Mapping resistance genes for Oculimacula acuformis in Aegilops longissima

Key message

This study identified three QTL conferring resistance to Oculimacula acuformis in Aegilops longissima and their associated markers, which can be useful in marker-assisted selection breeding for eyespot resistance.

Abstract

Oculimacula acuformis is one of two species of soilborne fungi that cause eyespot of wheat, the other being Oculimacula yallundae. Both pathogens can coexist in the same field and produce elliptical lesions on stem bases of wheat that are indistinguishable. Pch1 and Pch2 are the only two eyespot resistance genes readily available to wheat breeders, but neither provides complete control. A new source of eyespot resistance was identified from Aegilops longissima (2n = 14, S^lS^l), a wild relative of wheat. Three QTL for resistance to O. acuformis were mapped in chromosomes 1S^l, 3S^l, and 5S^l using a recombinant inbred line population developed from the cross Ae. longissima accessions PI 542196 (R) × PI 330486 (S). The three QTL explained 66 % of phenotypic variation by β-glucuronidase score (GUS) and 84 % by visual rating. These QTL had LOD values of 10.6, 8.8, and 6.0 for GUS score, and 16.0, 10.0, and 13.0 for visual rating. QTL associated with resistance to O. acuformis have similar chromosomal locations as some for resistance to O. yallundae, except that a QTL for resistance to O. yallundae was found in chromosome 7S^l but not for O. acuformis. Thus, it appears that some genes at the same locus in Ae. longissima may control resistance to both eyespot pathogens. QTL effective against both pathogens will be most useful for breeding programs and have potential to improve the effectiveness and genetic diversity of eyespot resistance.