Variation of resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton in wheat genotypes carrying the gene Pch-1

The effect of the gene Pch-1 on the resistance of wheat to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides was studied at four growth stages. The germplasm used consisted of adapted cultivars, genotypes provided by European plant breeders, near-homozygous lines and double haploid lines developed from our own breeding projects. The resistance was measured by ELISA. At all growth stages, genotypes carrying Pch-1 differed significantly in resistance. At early growth stages, there was a strong effect of the gene in most genotypes, but later the effect decreased and significant genotypes-environment interactions appeared. In addition, minor genes became more important and determined the level of adult plant resistance that proved to be inherited quantitatively. Pch-1 was of minor importance for this type of resistance. It is concluded that a high and long-lasting resistance level could be attained if the two genetically different sources of resistance were combined (resistance at juvenile stages, induced by Pch-1, and quantitative resistance at adult stages).     

Measuring the Severity of Eyespot Disease Induced by Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton in Wheat Cultivars at Different Growth Stages

From the total soluble protein of Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton, specific proteins were isolated and used as antigens. One antiserum proved to be highly sensitive and was used for quantitative determination of eyespot severity in 16 wheat cultivars. The detection limit in ELISA was calculated as 2.2 μg total fungus protein per ml plant sap. From anthesis, genotypes showed the most characteristic and reliable differentiation for a longer period of time, viz. at growth stages 60 and 75. These quantitative differences could be more successfully demonstrated with ELISA than with eye-spot scoring. There was, however, a close correlation between both traits. The most resistant genotypes carried the gene Pch-1 with the resistance originating from ‘Capelle Desprez’. Some genotypes originating from this cultivar showed rather low levels of susceptibility, which might be explained by additional effects of the genotypic background.     

Analyses of Interactions of Wheat Cultivars in Tests for Resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides

A total of 20 cultivars of winter wheat were tested by ELISA for resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides in six environments and three growth stages. In a three-factor statistical analysis, the contribution of the different factors to their respective interactions was studied. The genotype × environment interactions exerted a considerable influence which could be reduced by increasing the number of test locations. Environments with a high disease level were less suited to measuring resistance than those environments with a medium level. Estimates of heritability from 0.54 to 0.78 show that successful selection may be possible using ELISA. Significant correlations of quantitative resistance at different environments were only obtained under similar environmental conditions (the same location, the same year) and with P. herpotrichoides populations of similar composition (the same inoculum). The contributions of the individual cultivars to the genotype/ environment interactions were not significantly different, except for ‘Roazon’ and ‘Rendezvous’. Due to high environmental effects in growth stage H5, the determination of quantitative resistance was more reliable in younger stages (65, 75). Nevertheless, the use of the values from that late stage did not reduce the genetic parameters (σ², h₂) if they were combined with the earlier measurements.     

A New Source of Resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides, Cause of Eyespot Disease of Wheat, Located on Chromosome 4V of Dasypyrum villosum

Resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides in five wheat cultivars, accession W6 7283 of Dasypyrum villosum, and ‘Chinese Spring’ disomic addition lines of the D. villosum chromosomes IV, 2V, 4V, 5V, 6V and 7V, was evaluated in seedlings by measuring disease progress 6 weeks after inoculation with a β—glucuronidase—transformed strain of the pathogen and by visual estimates of disease severity. D. villosum and the disomic addition line of chromosome 4V were as resistant as wheat cultivars ‘VPM—1’ and ‘Cappelle Desprez’, but less resistant than ‘Rendezvous’. Resistance of the chromosome 4V disomic addition line was equivalent to that of D. villosum.‘Chinese Spring’ and disomic addition lines of IV, 2V, 5V, 6V and 7V were all susceptible. These results confirm Sparaguee's (1936) report of resistance in D. villosum to P. herpotrichoides and establish the chromosomal location for the genes controlling resistance. The presence of chromosome 4V in the addition line and its homocology to chromosome 4 in wheat were confirmed by Southern analysis of genomic DNA using chromosome group 4-specific clones. This genetic locus is not homoeologous with other known genes for resistance to P. herpotrichoides located on chromosome group 7, and thus represents a new source of resistance to this pathogen.     

Inheritance of resistance of wheat to eyespot at the adult stage

Moderate resistance to eyespot was first incorporated in the variety Cappelle‐Desprez (CD). Later the gene Pch1, which could confer a higher level of resistance, was introduced from Aegilops ventricosa. However Pch1‐carrying varieties can sustain significant eyespot‐induced yield losses in severe attack situations. A strategy to further enhance the resistance of wheat is by pyramiding Pch1 and the genes for resistance in CD. The first requirement to achieve this is a better understanding of the genetics of resistance in CD. The resistance of the 21 Cappelle‐Desprez (Bezostaya) disomic substitution lines was evaluated. Chromosome 7A was confirmed as carrying a major gene for resistance to eyespot at the seedling stage. However, this study demonstrates that this chromosome has no effects at the adult stage. Chromosome 5A was shown to carry a major gene for resistance to eyespot at the adult stage, which was stably expressed each year of testing. Chromosomes 1A and 2B had significant effects for only two years among four.     

Multiple Endopeptidasen als biochemische Marker für die Resistenz von Winterweizen gegenüber Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides (Fron) Deighton

Multiple endopeptidases as biochemical marker for resistance of winter wheat to Pseudocercosporella herpotnchoides (Fron) Deighton. Electrophoretic patterns of primary leaf endopeptidases in breeding material derived from crosses between different winter wheat genotypes and amphidiploids (Triticum turgidum×Aegilops ventricosa) were compared with those of cultivars susceptible to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides. The results indicate that the multiple endopeptidase EP-1 coded by Wheat chromosome 7 D is absent in the international known lines ‘VPM 1’ and ‘Roazon’ and in all 24 winter wheat selections with increased resistance to P. herpotrichoides. A close relationship between the absence of EP-1 and the introduction of Aegilops ventricosa resistance is assumed. The use of this biochemical marker in wheat breeding is proposed.     

Location of a Gene for Resistance to Eyespot (Pseudocercosparella herpotrichoides) on Chromosome 7D of Bread Wheat

Chromosome 7D of the wheat line VPM1 derived from a cross of Aegilops ventricosa with wheat confers resistance to the facultative fungal parasite Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides. To determine the number of genes responsible fur this resistance, homozygous recombinant lines were developed from an F₁ between the wheat variety ‘Hobbit sib’ and a substitution line carrying chromosome 7D of VPM1 in a ‘Hobbit sib’ background. Resistance to Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides is shown to be determined by a single gene located distally on the long arm of chromosome 7D. EpD1b, a unique allele of a gene encoding the readily detectable isoenzyme — endopeptidase, maps without recombination to Pch1 suggesting for two separate genes a maximum recombination value of 0.03 (P 0.05). Resistance to Pherpotrichoides could alter-natively be a product of Ep-D1b. Pch1 is also mapped against a gene for adult plant resistance to brown rust (Puccinia recondita), to Rc3 which confers coleoptile colour, and to α-Amy-D2, an isozyme that encodes α-amylase production.     

Linkage relations among eyespot resistance gene Pch2, endopeptidase Ep-A1b, and RFLP marker Xpsr121 on chromosome 7A of wheat

Marker-based selection of Ep-D1b has been used successfully to incorporate Pch1, the gene for eyespot resistance on chromosome 7D, into commercial wheat. However, attempts to transfer resistance conferred by Pch1 (on chromosome 7A) through selection for Ep-A1b have not always been successful. Linkage relations among eyespot resistance gene Pch2, a gene encoding for an isozyme of endopeptidase, Ep-A1b, and RFLP marker Xpsr121 on chromosome 7A were determined using 80 homozygous recombinant substitution lines. The recombinant lines were derived from eyespot susceptible ‘Chinese Spring’ hybridized with a resistant disomic substitution line of ‘Cappelle Desprez’ that has chromosome 7A substituted into ‘Chinese Spring’. Segregations of Pch2, Ep-A1b and Xpsr121 fit an expected 1:1 single-locus ratios based on χ² tests. Linkage analysis revealed that Pch2 was not tightly linked to Ep-Alb (15% recombination). However, close linkage (3.8% recombination) existed between Ep-A1b and Xpsr121. The order of these loci is Pch2-Xpsr121-Ep-A1b. Unlike Pch1 and Ep-D1b, where little or no recombination is found, Pch1 and Ep-A1b showed considerable recombination and therefore linkage cannot be utilized efficiently in marker-based selection.     

Inheritance of resistance to Tilletia indica (Mitra) in synthetic hexaploid wheat ×Triticum aestivum crosses

Inheritance of resistance to Karnal bunt was investigated in the crosses of four resistant synthetic hexaploid wheats (SH; Triticum turgidum×T. tauschii) and two susceptible T. aestivum cultivars. The resistance was dominant or partly dominant over susceptibility. The SH cultivars Chen/T. tauschii (205) and Chen/T. tauschii (224) have single dominant resistance genes which could be allelic to each other. ‘Altar 84’/T. tauschii (219) appeared to have two dominant genes for resistance. ‘Duergand’T. tauschii (214) possessed two complementary dominant genes for resistance. The work is being extended to involve diverse Karnal bunt-resistant SH and bread wheat cultivars.     

Genetic analysis of resistance to root-lesion nematode (Pratylenchus thornei) in wheat

The inheritance of resistance to root‐lesion nematode was investigated in five synthetic hexaploid wheat lines and two bread wheat lines using a half‐diallel design of F₁ and F₂ crosses. The combining ability of resistance genes in the synthetic hexaploid wheat lines was compared with the performance of the bread wheat line ‘GS50a’, the source of resistance to Pratylenchus thornei used in Australian wheat breeding programmes. Replicated glasshouse trials identified P. thornei resistance as polygenic and additive in gene action. General combining ability (GCA) of the parents was more important than specific combining ability (SCA) effects in the inheritance of P. thornei resistance in both F₁ and F₂ populations. The synthetic hexaploid wheat line ‘CPI133872’ was identified as the best general combiner, however, all five synthetic hexaploid wheat lines possessed better GCA than ‘GS50a’ The synthetic hexaploid wheat lines contain novel sources of P. thornei resistance that will provide alternative and more effective sources of resistance to be utilized in wheat breeding programmes.     

Effectiveness and environmental stability of quantitative powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) resistance among winter wheat cultivars

Powdery mildew in wheat (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) is a major disease in Northern and Central Europe. The aim of the study was to analyse the effectiveness and environmental stability of quantitative powdery mildew resistance under high epidemic pressure in the field across years in the absence/presence of ineffective race‐specific resistances. Cultivars with and without Pm (major) genes were inoculated in three experiments with a genetically broad mildew population with all matching virulences. Resistance was measured three times by assessing the percentage of leaf area covered by powdery mildew on a plot basis (0–100%). Mean powdery mildew severity of the highly susceptible cv. ‘Kanzler’ varied across 10 years from 24% to 66% (Exp. 1). Means of three cultivars without Pm genes, ‘Ramiro’, ‘Miras’ and ‘Zentos’, and several cultivars with ineffective Pm genes varied quantitatively from 4% to 13%. Environmental stability of the quantitative resistances was on average higher than that of susceptible genotypes, as revealed by a regression approach. In the second experiment, all groups of cultivars with ineffective Pm gene(s) contained a large proportion of entries with a similar low mildew rating as the quantitatively resistant standard ‘Miras’. Mildew severity of pairs of cultivars with the same Pm gene(s) was significantly different across 6 years (Exp. 3) indicating the presence of additional quantitative resistances in some of these cultivars. In the analysis of variance, genotypic variance had a high impact (P < 0.01) with low importance of genotype × environment interaction. Consequently, heritabilites were high (0.95–0.97). In conclusion, breeders have already accumulated effective minor genes for powdery mildew resistance in many of the released German winter wheat cultivars. These quantitative resistances are long lasting, environmentally stable and provide a high level of protection to powdery mildew.     

Diallel analysis of four resistance components to Septoria tritici in six crosses of wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Four resistance components, i.e. incubation period, latent period, maturation period and pycnidial coverage, were studied in a diallel cross of four wheat cultivars differing in susceptibility to Septoria tritici. Inoculations and evaluations were carried out at the fourth leaf stage for two years. A combined ANOVA for both years exhibited a significant interaction between crosses and years for maturation period. A separate ANOVA for each year was done for this trait. The combined ANOVA showed that crosses were significantly different for incubation, latent period and pycnidial coverage. Cross effects were also significant for maturation period in each year for the separate ANOVA. Year effects were significant for latent period and maturation period. General combining ability (GCA) was significant and preponderant for incubation period, latent period and pycnidial coverage. For maturation period, the separated ANOVA showed the significance of the GCA for both years. Specific combining ability (SCA) was significant for incubation and pycnidial coverage and for maturation in one year. The preponderance of the additive genetic variance for all traits indicates the possibility of selecting for them in order to obtain improved cultivars. Incubation period was inherited independently of maturation period and pycnidial coverage, indicating that combinations of some of those characters may lead to more effective and durable resistance.     

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.     

Chromosome location and microsatellite markers linked to a powdery mildew resistance gene in wheat line 'Lankao 90(6)'

Wheat lines known as 'Lankao 90(6)', derived from the cross 'Mzalenod Beer' (hexaploid triticale)/'Baofeng 7228'//'90 Xuanxi', carry a recessive powdery mildew resistance gene temporarily named PmLK906 . Gene PmLK906 appears to be different from known wheat powdery mildew resistance genes. PmLK906 was tagged using microsatellite markers in a segregating population derived from the cross 'Chinese Spring'/'Lankao 90(6)21-12'. The dominant microsatellite marker Xgwm265-2AL was linked in repulsion with PmLK906 at a genetic distance of 3.72 cM, whereas the co-dominant Xgdm93-2AL was linked to PmLK906 at a genetic distance of 6.15 cM. Both markers were placed on chromosome arm 2AL using 'Chinese Spring' nulli-tetrasomic lines. The recessive PmLK906 has a different specificity to the dominant resistance alleles located at the Pm4 locus and appeared to be located to a locus different from Pm4 .     

A partial diallel study of powdery mildew resistance in six apple cultivars under three growing conditions with different disease pressures

Summary The suitability of large-fruited apple cultivars as alternative donors of powdery mildew resistance to the crabapples carrying major gene resistances was assessed. Five accessions with varying levels of mildew resistance (‘Dülmener Rosen', ‘Liberty', ‘Sciros', ‘Prima' and ‘Red Delicious') and one susceptible cultivar (‘Cox's Orange Pippin') were mated in a partial diallel design, and sub-sets of each seedling family were evaluated for three years at three New Zealand sites (Havelock North, Riwaka and Clyde) with different climatic conditions. There was a high correlation among the powdery mildew susceptibility scores of the individual seedlings over the three years, but disease levels varied among sites, with those at Clyde being the highest. All accessions with some resistance were found to confer additive resistance to their progenies to varying degrees depending on the climatic conditions of the sites, but findings suggest that progeny selection at Clyde will be sufficient for breeding purposes. The performance of the cultivar itself was not necessarily a good predictor of the level of resistance conferred to its progenies. The mostly negative genetic correlations between powdery mildew scores and fruit quality attributes suggest that selecting for powdery mildew resistance and desirable fruit quality traits may not be difficult. However, a larger number of families may be needed for more precise estimates of the genetic correlations to strengthen confidence in this conclusion.     

Resistance to barley yellow-dwarf-virus disease in derivatives of crosses between hexaploid wheat and species of Lophopyrum (Triticeae; Poaceae)

Among the wheatgrasses that are possible sources of genetic resistance for wheat to barley yellow-dwarf-virus disease (BYD) are those that have been commonly subsumed under the name Agropyron elongatum (Host) P. Beauv. Two of these wheatgrass species are the diploid Lophopymm elongatum (Host) Á. Löve (2n = 2x = 14) and the decaploid L. ponticum (Podp.) Á. Löve (2n = 10x = 70). These two species, the addition and substitution lines of L. elongatum chromosomes in hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and derivatives of hybrids between hexaploid wheat and L. ponticum, were screened for resistance to BYD, as defined by visual symptoms in field-grown plants. The two species, an amphiploid derived from L. elongatumבChinese Spring’ wheat, and the derivatives involving L. ponticum chromosomes were all highly resistant. The substitution and addition lines of L. elongatum chromosomes in ‘Chinese Spring’ revealed that the genetic control of resistance in L. elongatum must be complex, with more than one critical locus involved. Chromosomes 2E and 5E are involved and there are lesser contributions to resistance from the remaining wheatgrass chromosomes. One highly resistant derivative was determined to have only three pairs of L. ponticum chromosomes. It has a wheat-like morphology and shows promise for further characterization.     

Inheritance of resistance to Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica Mitra) in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The mode of inheritance and allelic relationships among genes conferring resistance to Karnal bunt were studied in seven bread-wheat (six resistant and one susceptible) genotypes. The resistant genotypes originated in China (‘Shanghai#8’), Brazil (PF71131), the USA (‘Chris’), and Mexico (‘Amsel’, CMH77.308 and ‘Pigeon’). The susceptible line WL711 was from India. Evaluation of these wheat lines and all possible crosses among their F₁ and F₃ generations (about 100 progenies in each cross) revealed that two partially recessive genes conferred the resistance to Karnal bunt in ‘Pigeon’, whereas four partially dominant genes were present in the other genotypes. ‘Chris’, ‘Amsel’ and PF71131 carry one gene, whereas ‘Shanghai#8’ and CMH77.308 have two genes. ‘Chris’, ‘Amsel’, and PF71131 have different genes, whereas one gene was common to PF71131, CMH77.308 and ‘Shanghai#8’, and another to ‘Chris’ and CMH77.308. Gene symbols were formally designated to the resistant stocks. Resistance was incomplete and stable.     

Host plant resistance in some wild wheats to the Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

A total of 259 accessions of wild Triticum species originating from different countries, along with 91 triticale (6×)× bread wheat true-breeding derivatives, two bread wheat, and three triticale cultivars were screened for resistance to the Russian wheat aphid, a serious insect pest of the wheat crop. Twenty-four entries with low damage ratings on the basis of amount of leaf rolling and leaf chlorosis were retested along with resistant and susceptible controls. On the basis of leaf roll damage ratings, eight entries including four Triticum monococcum var. boeoticum (T. boeoticum), one T. monococcum var. monococcum (T. monococcum), two T. timopheevii var. araraticum (T. araraticum), and one triticale cultivar were significantly superior to ‘Karl’ (susceptible control) wheat. Among these, four accessions — three T. boeoticum and one T. araraticum— were significantly superior to all other entries and were equal to the resistant control (PI 372129) in resistance rating based on leaf rolling and leaf chlorosis (except T. boeoticum TA 202). The leaf chlorosis damage rating of all accessions were significantly lower than that of the susceptible check.     

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.