the candidate gene, LOC_Os08g06480. A cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker, CAPS‐ats1, was developed from the 1‐bp deletion site. The complete cosegregation of the CAPS genotypes with the matching phenotypes were observed in the F₂ populations. This suggested that Os08g06480 is most likely the ATS1 gene. These results will provide more information for better understanding of the molecular mechanism governing top spikelet abortion within a short developmental period.     

Molecular mapping of a new gene for resistance to frogeye leaf spot of soya bean in 'Peking'

Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) techniques were used to map the _RGSp_eking gene, which is resistant to most isolates of Cercospora sojina in the soya bean cultivar ‘Peking’. The mapping was conducted using a defined F₂ population derived from the cross of ‘Peking’(resistant) בLee’(susceptible). Of 64 EcoRI and MseI primer combinations, 30 produced polymorphisms between the two parents. The F₂ population, consisting of 116 individuals, was screened with the 30 AFLP primer pairs and three mapped SSR markers to detect markers possibly linked to Rcs_Peking. One AFLP marker amplified by primer pair E‐AAC/M‐CTA and one SSR marker Satt244 were identified to be linked to Res_Peking. The gene was located within a 2.1‐cM interval between markers AACCTA178 and Satt244, 1.1 cM from Satt244 and 1.0 cM from AACCTA178. Since the SSR markers Satt244 and Satt431 have been mapped to molecular linkage group (LG) J of soya bean, the Res_Peking resistance gene was putatively located on the LG J. This will provide soya bean breeders an opportunity to use these markers for marker‐assisted selection for frogeye leaf spot resistance in soya bean.     

Mapping genes for resistance to sprouting damage in wheat

A series of experiments to investigate the genetic basis of pre-harvest sprouting are reported. The results are combined with previously published studies in a composite genetic map for sprout resistance in hexaploid wheat. Different studies, using classical genetics, aneuploids, chromosome substitutions, or QTL mapping, have identified various regions of the A, B, and D genomes affecting dormancy. Comparisons between the available studies lead to the following conclusions: • Different studies often identify different genetic loci, in part reflecting different sampling from the available gene pool. This implies that many loci are involved in determining resistance, and that new loci may be discovered as the number of mapping studies increases.• There are, however, examples where similar map locations are implicated over different crosses. These may reflect the detection of key resistance genes. • Finally, (genotype × environment) interactions are frequently observed. The implications of these observations for crop improvement and research programmes are discussed. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

水稻黑条矮缩病抗性QTL定位

发掘水稻黑条矮缩病的抗性基因有助于抗病品种的选育,减少黑条矮缩病对水稻生产的危害。本研究构建了包含222个家系的L5494/IR36重组自交系群体。对该群体进行黑条矮缩病的田间诱发鉴定,抗性亲本IR36发病率为28.70%,感病亲本L5494发病率为84.26%,群体发病率范围为11.21%～89.81%。利用134对分子标记构建覆盖12条染色体的遗传连锁图谱,总遗传距离为1475.97 cM,平均标记间距为11.1 cM。利用QTL IciMapping 4.0对抗黑条矮缩病QTL进行分析,共检测到4个QTL,其中第1、第2、第9染色体上QTL的表型贡献率分别为12.64%、16.00%和8.43%,抗病等位基因来自抗病亲本IR36;第6染色体上QTL的表型贡献率为10.82%,抗病等位基因来自感病亲本L5494。在此基础上,利用93-11为供体、日本晴为背景的近等基因系材料,在qRBSDV-1定位区间内检测到来自93-11的抗性QTL。本研究结果为水稻黑条矮缩病抗性基因定位及分子标记辅助选择育种提供借鉴。     

Additive gene action for resistance to Puccinia striiformis F.SP. Tritici in Triticum dicoccoides

Summary Seven single-plant selections of wild emmer, with temperature-sensitive minor-effect genes for stripe rust resistance, were intercrossed in eight combinations. The resulting progenies were studied for a possible additive gene action.The transgressive segregation towards resistance in F₂ observed in all the combinations indicates that additive gene action for resistance indeed occurs in wild emmer. The common occurrence of this phenomenon in random combinations suggests further that several minor-effect genes are involved.Following selection of the most resistant plants in F₂, a marked shift towards resistance was noted in F₃, which demonstrates a positive response to selection. In some instances, additive resistance selected for (in F₂) at the high temperature-profile was expressed (in F₃) also at the low temperature-profile. This kind of resistance, when utilized in breeding programmes, promises therefore to be effective over a range of temperatures.     

Evidence of a new gene for high resistance to Meloidogyne spp. in Myrobalan plum, Prunus cerasifera

The Myrobalan plum Prunus cerasifera clones ‘P,2175’ and ‘P,1079’ carry single major genes (Ma1 and Ma2. respectively) for resistance to the predominant root–knot nematode (RKN) species Meloidogyne arenaria (MA), Meloidogyne incognita (MI) and Meloidogyne jaranica(MJ). The Myrobalan plum clone ‘P.2980’ is another complete–spec–trum source bearing favourable agronomic features. The genetics of its resistance to MA, MI, MJ and to the population Meloidogyne sp. Florida has been investigated from G1 crosses with the host Myrobalan plum clone ‘P.16.5’ (recessive for both Ma genes), the resistant clone ‘P.2175’ (heterozygous for Mal) and the ‘Nemared’ peach (homozygous for resistance to MA, MI and MJ but a host for M. sp. Florida). The segregation of the Gl hybrids from the intraspecific crosses into two significantly separated resistant and host classes, independent of the RKN species, indicates that resistance to all four species in ‘P.2980’ is also controlled by a single major dominant (heterozygous) gene. This gene is designated Ma3 because it shares the same spectrum and efficiency as Ma1 and Ma2, and its relationship with these last two genes is discussed. The first hybrids between ‘P.2980’ and ‘Nemared’ tested only segregated for resistance to M. sp. Florida. These results illustrate the possibility of cumulating (pyramiding) Ma3 and the ‘Nemared’ peach resistance gene(s) into new interspecific rootstocks.     

Mapping QTL for resistance to botrytis grey mould in chickpea

Botrytis grey mould (BGM) caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. ex. Fr. is the second most important foliar disease of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) after ascochyta blight. An intraspecific linkage map of chickpea consisting of 144 markers assigned on 11 linkage groups was constructed from recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of a cross that involved a moderately resistant kabuli cultivar ICCV 2 and a highly susceptible desi cultivar JG 62. The length of the map obtained was 442.8 cM with an average interval length of 3.3 cM. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) which together accounted for 43.6% of the variation for BGM resistance were identified and mapped on two linkage groups. QTL1 explained about 12.8% of the phenotypic variation for BGM resistance and was mapped on LG 6A. It was found tightly linked to markers SA14 and TS71rts36r at a LOD score of 3.7. QTL2 and QTL3 accounted for 9.5 and 48% of the phenotypic variation for BGM resistance, respectively, and were mapped on LG 3. QTL 2 was identified at LOD 2.7 and flanked by markers TA25 and TA144, positioned at 1 cM away from marker TA25. QTL3 was a strong QTL detected at LOD 17.7 and was flanked by TA159 at 12 cM distance on one side and TA118 at 4 cM distance on the other side. This is the first report on mapping of QTL for BGM resistance in chickpea. After proper validation, these QTL will be useful in marker-assisted pyramiding of BGM resistance in chickpea.     

The expression of resistance of subterranean clover cultivars to races of Phytophthora clandestina

Infection and sporulation of races of Phytophthora clandestina in susceptible and resistant cultivars of subterranean clover and the effect of the races on growth of the cultivars in pots were studied using a total of five races of the pathogen and eight host cultivars. The pathogen caused severe disease where races and cultivars were compatible, although a significant reduction in root and shoot dry weight occurred only on Woogenellup inoculated with race 2. There was little increase in disease severity after 1 wk from the time of inoculation. Sporangia and oospores were formed at high frequency in tap and lateral roots in all compatible combinations, except in Woogenellup in which sporangia were produced inconsistently. The pathogen caused negligible disease and produced very few sporangia in incompatible combinations. Plant age had a strong effect on disease development. Disease severity caused by virulent races on cultivars Gosse, Trikkala, Meteora and Woogenellup was less on older than on younger plants. A further experiment using aggressive isolates of races 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 revealed that cultivar Gosse showed no reduction in root and shoot weight, despite it being susceptible to races 1, 3 and 4. This provided evidence of the existence of race-non-specific or horizontal resistance to P. clandestina in cultivar Gosse. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.