Pathotypic and molecular evolution of contemporary population of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in Egypt during 2016–2018

The contemporary races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) in Egypt during 2016–2018 were differentiated based on virulence and molecular patterns. Virulence patterns based on the reaction of the 17 World/European differential sets carrying stripe rust resistance genes (Yr genes) resulted in ten races including four new (first recorded in Egypt) and six old (previously recorded in Egypt). The new races were identified as 64E0 (virulence [V] Yr4, Su), 0E16 (V Yr8, 19), 66E0 (V Yr4, 7, 22, 23, Su) and 4E130 (V Yr2, 6, 7, 25, HVII), while the old were 0E0 (avirulence), 2E0 (V Yr7, 22, 23), 2E16 (V Yr7, 8, 19, 22, 23), 4E0 (V Yr2, 6), 6E4 (V Yr2, 6, 7, 22, 23, 25) and 70E4 (V Yr2, 4, 6, 7, 22, 23, 25, Su). Cluster analysis differentiated Pst races based on virulence frequency to Yr genes. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to detect the molecular polymorphism of the Pst races. Clustering separated the old and new races into two groups, indicating their common ancestry since the new races were very distinct from the old races. Although clustering based on virulence revealed some evolutionary patterns, where the new races 64E0 and 66E0 may have probably evolved from the old races (2E16, 2E0, 6E4, 70E4) and the new race 4E130 may be evolved from the joint race 4E0. However, clustering based on molecular patterns indicated that the new races appear to be genetically distinct and may represent an exotic introduction rather than a mutation in isolates of the old races. A weak association between virulence and molecular patterns revealed that they are independent of each other. The SSR markers did not correspond to the virulences in the pathogen. Further studies on the potential virulence genes of the detected Pst virulences are needed.     

Determination of Rust Resistance Gene Complex Lr34/Yr18 in Spring Wheat and its Effect on Components of Partial Resistance

The non‐durable nature of hypersensitive (race‐specific) resistance has stimulated scientists to search for other options such as race‐non‐specific resistance to provide long‐lasting protection against plant diseases. Adult plant resistance gene complex Lr34/Yr18 confers a dual race‐non‐specific type of resistance to wheat against stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) and leaf rust (P. triticina Eriks). This study was conducted to evaluate 59 spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes for the presence of the Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele using STS marker csLV34 and to determine the effect of this gene complex on the components of partial resistance in wheat to leaf/stripe rust. Lr34/Yr18‐linked csLV34 allele was detected only in 12 genotypes, namely Iqbal 2000, NR‐281, NR 354, NR 363, NR 364, NR 366, NR 367, NR 370, NR 376, 4^thEBWYT 509, 4^thEBWYT 510 and 4^thEBWYT 518. Eleven genotypes showing the amplified Lr34/Yr18‐linked allele were further studied for the assessment of the effect of Lr34/Yr18 on components of partial resistance along with nine genotypes lacking this gene complex. Both stripe and leaf rusts were studied separately. The components of partial resistance including latency period (LP) and infection frequency (IF) were studied on primary leaf (seedling stage), fourth leaf and fully expanded young flag leaf (adult plant stage). Both the stripe and leaf rust fungi showed a prolonged LP and reduced IF on genotypes carrying Lr34/Yr18 gene complex. Generally, a longer LP was associated with a reduced IF at all growth stages. Although significant effect of Lr34/Yr18 gene complex on LP and IF was observed almost at all three growth stages, the effect was more pronounced at flag leaf. This suggested that Lr34/Yr18 gene complex is more effective at later stages of plant growth.     

3个小麦条锈菌鉴别寄主的抗性遗传分析

根据对鉴别寄主的毒性谱,选用小麦条锈病菌生理小种2E16单孢菌系为接种病菌,鉴定了小麦务锈病菌鉴别寄主Chinese166、HeinesⅦ和Vilmorin23的抗性基因构成及其遗传特征。通过对3个鉴别寄主与感病品种铭贤169杂交,分别在苗期鉴定了亲代、F1、F2、BC1及正反交后代对小种2E16的抗性反应。结果表明：供试品种Chinese166对生理小种2E16的抗性由二对显性基因,即显性基因Yr1和另一对显性基因独立或重叠控制;HeinesⅦ对生理小种2E16的抗性由一对显性基因Yr2和一对隐性基因控制;Vilmorin23对生理小种2E16的抗性则由显性基因Yr3和一对隐性基因控制。     

Supplemental risk evaluations of Puccinia jaceae var. solstitialis for biological control of yellow starthistle

Additional tests of native North American Cirsium species, Saussurea americana, and modern safflower cultivars (Carthamus tinctorius) were requested by regulators and specific interest groups during the risk assessment of foreign isolates of Puccinia jaceae var. solstitialis for biological control of yellow starthistle (YST, Centaurea solstitialis) in the United States. These tests supplement an earlier, extensive host range determination that established P. jaceae from YST as generally host specific and potentially useful for biological control. The additional research was in response to potential hazards identified in an earlier study, changes in safflower cultivars, and concern that P. jaceae might cause a safflower seedling disease similar to hypocotyl infections from infestation by Puccinia carthami teliospores. S. americana, a close relative of yellow starthistle, had not been tested previously. All tests were conducted in a containment greenhouse. Foliage of 19 Cirsium species, 11 safflower cultivars, and S. americana was inoculated with urediniospores and subjected to a 16-h dew period at 18–20 °C. Neither the Cirsium species nor S. americana became infected after foliar inoculations. Compared to foliar infections by P. carthami from safflower in California, only minor infections developed from inoculations with P. jaceae. These were similar to infections observed in earlier studies, and it was not possible to maintain P. jaceae under optimal greenhouse conditions on safflower foliage. Quantitative teliospore inoculations with P. jaceae did not cause infection on safflower hypocotyls, even though large cankers occurred on plants inoculated with P. carthami teliospores. Clear microscopic evidence of infection also was observed in hypocotyls inoculated with P. carthami. These data suggest that native (including rare, threatened, or endangered) Cirsium spp., modern safflower cultivars, and S. americana are not likely to be adversely affected by the use of P. jaceae for biological control of YST. Results from these studies substantiate previous findings and were incorporated in a proposal for permission to use P. jaceae for YST control in California.     

Life cycle and life strategy features of Puccinia glechomatis (Uredinales) favorable for extending the natural range of distribution

The objective of this study was to find features in microcyclic rust fungi (Uredinales) on wild host plants favorable for extension of the natural range of distribution. Puccinia glechomatis, a leptosporic rust fungus and its herbal host Glechoma hederacea (Lamiaceae), both natives to Eurasia and introduced in North America, were used for this study. Although the host has been known from North America since the beginning of the nineteenth century, the rust fungus was first observed there only in recent years. Favorable features were identified by studying the life cycle of the rust, including nuclear conditions and seasonal characteristics as well as its spread in North America. The life cycle was studied macroscopically by inoculation experiments, by various light microscope techniques, and by scanning electron microscopy. The spread of the pathogen and its host were reconstructed by evaluating host plant herbarium specimens and databases, literature, and field study data. The studies on P. glechomatis show that, generally for microcyclic rust fungi, establishment and potential for spread are based on several favorable features of both the host (e.g., synanthropic occurence and dispersal, genetic stability, regeneration of vegetative plant parts) and the rust fungus (asexual reproduction/genetic stability, homothallism, propagation with host plant, formation of both leptospores and thick-walled teliospores).     

Performance of transgenic spring wheat plants and effects on non-target organisms under glasshouse and semi-field conditions

Abstract:  A convertible glasshouse was established to study annual transgenic plants under near-field environmental conditions while simultaneously ensuring a high level of biological containment. This system can provide a useful step in the assessment of transgenic plants prior to open-field experiments. Two transgenic wheat lines (cv. Bobwhite) were investigated and compared with their corresponding non-transformed wildtypes with respect to plant performance, expression of the transgenic trait and interactions with antagonists. The first line expressed snowdrop lectin [ Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)] for enhanced resistance to aphids, and the second one overexpressed the endogenous Lr10 gene to enhance resistance to leaf rust. Interestingly, 1000-kernel weight of Lr10 -transgenic plants was significantly reduced, indicating that the overexpression of the Lr10 gene caused a significant fitness cost for the plant. GNA-transgenic plants expressed the lectin at levels too low to affect the target aphids. A detached leaf bioassay with Lr10 -transgenic plants revealed an increased resistance to leaf rust. No differences in the performance of aphids or cereal leaf beetles on transgenic and non-transformed plants were recorded in the convertible glasshouse and in complementary glasshouse studies. Similarly, infection levels with powdery mildew did not differ between transgenic and non-transformed plants but Bobwhite plants were significantly more infected when compared with conventional Swiss spring wheat cultivars. Overall, the assessment revealed that for the plants investigated here, their genetic background had a stronger impact on the performance of a plant and its interactions with insect herbivores and pathogens than the expression of the transgene.     

Differentiating the effects of origin and frequency in reciprocal transplant experiments used to test negative frequency-dependent selection hypotheses

Reciprocal transplant experiments have been used to estimate the probability that negative frequency-dependent selection by natural enemies has occurred in host populations by determining whether pest populations are less adapted to “foreign” (rare) hosts, which originate from a population with which the pests have not coevolved. However, these experiments usually confound the effects of frequency and origin: the rare genotypes are also genotypes that did not originate at a site. When clonal organisms are used, and the clones occur in more than one population, it is possible to separate the effects of origin and frequency. Here I present the results of an experiment in which Arabis clones of known frequency were reciprocally transplanted among sites. Contrary to expectations, clones at their site of origin had less disease, less herbivory, and higher fitness than foreign clones. However, variation within and among sites in herbivory and infection was large, suggesting that the number of sites and clones needed to thoroughly test the hypothesis of negative frequency-dependent selection in this system is very large: thus, these results are suggestive but not conclusive. Received: 20 October 1997 / Accepted: 8 February 1998     

Inheritance of resistance to southern corn rust in tropical-by-corn-belt maize populations

 The inheritance of resistance to southern rust (caused by Puccinia polysora Underw.) was investigated in two F_2:3 populations derived from crossing two temperate-adapted, 100% tropical maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines (1416-1 and 1497-2) to a susceptible Corn Belt Dent hybrid, B73Ht×Mo17Ht. The inbred lines possess high levels of resistance to southern rust and may be unique sources of resistance genes. Heritability for resistance was estimated as 30% and 50% in the two populations from regression of F_2:3 family mean scores on F₂ parent scores, and as 65% and 75% from variances among F_2:3 families on a single-plot basis. RFLP loci on three chromosomal regions previously known to possess genes for resistance to either southern rust or common rust (P. sorghi Schw.) were used to localize genes affecting resistance to southern rust in selected genotypes of both populations, and to estimate their genetic effects. A single locus on 10S, bnl3.04, was associated with 82–83% of the variation among field resistance scores of selected F_2:3 families in the two populations. Loci on chromosomes 3 (umc26) and 4 (umc31) were significantly associated with resistance in the 1497-2 population, each accounting for 13–15% of the phenotypic variation for F_2:3 field scores. Multiple-marker locus models, including loci from chromosomes 3, 4, and 10 and their epistatic interactions, accounted for 96–99% of the variation in F_2:3 field scores. Similar results were obtained for resistance measured by counting pustules on juvenile plants in the greenhouse. An attempt was made to determine if the major gene for resistance from 1416-1 was allelic to Rpp9, which is also located on 10S. Testcross families from the cross (1416-1×B37Rpp9)×B14AHt were evaluated for resistance to southern rust in Mexico. Neither source of resistance was completely effective in this environment, preventing determination of allelism of the two genes; however, both sources of resistance had better partial resistance to southern rust than did B14AHt. Received: 6 May 1997/Accepted: 19 September 1997     

Atmospheric teleconnection patterns associated with wheat stripe rust disease in North China

 Previous work has shown that long-term (>40 years) time series of wheat stripe rust disease from North China contain a signal related to the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). However, no cause-and-effect relationships or direct links between SOI and disease have been established. Because mid-latitude teleconnection patterns form important links between global atmospheric variations and regional weather anomalies, such as the Southern Oscillation, studies of such patterns could result in a better physical and biological interpretation for the SOI-disease association observed previously. We used cross-spectral analyses to determine if and on which time scales severity of stripe rust in five regions of North China between 1952 and 1990 was associated with fluctuations in four Northern Hemisphere teleconnection patterns. These included the Pacific/North American, the Western Atlantic, the Western Pacific, and the Eurasian patterns. The analysis showed consistent and significant (P≤0.10) coherence relationships between the Western Atlantic (WA) pattern and stripe rust severity at a periodicity of 3.00 years. The phase relationships showed that, at the 3.00-year periodicity, the WA series and the disease series were out of phase by about half a period in all five regions. This phase difference indicated that peaks in the WA series, which are associated with below-normal winter temperatures over much of China, coincided with troughs in the disease series (i.e. low disease severity), presumably because of the negative effect of low winter temperatures on survival of the stripe rust pathogen. The analysis further showed that the WA series and the SOI series were highly significantly (P≤0.01) coherent at a periodicity of 4.33 years, which could explain the association between SOI and stripe rust severity reported previously. Received: 12 February 1997 / Accepted: 18 May 1998