Mutations in wheat exhibiting growth-stage-specific resistance to biotrophic fungal pathogens

Two mutants were isolated in wheat that showed enhanced resistance towards Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, the fungal causal agent of yellow rust. The altered phenotype of I3-48 is due to a minimum of two mutation events, each showing a partial, additive effect, with one mutation segregating with a deletion on the long arm of chromosome 4D. In the case of I3-54, the enhanced resistance is due to a single, dominant mutation. In both mutants, the expression of the enhanced resistance is growth-stage specific. With I3-54, the full resistance phenotype is apparent from the third seedling leaf onwards, while with I3-48, a full resistance phenotype is only seen on the tenth and subsequent leaves. In addition to the enhanced resistance towards yellow rust, I3-48 also shows enhanced resistance towards brown rust, and I3-54 shows enhanced resistance to powdery mildew.     

Quantitative trait loci for resistance against Yellow rust in two wheat-derived recombinant inbred line populations

Yellow rust, which is a major disease in areas where cool temperatures prevail, can strongly influence grain yield. To control this disease, breeders have extensively used major specific resistance genes. Unfortunately this kind of resistance is rapidly lost due to pathogen adaptation. More-durable resistance against yellow rust can be achieved using quantitative resistance derived from cultivars with well-established durable resistance. The winter wheat Camp Remy has maintained a high level of resistance for over 20 years. In order to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for durable yellow rust resistance, we analysed a set of 98 F₈ recombinant inbred (RI) lines derived from the cross Camp Remy×Michigan Amber. We also mapped QTLs for adult resistance to yellow rust using the International Triticae Mapping Initiative RI population (114 lines derived from the cross Opata85×synthetic hexaploid). Two and five QTLs, respectively, were identified from these two populations. This work has highlighted the importance of the centromeric region of chromosome 2B and the telomeric regions of chromosomes 2AL and 7DS in durable yellow rust resistance. The same chromosomal regions are also implicated in resistance to other pathogens. Received: 8 December 2000 / Accepted: 17 April 2001     

Defeating the Warrior: genetic architecture of triticale resistance against a novel aggressive yellow rust race

Key message

Genome-wide association mapping of resistance against the novel, aggressive ‘Warrior’ race of yellow rust in triticale revealed a genetic architecture with some medium-effect QTL and a quantitative component, which in combination confer high levels of resistance on both leaves and ears.

Abstract

Yellow rust is an important destructive fungal disease in small grain cereals and the exotic ‘Warrior’ race has recently conquered Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic architecture of yellow rust resistance in hexaploid winter triticale as the basis for a successful resistance breeding. To this end, a diverse panel of 919 genotypes was evaluated for yellow rust infection on leaves and ears in multi-location field trials and genotyped by genotyping-by-sequencing as well as for known Yr resistance loci. Genome-wide association mapping identified ten quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yellow rust resistance on the leaves and seven of these also for ear resistance. The total genotypic variance explained by the QTL amounted to 44.0% for leaf and 26.0% for ear resistance. The same three medium-effect QTL were identified for both traits on chromosomes 1B, 2B, and 7B. Interestingly, plants pyramiding the resistance allele of all three medium-effect QTL were generally most resistant, but constitute less than 5% of the investigated triticale breeding material. Nevertheless, a genome-wide prediction yielded a higher predictive ability than prediction based on these three QTL. Taken together, our results show that yellow rust resistance in winter triticale is genetically complex, including both medium-effect QTL as well as a quantitative resistance component. Resistance to the novel ‘Warrior’ race of this fungal pathogen is consequently best achieved by recurrent selection in the field based on identified resistant lines and can potentially be assisted by genomic approaches.

     

Genes for wheat resistance to yellow rust and the role of epiphytotics in the emergence of new races

The paper presents the results of a multi-year assessment of wheat resistance to yellow rust on an artificial infectious background in the field. The dynamics of the disease in the differentiatial varieties with identified resistance genes is studied. The formation of new races of the pathogen after its epiphytotics is revealed. The loss of resistance of certain genotypes that had “effective genes” and were resistant to the disease at the beginning of the experiment is registered. The adult plant resistance, which is of great importance in breeding of resistant varieties of wheat, is analyzed.     

Prospects for exploitation of disease resistance from Hordeum chilense in cultivated cereals

Hordeum chilense is a South American wild barley with high potential for cereal breeding given its high crossability with other members of the Triticeae. In the present paper we consider the resistance of H. chilense to several fungal diseases and the prospects for its transference to cultivated cereals. All H. chilense accessions studied are resistant to the barley, wheat and rye brown rusts, the powdery mildews of wheat, barley, rye and oat, to Septoria leaf blotch, common bunt and to loose smuts, which suggests that H. chilense is a non-host of these diseases. There are also lines resistant to wheat and barley yellow rust, stem rust and to Agropyron leaf rust, as well as lines giving moderate levels of resistance to Septoria glume blotch, tan spot and Fusarium head blight. Some H. chilense lines display pre-appressorial avoidance to brown rust. Lines differ in the degree of haustorium formation by rust and mildew fungi they permit, and in the degree to which a hypersensitive response occurs after haustoria are formed. Unfortunately, resistance of H. chilense to rust fungi is not expressed in tritordeum hybrids, nor in chromosome addition lines in wheat. In tritordeum, H. chilense contributes quantitative resistance to wheat powdery mildew, tan spot and loose smut. The resistance to mildew, expressed as a reduced disease severity, is not associated with macroscopically visible necrosis. Hexaploid tritordeums are immune to Septoria leaf blotch and to common bunt although resistance to both is slightly diluted in octoploid tritordeums. Studies with addition lines in wheat indicate that the resistance of H. chilense to powdery mildew, Septoria leaf blotch and common bunt is of broad genetic basis, conferred by genes present on various chromosomes.     

Characterization of genetic loci conferring adult plant resistance to leaf rust and stripe rust in spring wheat.

Leaf (brown) and stripe (yellow) rusts, caused by Puccinia triticina and Puccinia striiformis, respectively, are fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) that cause significant yield losses annually in many wheat-growing regions of the world. The objectives of our study were to characterize genetic loci associated with resistance to leaf and stripe rusts using molecular markers in a population derived from a cross between the rust-susceptible cultivar 'Avocet S' and the resistant cultivar 'Pavon76'. Using bulked segregant analysis and partial linkage mapping with AFLPs, SSRs and RFLPs, we identified 6 independent loci that contributed to slow rusting or adult plant resistance (APR) to the 2 rust diseases. Using marker information available from existing linkage maps, we have identified additional markers associated with resistance to these 2 diseases and established several linkage groups in the 'Avocet S' x 'Pavon76' population. The putative loci identified on chromosomes 1BL, 4BL, and 6AL influenced resistance to both stripe and leaf rust. The loci on chromosomes 3BS and 6BL had significant effects only on stripe rust, whereas another locus, characterized by AFLP markers, had minor effects on leaf rust only. Data derived from Interval mapping indicated that the loci identified explained 53% of the total phenotypic variation (R2) for stripe rust and 57% for leaf rust averaged across 3 sets of field data. A single chromosome recombinant line population segregating for chromosome 1B was used to map Lr46/Yr29 as a single Mendelian locus. Characterization of slow-rusting genes for leaf and stripe rust in improved wheat germplasm would enable wheat breeders to combine these additional loci with known slow-rusting loci to generate wheat cultivars with higher levels of slow-rusting resistance.     

Assessment of Ethiopian Wheat Lines for Slow Rusting Resistance to Stem Rust of Wheat Caused by Puccinia graminis f.sp. tritici

The emergence and rapid spread of virulent races of wheat stem rust has driven a search for sources of resistance for durable resistance breeding. This study was carried out to identify possible sources of stem rust resistance between Ethiopian wheat lines. Two hundred and fifty‐two wheat accessions and a universal suscept, cultivar Morocco were evaluated for their resistance at the seedling stage to the stem rust isolate Ug99 in a controlled environment. Ninety‐one lines that exhibited intermediate and susceptible seedling reactions were further field tested in 2012 main season for their slow rusting characteristics. Among the 91, 38 genotypes that had high to moderate level of slow rusting were advanced to a 2013 off season field evaluation. Slow rusting resistance at the adult‐plant stage was assessed through the determination of final disease severity (FRS), coefficient of infection (CI), and relative area under disease progressive curve (rAUDPC). The results revealed that wheat lines H04‐2, 204408‐3, 214551‐1, 231545‐1, 7041‐1, 7514‐1, 226385‐1, 226815‐1, 7579‐1 and 222495‐1 had low values of FRS, CI and rAUDPC and were regarded as good slow rusting lines. Of these 231545‐1, 7041‐1, 226815‐1 and 7579‐1 exhibited complete susceptibility at the seedling stage, with infection types ranging from 3? to 3+, which suggests that they possess true slow rusting resistance. Lines 237886‐1, 227059‐1, 203763‐1, 226275‐1, 227068‐2, 226278‐1 and 7994‐1 had moderate values for the stem rust resistance parameters and were identified as possessing a moderate level of slow rusting. High correlations were observed between different parameters of slow rusting. Among the slow rusting lines 231545‐1, H04‐2 and 222495‐1 had high yields and kernel weight in both seasons. The slow rusting lines identified from this study can be used to breed for stem rust resistance in wheat.     

Genome Wide Association Study of Seedling and Adult Plant Leaf Rust Resistance in Elite Spring Wheat Breeding Lines

Leaf rust is an important disease, threatening wheat production annually. Identification of resistance genes or QTLs for effective field resistance could greatly enhance our ability to breed durably resistant varieties. We applied a genome wide association study (GWAS) approach to identify resistance genes or QTLs in 338 spring wheat breeding lines from public and private sectors that were predominately developed in the Americas. A total of 46 QTLs were identified for field and seedling traits and approximately 20–30 confer field resistance in varying degrees. The 10 QTLs accounting for the most variation in field resistance explained 26–30% of the total variation (depending on traits: percent severity, coefficient of infection or response type). Similarly, the 10 QTLs accounting for most of the variation in seedling resistance to different races explained 24–34% of the variation, after correcting for population structure. Two potentially novel QTLs (QLr.umn-1AL, QLr.umn-4AS) were identified. Identification of novel genes or QTLs and validation of previously identified genes or QTLs for seedling and especially adult plant resistance will enhance understanding of leaf rust resistance and assist breeding for resistant wheat varieties. We also developed computer programs to automate field and seedling rust phenotype data conversions. This is the first GWAS study of leaf rust resistance in elite wheat breeding lines genotyped with high density 90K SNP arrays.     

Comparison of the Wheat Brown and Yellow Rusts for Monocyclic Sporulation and Infection Processes, and their Polycyclic Consequences

Sporulation capacity and infection efficiency of wheat brown and yellow rusts were measured daily in favourable controlled conditions. Monocyclic sporulation capacity for a single lesion of yellow rust was 9 times greater than for an isolated lesion of brown rust, and 40 times greater than for a lesion of brown rust at medium infection density. Infection efficiency fluctuated and reached about 40 % for brown rust but remained under 5% for yellow rust. For both fungi, sporulation capacity and infection efficiency compensated for each other, but their product, the daily multiplication factor, was greater for yellow rust than for brown rust. Progeny/parent ratio was 3 times greater for yellow rust. Effect of daily multiplication factor variations on epidemic progress was simulated using a simple matrix model. Increase in number of lesions was faster in brown rust than in yellow rust because of a latent period shorter by 2 days. Semi-systemic growth of yellow rust fungus reduced, however, the difference between both fungi when sporulating surface was calculated.     

Dr. Heinz rogoll‐70 Jahre

The wheat crop remains vulnerable to all three rust diseases (leaf rust, stem rust and yellow rust) caused by Puccinia spp. according to the prevalence of the pathogen in different wheat-growing areas worldwide. Stripe rust or yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is the most significant rust pathogen which prefers cool, moist areas and highlands. The pathogen is recognised as responsible for huge production losses in wheat. Genetic variation in pathogen makes its control difficult. Therefore, resistance against all the races of the pathogen known as durable or race-non-specific resistance is preferred. The present study was carried out to identify durable resistance against stripe rust in selected wheat cultivars from Pakistan through seedling testing, field evaluation at adult stage, morphological marker studies and marker-assisted selection. Results revealed that 4% of the cultivars were resistant at the seedling stage while the rest were susceptible or intermediate. To confirm their field resistance, the same cultivars were evaluated under field conditions at Cereal Crops Research Institute Pirsabak (located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KP) a hot spot of stripe rust in Pakistan. Observations exhibited that at the adult stage 4% of the cultivars were resistant, 70% intermediate or moderately resistant while the others were highly susceptible. Leaf tip necrosis was observed in 30% of the cultivars. Wheat cultivars showing susceptibility at the seedling stage were highly to moderately resistant at adult stage showing durable resistance. For further validation, morphological markers were also observed in cultivars indicating the presence of Yr18/Lr34 gene. Eleven cultivars (C-518, Mexipak, Kohinoor-83, Faisalabad-83, Zardana-93, Shahkar-95, Moomal-2002, Wattan-94, Pasban-90, Kiran-95, and Haider-2000) were identified, having durable or race non-specific resistance against stripe rust. These cultivars can further be utilised in wheat breeding programmes for deploying durable resistance to attain long lasting control against stripe rust.     

Powdery mildew resistance and Lr34/Yr18 genes for durable resistance to leaf and stripe rust cosegregate at a locus on the short arm of chromosome 7D of wheat

The incorporation of effective and durable disease resistance is an important breeding objective for wheat improvement. The leaf rust resistance gene Lr34 and stripe rust resistance gene Yr18 are effective at the adult plant stage and have provided moderate levels of durable resistance to leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks. and to stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici. These genes have not been separated by recombination and map to chromosome 7DS in wheat. In a population of 110 F₇ lines derived from a Thatcher × Thatcher isogenic line with Lr34/Yr18, field resistance to leaf rust conferred by Lr34 and to stripe rust resistance conferred by Yr18 cosegregated with adult plant resistance to powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis (DC) EO Speer f. sp. tritici. Lr34 and Yr18 were previously shown to be associated with enhanced stem rust resistance and tolerance to barley yellow dwarf virus infection. This chromosomal region in wheat has now been linked with resistance to five different pathogens. The Lr34/Yr18 phenotypes and associated powdery mildew resistance were mapped to a single locus flanked by microsatellite loci Xgwm1220 and Xgwm295 on chromosome 7DS.     

Phytopathological and molecular genetic identification of brown rust resistance genes in common wheat accessions with alien genetic material

Brown rust resistance genes were sought in 23 resistant common wheat accessions with alien genetic material of Aegilops speltoides, Ae. triuncialis, and Triticum kiharae from the Arsenal collection. The genes were identified by common phytopathological tests and PCR analysis with STS markers directed to the known Lr genes. None of the methods identified the resistance genes in two accessions. In the other accessions, the combination of the two methods broadened the spectrum of detectable genes and, in some cases, allowed double verification of the presence of a resistance gene. Most accessions proved to contain several brown rust resistance genes, combining juvenile and adult plant ones. The accessions were found to contain gene combinations that ensured field resistance and immunity under the conditions of the Non-Chernozem region (Lr13 + Lr10 and Lr12 + Lr34). Accessions with alien genetic material contained a unique combination of five or six resistance genes. Since the accessions were rich in brown rust resistance genes, including effective ones, and carried rare combinations of these genes, they were proposed as donors to be universally employed in breeding for immunity in all regions of Russia.     

Identification and Validation of Molecular Markers Associated with Pachymetra Root Rot and Brown Rust Resistance in Sugarcane Using Map- and Association-based Approaches

Marker-assisted selection for traits that are difficult to screen for, such as resistance to many sugarcane diseases, has the potential to facilitate the development of improved cultivars in sugarcane. Pachymetra root rot (PRR) and brown rust resistance ratings were obtained over two years for 192 I1 progeny (progeny produced by two heterozygous, non-inbred parental lines) of a sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) cross between two elite sugarcane clones, Q117 and 74C42. Approximately 1000 single-dose markers, including microsatellite (SSR), amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, were scored across the population and maps containing approximately 400 markers were constructed for each parent. At p ≤ 0.01, two genomic regions, one from the female Q117 map and a different region from the 74C42 male map, plus an unlinked bi-parental simplex marker (single-dose marker present in both parents) were identified as associated with PRR over both years of data collection. These regions explained between 6 and 16% of the phenotypic variation. An additional region was identified in the female map as associated with PRR at p ≤ 0.01 in one year and p ≤ 0.05 in the second year. This region explained between 4 and 8% of the phenotypic variation. For brown rust, two genomic regions, one from the female map and one from the male map, plus an unlinked marker from both maps, were identified as associated with brown rust resistance at p ≤ 0.01 over two years of phenotypic data. Each region explained between 7 and 18% of the phenotypic variation. Several additional regions were identified in both maps as associated with brown rust at p ≤ 0.01 in one year and p ≤ 0.05 in the second year. These regions also explained between 5 and 11% of the phenotypic variation. To validate these markers and determine whether they would be useful in alternative germplasm, markers from each genomic region associated with PRR or brown rust were screened across a set of 154 elite sugarcane clones; PRR and brown rust ratings were available for 131 and 72 of the clones, respectively. For PRR, three of the 6 markers tested remained significantly associated (p ≤ 0.01) with resistance ratings in the elite clone set. For brown rust, only one of the seven markers tested remained significantly associated (p ≤ 0.01) with resistance in the elite clone set, with one other marker associated at p ≤ 0.05. These results suggest that these markers could be broadly effective in selecting for PRR and/or brown rust resistance in sugarcane breeding programs.     

Constructing high-density genetic maps for polyploid sugarcane (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccharum</Emphasis> spp.) and identifying quantitative trait loci controlling brown rust resistance

Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) is an important economic crop for producing edible sugar and bioethanol. Brown rust has long been a major disease impacting sugarcane production worldwide. Resistance resource and markers linked to resistance are valuable tools for disease resistance improvement. An F₁ segregating population derived from a cross between two hybrid sugarcane clones, brown rust-susceptible CP95-1039 and brown rust-resistant CP88-1762, were genotyped using genotyping by sequencing approach and also phenotyped in a replicated field trial. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and presence/absence markers were called with seven different pipelines to maximize reliable marker identification. High-density maps were constructed for both parental clones with a total map length of 4224.4 cM, and a marker density of one marker per 1.7 cM for CP95-1039, and a total map length of 4373.2 cM, and one marker per 2.0 cM for CP88-1762. Among the seven SNP callers, Tassel and Genome Analysis ToolKit performed better than other callers in single-dose SNP detection and contribution to genetic maps. Two major quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling brown rust resistance were identified, which can explain 21 and 30% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. The genetic maps generated here will improve our understanding of sugarcane’s complex genome structure and discovery of underlying sequence variations controlling agronomic traits. The putative QTL controlling brown rust resistance can effectively be utilized in sugarcane breeding programs to expedite the selection process of brown rust resistance after validation.     

QTL identification and microphenotype characterisation of the developmentally regulated yellow rust resistance in the UK wheat cultivar Guardian

Yellow rust (causal agent: Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) resistance in the UK wheat cultivar Guardian is developmentally regulated, resistance increasing as the plant matures. Yellow rust resistance was assessed under field conditions on plants after ear emergence to ensure maximum expression of resistance. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) for yellow rust resistance were identified, being located on chromosomes 1B (QPst.jic-1B), 2D (QPst.jic-2D) and 4B (QPst.jic-4B). The largest resistance effect, QPst.jic-1B located to the same position on the long arm of chromosome 1B as the known durable source of yellow rust resistance, Yr29. Microscopic studies were carried out to determine what effect the resistance in Guardian had on the development of P. striiformis f.sp. tritici. While the adult plant resistance in Guardian did not prevent germinated urediniospores from establishing an effective infection site, the growth of hyphae within flag leaf tissue was significantly inhibited, slowing the development of microcolonies. 3,3-diaminabenzadine (DAB) and trypan blue staining indicated that this inhibition of hyphal growth was not associated with hydrogen peroxide accumulation or extensive plant cell death.     

Inheritance and QTL analysis of durable resistance to stripe and leaf rusts in an Australian cultivar, Triticum aestivum 'Cook'.

An F4-derived F6 recombinant inbred line population (n = 148) of a cross between the durable stripe (yellow) rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis) and leaf (brown) rust (caused by Puccinia triticina) resistant cultivar, Triticum aestivum 'Cook', and susceptible genotype Avocet-YrA was phenotyped at several locations in Canada and Mexico under artificial epidemics of leaf or stripe rusts and genotyped using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and microsatellite markers. Durable adult plant resistance to stripe and leaf rusts in 'Cook' is inherited quantitatively and was based on the additive interaction of linked and (or) pleiotropic slow-rusting genes Lr34 and Yr18 and the temperature-sensitive stripe rust resistance gene, YrCK, with additional genetic factors. Identified QTLs accounted for 18% to 31% of the phenotypic variation in leaf and stripe rust reactions, respectively. In accordance with the high phenotypic associations between leaf and stripe rust resistance, some of the identified QTLs appeared to be linked and (or) pleiotropic for both rusts across tests. Although a QTL was identified on chromosome 7D with significant effects on both rusts at some testing locations, it was not possible to refine the location of Lr34 or Yr18 because of the scarcity of markers in this region. The temperature-sensitive stripe rust resistance response, conditioned by the YrCK gene, significantly contributed to overall resistance to both rusts, indicating that this gene also had pleiotropic effects.     

The Efficacy of Mixtures of Susceptible and Resistant Hosts to Two Wheat Rusts of Different Lesion Size: Controlled Condition Experiments and Computerized Simulations

Controlled-environment experiments and computerized simulations on wheat yellow rust and wheat brown rust epidemics indicated that mixtures of resistant and susceptible hosts controlled parasites with small lesions more effectively than parasites with large lesions. Experiments were conducted on seedlings, during two parasitic cycles. Yellow rust lesions were about 200 times larger than those of brown rust. The measured efficacy of seedling mixtures in reducing disease spread was 22 % for yellow rust and 46 % for brown rust. Computerized simulations suggested that, for a given quantity of inoculum, mixture efficacy was limited for a large-lesion parasite because of fast host-plant saturation.     

Stripe rust analysis of D-genome synthetic wheats (2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) and their molecular diversity

Stripe or yellow rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici is a threat to many of the existing cultivars of Pakistan. Many attempts are being made to evolve new varieties resistant to stripe rust to reduce the losses caused by this disease. For this purpose, novel genes are needed to incorporate into the existing cultivars. These genes are found in the wild progenitors of wheat that are D-genome donors to wheat. As a result of extensive research, wheat synthetic hexaploids have been developed. These synthetics have resistances against biotic as well as abiotic stresses including the yellow rust. A group of such synthetics has been identified which seems resistant to this destructive disease. This group was tested under field conditions to identify resistance against stripe rust. The same population was analysed at molecular level to explore the genetic diversity for rust resistance. Genetic diversity among 34 selected synthetic hexaploid wheats was studied by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. A set of 12 RAPD primers was applied, and the level of polymorphism was found to be 46.67%. The coefficients in the range of 71–100% were detected by genetic similarity matrix based on Nei and Li's index. These coefficients were used for constructing a dendrogram using unweighted pair group of arithmetic means. Synthetic hexaploid line 34 was found to exhibit maximum genetic distances among the 34 selected lines. The same accession also showed excellent phenotypic characters with above average grain weight. These synthetic hexaploids carrying genetic potential for stripe rust resistance and morphological traits should be useful for improvement of existing wheat cultivars.     

Mapping novel sources of leaf rust and stripe rust resistance introgressed from Triticum dicoccoides in cultivated tetraploid wheat background

Wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, the progenitor of modern tetraploid and hexaploid wheats, is an important resource for new variability for disease resistance genes. T. dicoccoides accession pau4656 showed resistance against prevailing leaf rust and stripe rust races in India and was used for developing stable introgression lines (IL) in T. durum cv Bijaga yellow and named as IL pau16068. F₅ Recombinant inbred lines (F₅ RILs) were developed by crossing IL pau16068 with T. durum cultivar PBW114 and RIL population was screened against highly virulent Pt and Pst pathotypes at the seedling and adult plant stages. Inheritance analyses revealed that population segregated for two genes for all stage resistance (ASR) against leaf rust, one ASR gene against stripe rust and three adult plant resistance (APR) genes for stripe rust resistance. For mapping these genes a set of 483 SSR marker was used for bulked segregant analysis. The markers showing diagnostic polymorphism in the resistant and susceptible bulks were amplified on all RILs. Single marker analysis placed all stage leaf rust resistance genes on chromosome 6A and 2A linked to the SSR markers Xwmc256 and Wpaus268, respectively. Likewise one all stage stripe rust resistance gene were mapped on long arm of chromosome 6A linked to markers 6AL-5833645 and 6AL-5824654 and two APR genes mapped on chromosomes 2A and 2B close to the SSR marker Wpaus268 and Xbarc70, respectively. The current study identified valuable leaf rust and stripe rust resistance genes effective against multiple rust races for deployment in the wheat breeding programme.

     

The mechanism and inheritance of adult plant leaf rust resistance in 12 wheat lines.

Twelve lines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were developed that had susceptible infection types to leaf rust (Puccinia recondita Rob. ex Desm. f.sp. tritici) race UN 15 in the seedling stage but were resistant in the adult plant stage in the field. The lines were developed from four crosses, each involving four parents (eight in total) that had originally been selected for adult plant or field resistance to stem rust (Puccinia graminis Pers. f.sp. tritici Eriks, and Henn.). The objectives of the present study were to determine the mechanism of resistance to leaf rust and its inheritance in the 12 lines. The 12 lines were grown in an artificially inoculated field nursery in Saskatoon, coefficients of infection (CI) were determined at four dates, and the areas under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) were calculated. Four representative lines were grown in a growth chamber to measure the latent period and pustule size at the two-leaf and flag-leaf stages. Eight lines were crossed and backcrossed to a susceptible check and the parents, F1, F2, F3, and BC1F2 generations were grown in a field nursery. The 12 lines showed wide ranges in CI and AUDPC but all were significantly more resistant than the susceptible check. The four lines studied in the growth chamber had longer latent periods and smaller pustules than the susceptible check at both stages. The differences tended to be greater at the flag-leaf stage. The inheritance studied showed that resistance was recessive or partially recessive and was controlled by two or more genes in each line of the eight lines. In three of the eight lines, Lr34 may be one of the genes and in the other five both Lr13 and Lr34 could be present. However, additional genes are clearly involved. A single gene by itself had only a small effect, but in two and three gene combinations the effects appeared to be greater. This type of resistance appears to occur frequently and may be durable because its complex inheritance may make it more difficult for the rust fungus to overcome. It should be used in breeding wheat for areas where leaf rust is a major problem.