Mapping of quantitative adult plant field resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust in two European winter wheat populations reveals co-location of three QTL conferring resistance to both rust pathogens

Key message

We detected several, most likely novel QTL for adult plant resistance to rusts. Notably three QTL improved resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust simultaneously indicating broad spectrum resistance QTL.

Abstract

The rusts of wheat (Puccinia spp.) are destructive fungal wheat diseases. The deployment of resistant cultivars plays a central role in integrated rust disease management. Durability of resistance would be preferred, but is difficult to analyse. The Austrian winter wheat cultivar Capo was released in the 1989 and grown on a large acreage during more than two decades and maintained a good level of quantitative leaf rust and stripe rust resistance. Two bi-parental mapping populations: Capo × Arina and Capo × Furore were tested in multiple environments for severity of leaf rust and stripe rust at the adult plant stage in replicated field experiments. Quantitative trait loci associated with leaf rust and stripe rust severity were mapped using DArT and SSR markers. Five QTL were detected in multiple environments associated with resistance to leaf rust designated as QLr.ifa-2AL, QLr.ifa-2BL, QLr.ifa-2BS, QLr.ifa-3BS, and QLr.ifa-5BL, and five for resistance to stripe rust QYr.ifa-2AL, QYr.ifa-2BL, QYr.ifa-3AS, QYr.ifa-3BS, and QYr.ifa-5A. For all QTL apart from two (QYr.ifa-3AS, QLr.ifa-5BL) Capo contributed the resistance improving allele. The leaf rust and stripe rust resistance QTL on 2AL, 2BL and 3BS mapped to the same chromosome positions, indicating either closely linked genes or pleiotropic gene action. These three multiple disease resistance QTL (QLr.ifa-2AL/QYr.ifa-2AL, QLr.ifa.2BL/QYr.ifa-2BL, QLr.ifa-3BS/QYr.ifa.3BS) potentially contribute novel resistance sources for stripe rust and leaf rust. The long-lasting resistance of Capo apparently rests upon a combination of several genes. The described germplasm, QTL and markers are applicable for simultaneous resistance improvement against leaf rust and stripe rust.     

Genetic analysis and mapping of adult plant resistance loci to leaf rust in durum wheat cultivar Bairds

Key message

New leaf rust adult plant resistance (APR) QTL QLr.cim - 6BL was mapped and confirmed the known pleotropic APR gene Lr46 effect on leaf rust in durum wheat line Bairds.

Abstract

CIMMYT-derived durum wheat line Bairds displays an adequate level of adult plant resistance (APR) to leaf rust in Mexican field environments. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population developed from a cross of Bairds with susceptible parent Atred#1 was phenotyped for leaf rust response at Ciudad Obregon, Mexico, during 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 under artificially created epidemics of Puccinia triticina (Pt) race BBG/BP. The RIL population and its parents were genotyped with the 50 K diversity arrays technology (DArT) sequence system and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A genetic map comprising 1150 markers was used to map the resistance loci. Four significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected on chromosomes 1BL, 2BC (centromere region), 5BL and 6BL. These QTLs, named Lr46, QLr.cim-2BC, QLr.cim-5BL and QLr.cim-6BL, respectively, explained 13.5–60.8%, 9.0–14.3%, 2.8–13.9%, and 11.6–29.4%, respectively, of leaf rust severity variation by the inclusive composite interval mapping method. All of these resistance loci were contributed by the resistant parent Bairds, except for QLr.cim-2BC, which came from susceptible parent Atred#1. Among these, the QTL on chromosome 1BL was the known pleiotropic APR gene Lr46, whereas QLr.cim-6BL, a consistently detected locus, should be a new leaf rust resistance locus in durum wheat. The mean leaf rust severity of RILs carrying all four QTLs ranged from 8.0 to 17.5%, whereas it ranged from 10.9 to 38.5% for three QTLs (Lr46 + 5BL + 6BL) derived from the resistant parent Bairds. Two RILs with four QTLs combinations can be used as sources of complex APR in durum wheat breeding.

     

QTL mapping for adult-plant resistance to stripe rust in Italian common wheat cultivars Libellula and Strampelli

Italian common wheat cultivars Libellula and Strampelli, grown for over three decades in Gansu province of China, have shown effective resistance to stripe rust. To elucidate the genetic basis of the resistance, F₃ populations were developed from crosses between the two cultivars and susceptible Chinese wheat cultivar Huixianhong. The F₃ lines were evaluated for disease severity in Beijing, Gansu and Sichuan from 2005 to 2008. Joint- and single-environment analyses by composite interval mapping identified five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in Libellula for reduced stripe rust severity, designated QYr.caas-2DS, QYr.caas-4BL, QYr.caas-5BL.1, QYr.caas-5BL.2 and QYr.caas-7DS, and explained 8.1–12.4, 3.6–5.1, 3.4–8.6, 2.6 and 14.6–35.0%, respectively, of the phenotypic variance across four environments. Six interactions between different pairs of QTLs explained 3.2–7.1% of the phenotypic variance. The QTLs QYr.caas-4BL, QYr.caas-5BL.1 and QYr.caas-7DS were also detected in Strampelli, explaining 4.5, 2.9–5.5 and 17.1–39.1% of phenotypic variance, respectively, across five environments. Three interactions between different pairs of QTLs accounted for 6.1–35.0% of the phenotypic variance. The QTL QYr.caas-7DS flanked by markers csLV34 and Xgwm295 showed the largest effect for resistance to stripe rust. Sequence analyses confirmed that the lines with the QYr.caas-7DS allele for resistance carried the resistance allele of the Yr18/Lr34 gene. Our results indicated that the adult-plant resistance gene Yr18 and several minor genes confer effective durable resistance to stripe rust in Libellula and Strampelli.     

QTL mapping of slow-rusting, adult plant resistance to race Ug99 of stem rust fungus in PBW343/Muu RIL population

Races of stem rust fungus pose a major threat to wheat production worldwide. We mapped adult plant resistance (APR) to Ug99 in 141 lines of a PBW343/Muu recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population by phenotyping them for three seasons at Njoro, Kenya in field trials and genotyping them with Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) markers. Moderately susceptible parent PBW343 and APR parent Muu displayed mean stem rust severities of 66.6 and 5 %, respectively. The mean disease severity of RILs ranged from 1 to 100 %, with an average of 23.3 %. Variance components for stem rust severity were highly significant (p < 0.001) for RILs and seasons and the heritability (h ²) for the disease ranged between 0.78 and 0.89. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis identified four consistent genomic regions on chromosomes 2BS, 3BS, 5BL, and 7AS; three contributed by Muu (QSr.cim-2BS, QSr.cim-3BS and QSr.cim-7AS) and one (QSr.cim-5BL) derived from PBW343. RILs with flanking markers for these QTLs had significantly lower severities than those lacking the markers, and combinations of QTLs had an additive effect, significantly enhancing APR. The QTL identified on chromosome 3BS mapped to the matching region as the known APR gene Sr2. Four additional QTLs on chromosomes 1D, 3A, 4B, and 6A reduced disease severity significantly at least once in three seasons. Our results show a complex nature of APR to stem rust where Sr2 and other minor slow rusting resistance genes can confer a higher level of resistance when present together.     

Comparative genome-wide mapping versus extreme pool-genotyping and development of diagnostic SNP markers linked to QTL for adult plant resistance to stripe rust in common wheat

Key message

A major stripe rust resistance QTL on chromosome 4BL was localized to a 4.5-Mb interval using comparative QTL mapping methods and validated in 276 wheat genotypes by haplotype analysis.

Abstract

CYMMIT-derived wheat line P10103 was previously identified to have adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust in the greenhouse and field. The conventional approach for QTL mapping in common wheat is laborious. Here, we performed QTL detection of APR using a combination of genome-wide scanning and extreme pool-genotyping. SNP-based genetic maps were constructed using the Wheat55 K SNP array to genotype a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross Mingxian 169?×?P10103. Five stable QTL were detected across multiple environments. After comparing SNP profiles from contrasting, extreme DNA pools of RILs six putative QTL were located to approximate chromosome positions. A major QTL on chromosome 4B was identified in F_2:4 contrasting pools from cross Zhengmai 9023?×?P10103. A consensus QTL (LOD?=?26–40, PVE?=?42–55%), named QYr.nwafu-4BL, was defined and localized to a 4.5-Mb interval flanked by SNP markers AX-110963704 and AX-110519862 in chromosome arm 4BL. Based on stripe rust response, marker genotypes, pedigree analysis and mapping data, QYr.nwafu-4BL is likely to be a new APR QTL. The applicability of the SNP-based markers flanking QYr.nwafu-4BL was validated on a diversity panel of 276 wheat lines. The additional minor QTL on chromosomes 4A, 5A, 5B and 6A enhanced the level of resistance conferred by QYr.nwafu-4BL. Marker-assisted pyramiding of QYr.nwafu-4BL and other favorable minor QTL in new wheat cultivars should improve the level of APR to stripe rust.

     

Stripe rust resistance genes in the UK winter wheat cultivar Claire

Stripe rust resistance in the winter wheat cultivar Claire had remained effective in the UK and Europe since its release in 1999 and consequently has been used extensively in wheat breeding programs. However, in 2012, reports indicated that this valuable resistance may now have been compromised. To characterise stripe rust resistance in Claire and determine which genes may still confer effective resistance a cross was made between Claire and the stripe rust susceptible cultivar Lemhi. A genetic linkage map, constructed using SSR, AFLP, DArT and NBS-AFLP markers had a total map length of 1,730 cM. To improve the definition of two quantitative trait loci (QTL) identified on the long arm of chromosome 2D further markers were developed from wheat EST. Stripe rust resistance was evaluated on adult plants under field and glasshouse conditions by measuring the extent of fungal growth and sporulation, percentage infection (Pi) and the necrotic/chlorotic responses of the plant to infection, infection type (IT). Four QTL contributing to stripe rust adult plant resistance (APR) were identified in Claire, QYr.niab-2D.1, QYr.niab-2D.2, QYr.niab-2B and QYr.niab-7B. For Pi QYr.niab-2D.1 explained up to 25.4 % of the phenotypic variation, QYr.niab-2D.2 up to 28.7 %, QYr.niab-2B up to 21.7 % and QYr.niab-7B up to 13.0 %. For IT the percentages of phenotypic variation explained were 23.4, 31.8, 17.2 and 12.6 %, respectively. In addition to the four QTL conferring APR in Claire, a race-specific, seedling expressed resistance gene was identified on chromosome 3B.     

Rapid identification of an adult plant stripe rust resistance gene in hexaploid wheat by high-throughput SNP array genotyping of pooled extremes

Key message

High-throughput SNP array analysis of pooled extreme phenotypes in a segregating population by KASP marker genotyping permitted rapid, cost-effective location of a stripe rust resistance QTL in wheat.

Abstract

German wheat cultivar “Friedrichswerther” has exhibited high levels of adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust in field environments for many years. F_2:3 lines and F₆ recombinant inbred line (RILs) populations derived from a cross between Friedrichswerther and susceptible landrace Mingxian 169 were evaluated in the field in 2013, 2016 and 2017. Illumina 90K iSelect SNP arrays were used to genotype bulked extreme pools and parents; 286 of 1135 polymorphic SNPs were identified on chromosome 6B. Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were used to verify the chromosome region associated with the resistance locus. A linkage map was constructed with 18 KASP-SNP markers, and a major effect QTL was identified within a 1.4 cM interval flanked by KASP markers IWB71602 and IWB55937 in the region 6BL3-0-0.36. The QTL, named QYr.nwafu-6BL, was stable across environments, and explained average 54.4 and 47.8% of the total phenotypic variation in F_2:3 lines and F₆ RILs, respectively. On the basis of marker genotypes, pedigree analysis and relative genetic distance QYr.nwafu-6BL is likely to be a new APR QTL. Combined high-throughput SNP array genotyping of pooled extremes and validation by KASP assays lowers sequencing costs compared to genome-wide association studies with SNP arrays, and more importantly, permits rapid isolation of major effect QTL in hexaploid wheat as well as improving accuracy of mapping in the QTL region. QYr.nwafu-6BL with flanking KASP markers developed and verified in a subset of 236 diverse lines can be used in marker-assisted selection to improve stripe rust resistance in breeding programs.

     

Mapping of durable stripe rust resistance in a durum wheat cultivar Wollaroi

Wollaroi, an Australian durum wheat cultivar, produced a low stripe rust response and the alternative parent Bansi was highly susceptible. The Wollaroi/Bansi recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was phenotyped across three consecutive crop seasons. A genetic map of the Wollaroi/Bansi RIL population comprising 799 markers (diversity arrays technology and simple sequence repeat markers) was used to determine the genomic location of stripe rust resistance genes carried by the cultivar Wollaroi. Composite interval mapping detected three consistent quantitative trait loci (QTL) in chromosomes 2A, 3B and 5B. These QTL were named QYr.sun-2A, QYr.sun-3B and QYr.sun-5B. Another QTL, QYr.sun-1B, was detected only in the 2009 crop season. QTL in chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3B and 5B explained on average 6, 9.3, 26.7 and 8.7 %, respectively, of the variation in stripe rust response. All QTL were contributed by Wollaroi. RILs carrying these QTL singly produced intermediate stripe rust severities ranging from 46.2 to 55.7 %, whereas RILs with all four QTL produced the lowest disease severity (34.3 %). The consistently low stripe rust response of Wollaroi for 20 years demonstrated the durability of the resistance loci involved. The QTL combination detected in this study is being transferred to common wheat.     

Characterization of Yr54 and other genes associated with adult plant resistance to yellow rust and leaf rust in common wheat Quaiu 3

Leaf rust (LR) and yellow rust (YR), caused by Puccinia triticina and Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, respectively, are important diseases of wheat. Quaiu 3, a common wheat line developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), is immune to YR in Mexico despite seedling susceptibility to predominant races. Quaiu 3 also shows immunity to LR in field trials and is known to possess the race-specific gene Lr42. A mapping population of 182 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed by crossing Quaiu 3 with susceptible Avocet-YrA and phenotyped with LR and YR in field trials for 2 years in Mexico. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with YR and LR resistance in the RILs were identified using Diversity Arrays Technology and simple sequence repeat markers. A large-effect QTL on the long arm of chromosome 2D explained 49–54 % of the phenotypic variation in Quaiu 3 and was designated as Yr54. Two additional loci on 1BL and 3BS explained 8–17 % of the phenotypic variation for YR and coincided with previously characterized adult plant resistance (APR) genes Lr46/Yr29 and Sr2/Yr30, respectively. QTL on 1DS and 1BL corresponding to Lr42 and Lr46/Yr29, respectively, contributed 60–71 % of the variation for LR resistance. A locus on 3D associated with APR to both diseases explained up to 7 % of the phenotypic variance. Additional Avocet-YrA-derived minor QTL were also detected for YR on chromosomes 1A, 3D, 4A, and 6A. Yr54 is a newly characterized APR gene which can be combined with other genes by using closely linked molecular markers.     

Mapping and validation of a new QTL for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew in Chinese elite bread wheat line Zhou8425B

Key message

Four QTLs for adult-plant resistance to powdery mildew were mapped in the Zhou8425B/Chinese Spring population, and a new QTL on chromosome 3B was validated in 103 wheat cultivars derived from Zhou8425B.

Abstract

Zhou8425B is an elite wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line widely used as a parent in Chinese wheat breeding programs. Identification of genes for adult-plant resistance (APR) to powdery mildew in Zhou8425B is of high importance for continued controlling the disease. In the current study, the high-density Illumina iSelect 90K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for APR to powdery mildew in 244 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross Zhou8425B/Chinese Spring. Inclusive composite interval mapping identified QTL on chromosomes 1B, 3B, 4B, and 7D, designated as QPm.caas-1BL.1, QPm.caas-3BS, QPm.caas-4BL.2, and QPm.caas-7DS, respectively. Resistance alleles at the QPm.caas-1BL.1, QPm.caas-3BS, and QPm.caas-4BL.2 loci were contributed by Zhou8425B, whereas that at QPm.caas-7DS was from Chinese Spring. QPm.caas-3BS, likely to be a new APR gene for powdery mildew resistance, was detected in all four environments. One SNP marker closely linked to QPm.caas-3BS was transferred into a semi-thermal asymmetric reverse PCR (STARP) marker and tested on 103 commercial wheat cultivars derived from Zhou8425B. Cultivars with the resistance allele at the QPm.caas-3BS locus had averaged maximum disease severity reduced by 5.3%. This STARP marker can be used for marker-assisted selection in improvement of the level of powdery mildew resistance in wheat breeding.

     

Mapping of QTLs associated with resistance to common bunt,tan spot,leaf rust,and stripe rust in a spring wheat population

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding goals in western Canada include good agronomic characteristics and good end-use quality, and also moderate to elevated resistance to diseases of economic importance. In this study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with resistance to common bunt (Tilletia tritici and Tilletia laevis), tan spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). A total of 167 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two spring wheat cultivars, ‘Attila’ and ‘CDC Go’, were evaluated for reactions to the four diseases in nurseries from three to eight environments, and genotyped with the Wheat 90K SNP array and three gene-specific markers (Ppd-D1, Vrn-A1, and Rht-B1). The RILs exhibited transgressive segregation for all four diseases, and we observed several lines either superior or inferior to the parents. Broad-sense heritability varied from 0.25 for leaf rust to 0.48 for common bunt. Using a subset of 1203 informative markers (1200 SNPs and 3 gene-specific markers) and average disease scores across all environments, we identified two QTLs (QCbt.dms-1B.2 and QCbt.dms-3A) for common bunt, and three QTLs each for tan spot (QTs.dms-2B, QTs.dms-2D, and QTs.dms-6B), leaf rust (QLr.dms-2D.1, QLr.dms-2D.2, and QLr.dms-3A), and stripe rust (QYr.dms-3A, QYr.dms-4A, and QYr.dms-5B). Each QTL individually explained between 5.9 and 18.7% of the phenotypic variation, and altogether explained from 21.5 to 26.5% of phenotypic and from 52.2 to 86.0% of the genetic variation. The resistance alleles for all QTLs except one for stripe rust (QYr.dms-5B) were from CDC Go. Some of the QTLs are novel, while others mapped close to QTLs and/or genes reported in other studies.     

Mapping and validation of QTL which confer partial resistance to broadly virulent post-2000 North American races of stripe rust in hexaploid wheat

A mapping population of 186 recombinant inbred lines developed from a cross between UC1110, an adapted California spring wheat, and PI610750, a synthetic derivative from CIMMYT’s Wide Cross Program, was evaluated for its response to current California races of stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in replicated field trials over four seasons (2007–2010) in the northern Sacramento Valley. A genetic map was constructed consisting of 1,494 polymorphic probes (SSRs, DArTs, and ESTs) mapped to 558 unique loci, and QTL analysis revealed the presence of four stripe rust resistance QTL segregating in this population, two from UC1110 (on chromosomes 3BS and 2BS) and two from PI610750 (5AL and 2AS). The two QTL of largest effects (on 3BS and 5AL) were validated in independent populations and their intervals narrowed to 2.5 and 5.3 cM, respectively. The 3BS QTL was shown, by allelism test and genotype, to carry a gene different from the Yr30/Sr2 complex. Mapped position also suggests that the 3BS QTL is associated with a gene different from either Yrns-B1 or YrRub, two stripe rust resistance genes mapped to this region in other studies. The 5AL QTL carries a previously unreported partial stripe rust resistance gene, designated here as Yr48. This paper discusses the individual contributions to resistance of these four QTL, their epistatic interactions, and their potential in durable resistance breeding strategies based on combinations of partial resistance genes.     

Genome-Wide Linkage Mapping of QTL for Adult-Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in a Chinese Wheat Population Linmai 2 × Zhong 892

Stripe rust is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) worldwide. Adult-plant resistance (APR) is an efficient approach to provide long-term protection of wheat from the disease. The Chinese winter wheat cultivar Zhong 892 has a moderate level of APR to stripe rust in the field. To determine the inheritance of the APR resistance in this cultivar, 273 F₆ recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross between Linmai 2 and Zhong 892. The RILs were evaluated for maximum disease severity (MDS) in two sites during the 2011–2012, 2012–2013 and 2013–2014 cropping seasons, providing data for five environments. Illumina 90k SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) chips were used to genotype the RILs and their parents. Composite interval mapping (CIM) detected eight QTL, namely QYr.caas-2AL, QYr.caas-2BL.3, QYr.caas-3AS, QYr.caas-3BS, QYr.caas-5DL, QYr.caas-6AL, QYr.caas-7AL and QYr.caas-7DS.1, respectively. All except QYr.caas-2BL.3 resistance alleles were contributed by Zhong 892. QYr.caas-3AS and QYr.caas-3BS conferred stable resistance to stripe rust in all environments, explaining 6.2–17.4% and 5.0–11.5% of the phenotypic variances, respectively. The genome scan of SNP sequences tightly linked to QTL for APR against annotated proteins in wheat and related cereals genomes identified two candidate genes (autophagy-related gene and disease resistance gene RGA1), significantly associated with stripe rust resistance. These QTL and their closely linked SNP markers, in combination with kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) technology, are potentially useful for improving stripe rust resistances in wheat breeding.     

Characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr75</Emphasis>: a partial,broad-spectrum leaf rust resistance gene in wheat

Key message

Here, we describe a strategy to improve broad-spectrum leaf rust resistance by marker-assisted combination of two partial resistance genes. One of them represents a novel partial adult plant resistance gene, named Lr75.

Abstract

Leaf rust caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia triticina is a damaging disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The combination of several, additively-acting partial disease resistance genes has been proposed as a suitable strategy to breed wheat cultivars with high levels of durable field resistance. The Swiss winter wheat cultivar ‘Forno’ continues to show near-immunity to leaf rust since its release in the 1980s. This resistance is conferred by the presence of at least six quantitative trait loci (QTL), one of which is associated with the morphological trait leaf tip necrosis. Here, we used a marker-informed strategy to introgress two ‘Forno’ QTLs into the leaf rust-susceptible Swiss winter wheat cultivar ‘Arina’. The resulting backcross line ‘ArinaLrFor’ showed markedly increased leaf rust resistance in multiple locations over several years. One of the introgressed QTLs, QLr.sfr-1BS, is located on chromosome 1BS. We developed chromosome 1B-specific microsatellite markers by exploiting the Illumina survey sequences of wheat cv. ‘Chinese Spring’ and mapped QLr.sfr-1BS to a 4.3 cM interval flanked by the SSR markers gwm604 and swm271. QLr.sfr-1BS does not share a genetic location with any of the described leaf rust resistance genes present on chromosome 1B. Therefore, QLr.sfr-1BS is novel and was designated as Lr75. We conclude that marker-assisted combination of partial resistance genes is a feasible strategy to increase broad-spectrum leaf rust resistance. The identification of Lr75 adds a novel and highly useful gene to the small set of known partial, adult plant leaf rust resistance genes.

     

Stripe rust and leaf rust resistance QTL mapping,epistatic interactions,and co-localization with stem rust resistance loci in spring wheat evaluated over three continents

Key message

In wheat, advantageous gene-rich or pleiotropic regions for stripe, leaf, and stem rust and epistatic interactions between rust resistance loci should be accounted for in plant breeding strategies.

Abstract

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. tritici Eriks) contribute to major production losses in many regions worldwide. The objectives of this research were to identify and study epistatic interactions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe and leaf rust resistance in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the cross of Canadian wheat cultivars, AC Cadillac and Carberry. The relationship of leaf and stripe rust resistance QTL that co-located with stem rust resistance QTL previously mapped in this population was also investigated. The Carberry/AC Cadillac population was genotyped with DArT^® and simple sequence repeat markers. The parents and population were phenotyped for stripe rust severity and infection response in field rust nurseries in Kenya (Njoro), Canada (Swift Current), and New Zealand (Lincoln); and for leaf rust severity and infection response in field nurseries in Canada (Swift Current) and New Zealand (Lincoln). AC Cadillac was a source of stripe rust resistance QTL on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 5B, and 7B; and Carberry was a source of resistance on chromosomes 2B, 4B, and 7A. AC Cadillac contributed QTL for resistance to leaf rust on chromosome 2A and Carberry contributed QTL on chromosomes 2B and 4B. Stripe rust resistance QTL co-localized with previously reported stem rust resistance QTL on 2B, 3B, and 7B, while leaf rust resistance QTL co-localized with 4B stem rust resistance QTL. Several epistatic interactions were identified both for stripe and leaf rust resistance QTL. We have identified useful combinations of genetic loci with main and epistatic effects. Multiple disease resistance regions identified on chromosomes 2A, 2B, 3B, 4B, 5B, and 7B are prime candidates for further investigation and validation of their broad resistance.     

QTL mapping of adult-plant resistances to stripe rust and leaf rust in Chinese wheat cultivar Bainong 64

Stripe rust and leaf rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Erikss. and P. triticina, respectively, are devastating fungal diseases of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Chinese wheat cultivar Bainong 64 has maintained acceptable adult-plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust, leaf rust and powdery mildew for more than 10?years. The aim of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci/locus (QTL) for resistance to the two rusts in a population of 179 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from Bainong 64?×?Jingshuang 16. The DH lines were planted in randomized complete blocks with three replicates at four locations. Stripe rust tests were conducted using a mixture of currently prevalent P. striiformis races, and leaf rust tests were performed with P. triticina race THTT. Leaf rust severities were scored two or three times, whereas maximum disease severities (MDS) were recorded for stripe rust. Using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, five independent loci for APR to two rusts were detected. The QTL on chromosomes 1BL and 6BS contributed by Bainong 64 conferred resistance to both diseases. The loci identified on chromosomes 7AS and 4DL had minor effects on stripe rust response, whereas another locus, close to the centromere on chromosome 6BS, had a significant effect only on leaf rust response. The loci located on chromosomes 1BL and 4DL also had significant effects on powdery mildew response. These were located at the same positions as the Yr29/Lr46 and Yr46/Lr67 genes, respectively. The multiple disease resistance locus for APR on chromosome 6BS appears to be new. All three genes and their closely linked molecular markers could be used in breeding wheat cultivars with durable resistance to multiple diseases.     

Mapping a Large Number of QTL for Durable Resistance to Stripe Rust in Winter Wheat Druchamp Using SSR and SNP Markers

Winter wheat Druchamp has both high-temperature adult-plant (HTAP) resistance and all-stage resistance to stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). The HTAP resistance in Druchamp is durable as the variety has been resistant in adult-plant stage since it was introduced from France to the United States in late 1940s. To map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stripe rust resistance, an F₈ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population from cross Druchamp × Michigan Amber was phenotyped for stripe rust response in multiple years in fields under natural infection and with selected Pst races under controlled greenhouse conditions, and genotyped with simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Composite interval mapping (CIM) identified eight HTAP resistance QTL and three all-stage resistance QTL. Among the eight HTAP resistance QTL, QYrdr.wgp-1BL.2 (explaining 2.36-31.04% variation), QYrdr.wgp-2BL (2.81–15.65%), QYrdr.wgp-5AL (2.27–17.22%) and QYrdr.wgp-5BL.2 (2.42–15.13%) were significant in all tests; and QYrdr.wgp-1BL.1 (1.94–10.19%), QYrdr.wgp-1DS (2.04–27.24%), QYrdr.wgp-3AL (1.78–13.85%) and QYrdr.wgp-6BL.2 (1.69–33.71%) were significant in some of the tests. The three all-stage resistance QTL, QYrdr.wgp-5BL.1 (5.47–36.04%), QYrdr.wgp-5DL (9.27–11.94%) and QYrdr.wgp-6BL.1 (13.07-20.36%), were detected based on reactions in the seedlings tested with certain Pst races. Among the eleven QTL detected in Druchamp, at least three (QYrdr.wgp-5DL for race-specific all-stage resistance and QYrdr.wgp-3AL and QYrdr.wgp-6BL.2 for race non-specific HTAP resistance) are new. All these QTL, especially those for durable HTAP resistance, and their closely linked molecular markers could be useful for developing wheat cultivars with durable resistance to stripe rust.     

Identification of adult plant resistance to stripe rust in the wheat cultivar Cappelle-Desprez

Following the appearance of stripe rust in South Africa in 1996, efforts have been made to identify new sources of durable resistance. The French cultivar Cappelle-Desprez has long been considered a source of durable, adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe rust. As Cappelle-Desprez contains the seedling resistance genes Yr3a and Yr4a, wheat lines were developed from which Yr3a and Yr4a had been removed, while selecting for Cappelle-Desprez derived APR effective against South African pathotypes of the stripe rust fungus, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici. Line Yr16DH70, adapted to South African wheat growing conditions, was selected and crossed to the stripe rust susceptible cultivar Palmiet to develop a segregating recombinant inbred line mapping population. A major effect QTL, QYr.ufs-2A was identified on the short arm of chromosome 2A derived from Cappelle-Desprez, along with three QTL of smaller effect, QYr.ufs-2D, QYr.ufs-5B and QYr.ufs-6D. QYr.ufs-2D was located within a region on the short arm of chromosome 2D believed to be the location of the stripe rust resistance gene Yr16. An additional minor effect QTL, QYr.ufs-4B, was identified in the cv. Palmiet. An examination of individual RILs carrying single or combinations of each QTL indicated significant resistance effects when QYr.ufs-2A was combined with the three minor QTL from Cappelle-Desprez, and between QYr.ufs-2D and QYr.ufs-5B.     

Analysis of leaf and stripe rust severities reveals pathotype changes and multiple minor QTLs associated with resistance in an Avocet?×?Pastor wheat population

Leaf rust and stripe rust are important diseases of wheat world-wide and deployment of cultivars with genetic resistance is an effective and environmentally sound control method. The use of minor, additive genes conferring adult plant resistance (APR) has been shown to provide resistance that is durable. The wheat cultivar ‘Pastor’ originated from the CIMMYT breeding program that focuses on minor gene-based APR to both diseases by selecting and advancing generations alternately under leaf rust and stripe rust pressures. As a consequence, Pastor has good resistance to both rusts and was used as the resistant parent to develop a mapping population by crossing with the susceptible ‘Avocet’. All 148 F₅ recombinant inbred lines were evaluated under artificially inoculated epidemic environments for leaf rust (3 environments) and stripe rust (4 environments, 2 of which represent two evaluation dates in final year due to the late build-up of a new race virulent to Yr31) in Mexico. Map construction and QTL analysis were completed with 223 polymorphic markers on 84 randomly selected lines in the population. Pastor contributed Yr31, a moderately effective race-specific gene for stripe rust resistance, which was overcome during this study, and this was clearly shown in the statistical analysis. Linked or pleiotropic chromosomal regions contributing to resistance against both pathogens included Lr46/Yr29 on 1BL, the Yr31 region on 2BS, and additional minor genes on 5A, 6B and 7BL. Other minor genes for leaf rust resistance were located on 1B, 2A and 2D and for stripe rust on 1AL, 1B, 3A, 3B, 4D, 6A, 7AS and 7AL. The 1AL, 1BS and 7AL QTLs are in regions that were not identified previously as having QTLs for stripe rust resistance. The development of uniform and severe epidemics facilitated excellent phenotyping, and when combined with multi-environment analysis, resulted in the relatively large number of QTLs identified in this study.     

Identification and mapping of leaf, stem and stripe rust resistance quantitative trait loci and their interactions in durum wheat

Leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks.), stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. tritici Eriks.) and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) cause major production losses in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum). The objective of this research was to identify and map leaf, stripe and stem rust resistance loci from the French cultivar Sachem and Canadian cultivar Strongfield. A doubled haploid population from Sachem/Strongfield and parents were phenotyped for seedling reaction to leaf rust races BBG/BN and BBG/BP and adult plant response was determined in three field rust nurseries near El Batan, Obregon and Toluca, Mexico. Stripe rust response was recorded in 2009 and 2011 nurseries near Toluca and near Njoro, Kenya in 2010. Response to stem rust was recorded in field nurseries near Njoro, Kenya, in 2010 and 2011. Sachem was resistant to leaf, stripe and stem rust. A major leaf rust quantitative trait locus (QTL) was identified on chromosome 7B at Xgwm146 in Sachem. In the same region on 7B, a stripe rust QTL was identified in Strongfield. Leaf and stripe rust QTL around DArT marker wPt3451 were identified on chromosome 1B. On chromosome 2B, a significant leaf rust QTL was detected conferred by Strongfield, and at the same QTL, a Yr gene derived from Sachem conferred resistance. Significant stem rust resistance QTL were detected on chromosome 4B. Consistent interactions among loci for resistance to each rust type across nurseries were detected, especially for leaf rust QTL on 7B. Sachem and Strongfield offer useful sources of rust resistance genes for durum rust breeding.