A major QTL conferring crown rot resistance in barley and its association with plant height

Development and Characterization of a New TILLING Population for Forward and Reverse Genetics in Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Mutagenesis is an important tool in crop improvement and free of the regulatory restrictions imposed on genetically modified organisms. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a diploid species with a genome smaller than those of other members of the Triticeae crops, making it an attractive model for genetic studies in Triticeae crops. In this study, we report an ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized population in the Chinese barley landrace TX9425, which is tolerant to both abiotic and biotic stress. A TILLING (Targeting Induced Locus Lesion in Genomes) population consisting of 2000 M2 lines was also constructed based on the CEL I enzyme with subsequent polyacrylamide electrophoresis, which decreased the cost and labor investment. The mutant phenotypes of the M2 and M3 generations were scored and revealed the presence of a wide spectrum of morphological diversity. The population was evaluated by screening for induced mutations in five genes of interest. A detailed analysis was performed for the HvGLR3.5 gene and three mutations were identified by screening in 2000 M2 lines. Two of three mutations displayed tuft and yellow striped leaves compared to the wild type. Altogether, our study shows the efficiency of screening and the great potential of the new TILLING population for genetic studies in the barley crop model system.

Velvet Family Protein FpVelB Affects Virulence in Association with Secondary Metabolism in Fusarium pseudograminearum

Fusarium pseudograminearum causes destructive crown disease in wheat. The velvet protein family is a crucial regulator in development, virulence, and secondary metabolism of fungi. We conducted a functional analysis of FpVelB using a gene replacement strategy. The deletion of FpVelB decreased radial growth and enhanced conidial production compared to that of wild type. Furthermore, FpVelB modulates the fungal responses to abiotic stress through diverse mechanisms. Significantly, virulence decreased after the deletion of FpVelB in both the stem base and head of wheat. Genome-wide gene expression profiling revealed that the regulation of genes by FpVelB is associated with several processes related to the aforementioned phenotype, including "immune", "membrane", and "antioxidant activity", particularly with regard to secondary metabolites. Most importantly, we demonstrated that FpVelB regulates pathogen virulence by influencing deoxynivalenol production and modulating the expression of the PKS11 gene. In conclusion, FpVelB is crucial for plant growth, asexual development, and abiotic stress response and is essential for full virulence via secondary metabolism in F. pseudograminearum.

A novel QTL conferring Fusarium crown rot resistance on chromosome 2A in a wheat EMS mutant

KEY MESSAGE

A novel QTL on chromosome 2A for Fusarium crown rot resistance was identified and validated in wheat. Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a fungal disease that causes significant yield losses in many cereal growing regions in the world. In this study, genetic analysis was conducted for a wheat EMS mutant C549 which showed stable resistance to FCR at seedling stage. A total of 10 QTL were detected on chromosomes 1A, 2A, 3B, 4A, 6B, and 7B using a population of 138 F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between C549 and a Chinese germplasm 3642. A novel locus Qfcr.cau-2A, which accounted for up to 24.42% of the phenotypic variation with a LOD value of 12.78, was consistently detected across all six trials conducted. Furthermore, possible effects of heading date (HD) and plant height on FCR severity were also investigated in the mapping population. While plant height had no effects on FCR resistance, a weak and negative association between FCR resistance and HD was observed. A QTL for HD (Qhd.cau-2A.2) was coincident with Qfcr.cau-2A. Conditional QTL mapping indicated that although Qfcr.cau-2A and Qhd.cau-2A.2 had significant interactions, Qfcr.cau-2A remained significant after the effects of HD was removed. It is unlikely that genes underlying these two loci are same. Nevertheless, the stable expression of Qfcr.cau-2A in the validation population of 148 F7 RILs developed between C549 and its wild parent Chuannong 16 demonstrated the potential value of this locus in FCR resistance breeding programs.

Dissecting the genetic basis of Fusarium crown rot resistance in wheat by genome wide association study

KEY MESSAGE

A locus conferring Fusarium crown rot resistance was identified on chromosome arm 3DL through genome wide association study and further validated in two recombinant inbred lines populations. Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a severe soil borne disease in many wheat growing regions of the world. In this study, we attempted to detect loci conferring FCR resistance through a new seedling inoculation assay. A total of 223 wheat accessions from different geography origins were used to assemble an association panel for GWAS analysis. Four genotypes including Heng 4332, Luwanmai, Pingan 998 and Yannong 24 showed stable resistance to FCR. A total of 54 SNPs associated with FCR resistance were identified. Among the 10 putative QTLs represented by these SNPs, seven QTLs on chromosome 2B, 3A, 3D, 4A, 7A and 7B were novel and were consistently detected in at least two of the three trials conducted. Qfcr.cau.3D-3, which was targeted by 38 SNPs clustered within a genomic region of approximately 5.57 Mb (609.12-614.69 Mb) on chromosome arm 3DL, was consistently detected in all the three trials. The effects of Qfcr.cau.3D-3 were further validated in two recombinant inbred line populations. The presence of this locus reduced FCR severity up to 21.55%. Interestingly, the collinear positions of sequences containing the four SNPs associated with two FCR loci (Qfcr.cau.3A and Qfcr.cau.3B) were within the regions of Qfcr.cau.3D-3, suggesting that genes underlying these three loci may be homologous. Our results provide useful information for improving FCR resistance in wheat.

Resistant or Susceptible? How Central European Oat (A. sativa L.) Cultivars React to B. graminis f. sp. avenae Infection

In accordance with the postulates of integrated plant protection, the use of cultivars with genetically determined resistance is one of the main strategies for preventing losses caused by fungal pathogens. The development of breeding programs aimed at increasing resistance to pathogens should be preceded by a characterization of the resistance of cultivars grown in a given area. This allows us to determine the number of genes used in breeding and their effectiveness. It also allows us to estimate the pressure that the pathogen may exert on varieties with specific resistance genes. The presented work aimed to determine the level of resistance of oat varieties currently cultivated in Central Europe and the number of effective powdery mildew resistance genes currently used in oat breeding programs. The research showed that out of 46 varieties, only 5 were resistant to powdery mildew. Analysis of the infection profiles allowed us to postulate the presence of the Pm7 gene in four of them. In the Merlin variety from the Czech Republic, it was not possible to determine which of the previously described genes determines resistance to powdery mildew. Due to the observed climate changes and the rapid adaptation of pathogens to new environmental conditions, it is crucial to introduce a wider pool of genes that determine the pathogen resistance of cultivars.

Fine mapping of a Fusarium crown rot resistant locus on chromosome arm 6HL in barley by exploiting near isogenic lines, transcriptome profiling, and a large near isogenic line-derived population

KEY MESSAGE

This study reported validation and fine mapping of a Fusarium crown rot resistant locus on chromosome arm 6HL in barley using near isogenic lines, transcriptome sequences, and a large near isogenic line-derived population. Fusarium crown rot (FCR), caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a chronic and serious disease affecting cereal production in semi-arid regions globally. The increasing prevalence of this disease in recent years is attributed to the widespread adoption of minimum tillage and stubble retention practices. In the study reported here, we generated eight pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) targeting a putative QTL (Qcrs.caf-6H) conferring FCR resistance in barley. Assessing the NILs confirmed the large effect of this locus. Aimed to develop markers that can be reliably used in incorporating this resistant allele into breeding programs and identify candidate genes, transcriptomic analyses were conducted against three of the NIL pairs and a large NIL-derived population consisting of 1085 F7 recombinant inbred lines generated. By analyzing the transcriptomic data and the fine mapping population, Qcrs.caf-6H was delineated into an interval of 0.9 cM covering a physical distance of ~ 547 kb. Six markers co-segregating with this locus were developed. Based on differential gene expression and SNP variations between the two isolines among the three NIL pairs, candidate genes underlying the resistance at this locus were detected. These results would improve the efficiency of incorporating the targeted locus into barley breeding programs and facilitate the cloning of causal gene(s) responsible for the resistance.

The global regulator FpLaeB is required for the regulation of growth, development, and virulence in Fusarium pseudograminearum

Fusarium pseudograminearum is a soil-borne pathogen that is capable of causing a highly destructive crown disease in wheat. Secondary metabolites (SMs), especially deoxynivalenol (DON), are the primary virulence factors during infection. Here, we characterised the global regulator FpLaeB, an orthologue of LaeB protein function, to regulate the SM in Aspergillus nidulans. Through the utility of the gene targeting approach, we found that the vegetative growth of the FpLaeB deletion mutant was drastically reduced compared to that of the wild type. FpLaeB was also important for conidiation because the FpLaeB deletion mutant formed fewer conidia in induced medium. In addition, the sensitivity of the FpLaeB deletion mutant to the cell wall integrity inhibitor was decreased, while its growth was more severely inhibited by the cell membrane inhibitor sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) than that of the wild type. More importantly, the virulence was decreased when the FpLaeB deletion mutant was inoculated onto the wheat stem base or head. Through genome-wide gene expression profiling, FpLaeB was found to regulate several processes related to the above phenotypes such as the carbohydrate metabolic process, which is an integral and intrinsic component of membranes, especially SMs. Furthermore, the generation of DON was impaired in the FpLaeB deletion mutant via ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) assay. These results showed that FpLaeB plays an important role in the growth, development, and maintenance of the cell wall, and in membrane integrity. More importantly, FpLaeB is required for SMs and full virulence in F. pseudograminearum.

Mega Meta-QTLs: A Strategy for the Production of Golden Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Tolerant to Abiotic Stresses

Abiotic stresses cause a significant decrease in productivity and growth in agricultural products, especially barley. Breeding has been considered to create resistance against abiotic stresses. Pyramiding genes for tolerance to abiotic stresses through selection based on molecular markers connected to Mega MQTLs of abiotic tolerance can be one of the ways to reach Golden Barley. In this study, 1162 original QTLs controlling 116 traits tolerant to abiotic stresses were gathered from previous research and mapped from various populations. A consensus genetic map was made, including AFLP, SSR, RFLP, RAPD, SAP, DArT, EST, CAPS, STS, RGA, IFLP, and SNP markers based on two genetic linkage maps and 26 individual linkage maps. Individual genetic maps were created by integrating individual QTL studies into the pre-consensus map. The consensus map covered a total length of 2124.43 cM with an average distance of 0.25 cM between markers. In this study, 585 QTLs and 191 effective genes related to tolerance to abiotic stresses were identified in MQTLs. The most overlapping QTLs related to tolerance to abiotic stresses were observed in MQTL6.3. Furthermore, three MegaMQTL were identified, which explained more than 30% of the phenotypic variation. MQTLs, candidate genes, and linked molecular markers identified are essential in barley breeding and breeding programs to develop produce cultivars resistant to abiotic stresses.

Is Every Wild Species a Rich Source of Disease Resistance? Avena fatua L.-Potential Donor of Resistance to Powdery Mildew

Identifying effective sources of disease resistance is an important aspect of an effective plant protection strategy. Wild species related to cultivars constitute a rich reservoir of resistance genes. Studies conducted in oat have shown that wild species are donors of resistance genes to crown and stem rust, powdery mildew or fusarium head blight. The aim of the present study was to prove whether A. fatua could be a source of effective resistance genes to powdery mildew. This species is widespread all over the world due to its very good adaptability and can be regarded as a potential source of resistance to fungal diseases, including powdery mildew. The conducted research has shown that A. fatua is a species with a low level of resistance to powdery mildew when compared to other wild species of the genus Avena L. A total of 251 accessions were evaluated, and only 23 were identified as resistant to the individual isolates used in the host-pathogen tests. It follows that resistance to powdery mildew is not common among wild Avena species, and its good environmental adaptation is not associated to resistance to powdery mildew.

Detection of a major QTL conditioning trichome length and density on chromosome arm 4BL and development of near isogenic lines targeting this locus in bread wheat

Trichomes are differentiated epidermal cells and can be found on above ground organs of nearly all land plants. Results from previous studies show that trichomes play important roles against a wide range of both biotic and abiotic stresses. By examining differences between parental genotypes of available populations, we identified a population of recombinant inbred lines showing clear segregation for trichome density and length. Assessing the F8 lines of the population growing in the field detected a major locus on chromosome arm 4BL. This locus was detected based the assessments of either fully expanded third leaves or flag leaves after anthesis. Based on the position of the QTL, an SSR marker was used to identify heterozygous plants at this locus from F5 lines derived from the same cross for the F8 population. Three pairs of near isogenic lines targeting this locus were obtained from these heterozygous plants. Difference in trichome length between the two lines with opposite alleles for each of these NIL pairs were similar to that between the two parental genotypes for the mapping populations, confirming that this single locus is mainly responsible for the trichome characteristics measured in this study. The allele with long and dense trichome is dominant as this characteristic was shown by the heterozygous individuals at this marker locus. Apart from the targeted locus, NIL pairs have highly homogeneous genetic backgrounds. Thus, the NILs could be invaluable in understanding the relationship between trichome density and resistance or tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-021-01201-8.

Identification of a novel genomic region associated with resistance to Fusarium crown rot in wheat

Genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 358 Chinese wheat germplasms and validation in a biparental population identified a novel significant genomic region on 5DL for FCR resistance. Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a chronic and severe disease in many dryland wheat-producing areas worldwide. In the last few years, the incidence and severity of FCR progressively increased in China, and the disease has currently become a new threat to local wheat crops. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on a set of 358 Chinese germplasms with the wheat 55 K SNP array. A total of 104 SNPs on chromosomes 1BS, 1DS, 2AL, 5AL, 5DS, 5DL, 6BS and 7BL were significantly associated with seedling resistance to FCR in the association panel. Of these SNPs, a novel 13.78 Mb region targeted by five SNPs on chromosome arm 5DL was continually detected in all three trials. The effects of this region on FCR resistance was confirmed in biparental population. qRT-PCR showed that within this 5DL region, several genes encoding TIR-NBS-LRR proteins and proteins related to mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) detoxification increased rapidly in the disease-resistant variety 04 Zhong 36 than the susceptible variety Xinmai 26 after inoculation. Our study provides new insights into gene discovery and creation of new cultivars with desirable alleles for improving FCR resistance in wheat.

A Novel QTL Conferring Fusarium Crown Rot Resistance Located on Chromosome Arm 6HL in Barley

Fusarium crown rot (FCR), caused primarily by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a devastating disease for cereal production in semi-arid regions worldwide. To identify and characterize loci conferring FCR resistance, we assessed a landrace AWCS799 which is among the best lines identified from a systematic screening of more than 1,000 genotypes. Genetic control of its resistance was investigated by generating and analyzing two populations of recombinant inbred lines with AWCS799 as the common parent. One of the populations was used for QTL detection and the other for validation. A novel QTL, located on the long arm of chromosome 6H (designated as Qcrs.caf-6H), was consistently detected in each of the four FCR severity tests conducted against the mapping population. The QTL explained up to 28.3% of the phenotypic variance, and its effect was confirmed in the validation population. Significant interaction between this resistance locus and either plant height or heading date was not detected, further facilitating its manipulation in breeding programs.

Validation and delineation of a locus conferring Fusarium crown rot resistance on 1HL in barley by analysing transcriptomes from multiple pairs of near isogenic lines

BACKGROUND

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a chronic and severe disease in cereal production in semi-arid regions worldwide. A putative quantitative trait locus conferring FCR resistance, Qcrs.cpi-1H, had previously been mapped on the long arm of chromosome 1H in barley.

RESULTS

In this study, five pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs) targeting the 1HL locus were developed. Analysing the NILs found that the resistant allele at Qcrs.cpi-1H significantly reduced FCR severity. Transcriptomic analysis was then conducted against three of the NIL pairs, which placed the Qcrs.cpi-1H locus in an interval spanning about 11 Mbp. A total of 56 expressed genes bearing single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected in this interval. Five of them contain non-synonymous SNPs. These results would facilitate detailed mapping as well as cloning gene(s) underlying the resistance locus.

CONCLUSION

NILs developed in this study and the transcriptomic sequences obtained from them did not only allow the validation of the resistance locus Qcrs.cpi-1H and the identification of candidate genes underlying its resistance, they also allowed the delineation of the resistance locus and the development of SNPs markers which formed a solid base for detailed mapping as well as cloning gene(s) underlying the locus.

Development of tightly linked markers and identification of candidate genes for Fusarium crown rot resistance in barley by exploiting a near-isogenic line-derived population

This study demonstrates the feasibility of developing co-segregating markers and identifying candidate genes for Fusarium crown rot resistance in barley based on the generation and exploitation of a near-isogenic line-derived large population. Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a chronic and severe disease in cereals in semi-arid regions worldwide. Previous studies showed that FCR assessment could be affected by many factors including plant height, growth rate as well as drought stress. Thus, accurate assessment, which is essential for detailed mapping of any locus conferring FCR resistance, is difficult. Targeting one of the resistance loci reported earlier, we developed a near-isogenic line-derived population consisting of 1820 F9 lines. By analysing this population, the Qcrs.cpi-4H locus was mapped to an interval of 0.09 cM covering a physical distance of about 637 kb and 13 markers co-segregating with the targeted locus were developed. Candidate genes underlying the resistance locus were identified by analysing the expression and sequence variation of genes in the targeted interval. The accurate localization and the development of co-segregating markers should facilitate the incorporation of this large-effect QTL into breeding programmes as well as the cloning of gene(s) underlying the locus.

Fusarium crown rot caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum in cereal crops: recent progress and future prospects

Diseases caused by Fusarium pathogens inflict major yield and quality losses on many economically important plant species worldwide, including cereals. Fusarium crown rot (FCR), caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, is a cereal disease that occurs in many arid and semi-arid cropping regions of the world. In recent years, this disease has become more prevalent, in part as a result of the adoption of moisture-preserving cultural practices, such as minimum tillage and stubble retention. In this pathogen profile, we present a brief overview of recent research efforts that have not only advanced our understanding of the interactions between F. pseudograminearum and cereal hosts, but have also provided new disease management options. For instance, significant progress has been made in the genetic characterization of pathogen populations, the development of new tools for disease prediction, and the identification and pyramiding of loci that confer quantitative resistance to FCR in wheat and barley. In addition, transcriptome analyses have revealed new insights into the processes involved in host defence. Significant progress has also been made in understanding the mechanistic details of the F. pseudograminearum infection process. The sequencing and comparative analyses of the F. pseudograminearum genome have revealed novel virulence factors, possibly acquired through horizontal gene transfer. In addition, a conserved pathogen gene cluster involved in the degradation of wheat defence compounds has been identified, and a role for the trichothecene toxin deoxynivalenol (DON) in pathogen virulence has been reported. Overall, a better understanding of cereal host-F. pseudograminearum interactions will lead to the development of new control options for this increasingly important disease problem. Taxonomy: Fusarium pseudograminearum O'Donnell & Aoki; Kingdom Fungi; Phylum Ascomycota; Subphylum Pezizomycotina; Class Sordariomycetes; Subclass Hypocreomycetidae; Order Hypocreales; Family Nectriaceae; Genus Fusarium. Disease symptoms: Fusarium crown rot caused by F. pseudograminearum is also known as crown rot, foot rot and root rot. Infected seedlings can die before or after emergence. If infected seedlings survive, typical disease symptoms are browning of the coleoptile, subcrown internode, lower leaf sheaths and adjacent stems and nodal tissues; this browning can become evident within a few weeks after planting or throughout plant development. Infected plants may develop white heads with no or shrivelled grains. Disease symptoms are exacerbated under water limitation. Identification and detection: Fusarium pseudograminearum macroconidia usually contain three to five septa (22-60.5 × 2.5-5.5 μm). On potato dextrose agar (PDA), aerial mycelia appear floccose and reddish white, with red or reddish-brown reverse pigmentation. Diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests based on the amplification of the gene encoding translation elongation factor-1a (TEF-1a) have been developed for molecular identification. Host range: All major winter cereals can be colonized by F. pseudograminearum. However, the main impact of this pathogen is on bread (Triticum aestivum L.) and durum (Triticum turgidum L. spp. durum (Dest.)) wheat and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Oats (Avena sativa L.) can be infected, but show little or no disease symptoms. In addition, the pathogen has been isolated from various other grass genera, such as Phalaris, Agropyron and Bromus, which may occur as common weeds. Useful websites: https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/; http://plantpath.psu.edu/facilities/fusarium-research-center; https://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/; http://www.speciesfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp.

A multiple near isogenic line (multi-NIL) RNA-seq approach to identify candidate genes underpinning QTL

This study demonstrates how identification of genes underpinning disease-resistance QTL based on differential expression and SNPs can be improved by performing transcriptomic analysis on multiple near isogenic lines. Transcriptomic analysis has been widely used to understand the genetic basis of a trait of interest by comparing genotypes with contrasting phenotypes. However, these approaches identify such large sets of differentially expressed genes that it proves difficult to isolate which genes underpin the phenotype of interest. This study tests whether using multiple near isogenic lines (NILs) can improve the resolution of RNA-seq-based approaches to identify genes underpinning disease-resistance QTL. A set of NILs for a major effect Fusarium crown rot-resistance QTL in barley on the 4HL chromosome arm were analysed under Fusarium crown rot using RNA-seq. Differential gene expression and single nucleotide polymorphism detection analyses reduced the number of putative candidates from thousands within individual NIL pairs to only one hundred and two genes, which were differentially expressed or contained SNPs in common across NIL pairs and occurred on 4HL. Our findings support the value of performing RNA-seq analysis using multiple NILs to remove genetic background effects. The enrichment analyses indicated conserved differences in the response to infection between resistant and sensitive isolines suggesting that sensitive isolines are impaired in systemic defence response to Fusarium pseudograminearum.

Assessment of Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum Biomass in Seedlings of Potential Host Cereal Species

Fusarium crown rot is a major disease of wheat and barley worldwide, with the most frequently isolated causal agents being Fusarium pseudograminearum and F. culmorum. This study has successfully designed a quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay that is specific for F. culmorum, which has been used in conjunction with a previously established F. pseudograminearum-specific assay to compare the location and extent of infection by each fungus across a range of potential hosts, including six winter and three summer cereal species. All common winter cereals, excluding oat, demonstrated a similar range of visual and fungal biomass results when inoculated with either F. pseudograminearum or F. culmorum. Oat exhibited the lowest visual disease ratings and fungal biomass values of the winter cereals, while the sorghum, maize, and rice cultivars returned the lowest values overall. The ranking of host species according to visual discoloration was strongly correlated for both pathogens. Visual reactions to F. pseudograminearum were greater than those caused by F. culmorum in all potential hosts trialed; however, fungal biomass results only indicated this trend for barley. These results demonstrate significant variation in the ability of these pathogens to colonize the range of cereal species examined and also suggest differences between the pathogens in their patterns of host colonization.

Cell-Based Phenotyping Reveals QTL for Membrane Potential Maintenance Associated with Hypoxia and Salinity Stress Tolerance in Barley

Waterlogging and salinity are two major abiotic stresses that hamper crop production world-wide resulting in multibillion losses. Plant abiotic stress tolerance is conferred by many interrelated mechanisms. Amongst these, the cell's ability to maintain membrane potential (MP) is considered to be amongst the most crucial traits, a positive relationship between the ability of plants to maintain highly negative MP and its tolerance to both salinity and waterlogging stress. However, no attempts have been made to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring this trait. In this study, the microelectrode MIFE technique was used to measure the plasma membrane potential of epidermal root cells of 150 double haploid (DH) lines of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) from a cross between a Chinese landrace TX9425 and Japanese malting cultivar Naso Nijo under hypoxic conditions. A major QTL for the MP in the epidermal root cells in hypoxia-exposed plants was identified. This QTL was located on 2H, at a similar position to the QTL for waterlogging and salinity tolerance reported in previous studies. Further analysis confirmed that MP showed a significant contribution to both waterlogging and salinity tolerance. The fact that the QTL for MP was controlled by a single major QTL illustrates the power of the single-cell phenotyping approach and opens prospects for fine mapping this QTL and thus being more effective in marker assisted selection.

Comparative Analysis of Regions with Distorted Segregation in Three Diploid Populations of Potato

Genes associated with gametic and zygotic selection could underlie segregation distortion, observed as alterations of expected Mendelian genotypic frequencies in mapping populations. We studied highly dense genetic maps based on single nucleotide polymorphisms to elucidate the genetic nature of distorted segregation in potato. Three intra- and interspecific diploid segregating populations were used. DRH and D84 are crosses between the sequenced doubled monoploid DM 1-3 516 R44 Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja and either RH89-039-16 S. tuberosum or 84SD22, a S. tuberosum × S. chacoense hybrid. MSX902 is an interspecific cross between 84SD22 and Ber83 S. berthaultii × 2 × species mosaic. At the 0.05 significance level, 21%, 57%, and 51% of the total markers mapped in DRH, D84, and MSX902 exhibited distorted segregation, respectively. Segregation distortion regions for DRH were located on chromosomes 9 and 12; for D84 on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8; and on chromosomes 1, 2, 7, 9, and 12 for MSX902. In general, each population had unique segregation distortion regions and directions of distortion. Interspecific crosses showed greater levels of distorted segregation and lower recombination rates as determined from the male parents. The different genomic regions where the segregation distortion regions occurred in the three populations likely reflect unique genetic combinations producing distorted segregation.

A High-Density SNP and SSR Consensus Map Reveals Segregation Distortion Regions in Wheat

Segregation distortion is a widespread phenomenon in plant and animal genomes and significantly affects linkage map construction and identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). To study segregation distortion in wheat, a high-density consensus map was constructed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers by merging two genetic maps developed from two recombinant-inbred line (RIL) populations, Ning7840 × Clark and Heyne × Lakin. Chromosome regions with obvious segregation distortion were identified in the map. A total of 3541 SNPs and 145 SSRs were mapped, and the map covered 3258.7 cM in genetic distance with an average interval of 0.88 cM. The number of markers that showed distorted segregation was 490 (18.5%) in the Ning7840 × Clark population and 225 (10.4%) in the Heyne × Lakin population. Most of the distorted markers (630) were mapped in the consensus map, which accounted for 17.1% of mapped markers. The majority of the distorted markers clustered in the segregation distortion regions (SDRs) on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 2B, 3A, 3B, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5D, 6B, 7A, and 7D. All of the markers in a given SDR skewed toward one of the parents, suggesting that gametophytic competition during zygote formation was most likely one of the causes for segregation distortion in the populations.

Mapping a major QTL for malt extract of barley from a cross between TX9425 × Naso Nijo

One major QTL-controlling malt extract was identified on 2H, based on the data from four different environments and a large number of DH lines, determining 48% of phenotypic variation. This QTL is of a high value for marker-assisted selection. Improving malting quality traits is one of the major breeding objectives for barley breeding programmes. Among different quality traits, malt extract is one of the most important, determining the yield of beer production. The use of molecular markers linked to loci affecting the quality traits can greatly improve selection efficiency. However, the discovery of closely linked markers relies on not only the availability of the loci, but the accuracy of phenotyping. In this experiment, 188 doubled-haploid lines derived from the cross between a Japanese malting barley and a Chinese feed barley were grown in four different environments (two sites × 2 years). Different quality traits were determined and used to map QTL for these traits. Several QTLs were identified for different quality traits. One major QTL-controlling malt extract was identified on 2H and determined 48% of phenotypic variation with the closest marker of GBM1121. This QTL was consistently expressed in all four environments and is of a high value for marker-assisted selection in malting barley breeding.

Molecular characterization of barley 3H semi-dwarf genes

The barley chromosome 3H accommodates many semi-dwarfing genes. To characterize these genes, the two-rowed semi-dwarf Chinese barley landrace ‘TX9425’ was crossed with the Australian barley variety ‘Franklin’ to generate a doubled haploid (DH) population, and major QTLs controlling plant height have been identified in our previous study. The major QTL derived from ‘TX9425’ was targeted to investigate the allelism of the semi-dwarf gene uzu in barley. Twelve sets of near-isogenic lines and a large NILF₂ fine mapping population segregating only for the dwarfing gene from ‘TX9425’ were developed. The semi-dwarfing gene in ‘TX9425’ was located within a 2.8 cM region close to the centromere on chromosome 3H by fine mapping. Molecular cloning and sequence analyses showed that the ‘TX9425’-derived allele contained a single nucleotide substitution from A to G at position 2612 of the HvBRI1 gene. This was apparently the same mutation as that reported in six-rowed uzu barley. Markers co-segregating with the QTL were developed from the sequence of the HvBRI1 gene and were validated in the ‘TX9425’/‘Franklin’ DH population. The other major dwarfing QTL derived from the Franklin variety was distally located on chromosome 3HL and co-segregated with the sdw1 diagnostic marker hv20ox2. A third dwarfing gene, expressed only in winter-sown trials, was identified and located on chromosome 3HS. The effects and interactions of these dwarfing genes under different growing conditions are discussed. These results improve our understanding of the genetic mechanisms controlling semi-dwarf stature in barley and provide diagnostic markers for the selection of semi-dwarfness in barley breeding programs.

Using QTL mapping to investigate the relationships between abiotic stress tolerance (drought and salinity) and agronomic and physiological traits

Background

Drought and salinity are two major abiotic stresses that severely limit barley production worldwide. Physiological and genetic complexity of these tolerance traits has significantly slowed the progress of developing stress-tolerant cultivars. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) may potentially overcome this problem. In the current research, seventy two double haploid (DH) lines from a cross between TX9425 (a Chinese landrace variety with superior drought and salinity tolerance) and a sensitive variety, Franklin were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for drought and salinity tolerance, based on a range of developmental and physiological traits.

Results

Two QTL for drought tolerance (leaf wilting under drought stress) and one QTL for salinity tolerance (plant survival under salt stress) were identified from this population. The QTL on 2H for drought tolerance determined 42% of phenotypic variation, based on three independent experiments. This QTL was closely linked with a gene controlling ear emergency. The QTL on 5H for drought tolerance was less affected by agronomic traits and can be effectively used in breeding programs. A candidate gene for this QTL on 5H was identified based on the draft barley genome sequence. The QTL for proline accumulation, under both drought and salinity stresses, were located on different positions to those for drought and salinity tolerance, indicating no relationship with plant tolerance to either of these stresses.

Conclusions

Using QTL mapping, the relationships between QTL for agronomic and physiological traits and plant drought and salinity tolerance were studied. A new QTL for drought tolerance which was not linked to any of the studied traits was identified. This QTL can be effectively used in breeding programs. It was also shown that proline accumulation under stresses was not necessarily linked with drought or salinity tolerance based on methods of phenotyping used in this experiment. The use of proline content in breeding programs can also be limited by the accuracy of phenotyping.

Electronic supplementary material

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QTL conferring fusarium crown rot resistance in the elite bread wheat variety EGA Wylie

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is one of the most damaging cereal diseases in semi-arid regions worldwide. The genetics of FCR resistance in the bread wheat (Triticum eastivum L.) variety EGA Wylie, the most resistant commercial variety available, was studied by QTL mapping. Three populations of recombinant inbred lines were developed with this elite variety as the resistant parent. Four QTL conferring FCR resistance were detected and resistance alleles of all of them were derived from the resistant parent EGA Wylie. One of these loci was located on the short arm of chromosome 5D (designated as Qcrs.cpi-5D). This QTL explains up to 31.1% of the phenotypic variance with an LOD value of 9.6. The second locus was located on the long arm of chromosome 2D (designated as Qcrs.cpi-2D) and explained up to 20.2% of the phenotypic variance with an LOD value of 4.5. Significant effects of both Qcrs.cpi-5D and Qcrs.cpi-2D were detected in each of the three populations assessed. Another two QTL (designated as Qcrs.cpi-4B.1 and Qcrs.cpi-4B.2, respectively) were located on the short arm of chromosome 4B. These two QTL explained up to 16.9% and 18.8% of phenotypic variance, respectively. However, significant effects of Qcrs.cpi-4B.1 and Qcrs.cpi-4B.2 were not detected when the effects of plant height was accounted for by covariance analysis. The elite characteristics of this commercial variety should facilitate the incorporation of the resistance loci it contains into breeding programs.

The non-gibberellic acid-responsive semi-dwarfing gene uzu affects Fusarium crown rot resistance in barley

BACKGROUND

Studies in Arabidopsis show that DELLA genes may differentially affect responses to biotrophic and necrophic pathogens. A recent report based on the study of DELLA-producing reduced height (Rht) genes in wheat and barley also hypothesized that DELLA genes likely increased susceptibility to necrotrophs but increased resistance to biotrophs.

RESULTS

Effects of uzu, a non-GA (gibberellic acid)-responsive semi-dwarfing gene, on Fusarium crown rot (FCR) resistance in barley were investigated. Fifteen pairs of near isogenic lines for this gene were generated and assessed under two different temperature regimes. Similar to its impacts on plant height, the semi-dwarfing gene uzu also showed larger effects on FCR severity in the high temperature regime when compared with that in the low temperature regime.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study add to the growing evidence showing that the effects of plant height on Fusarium resistances are unlikely related to DELLA genes but due to direct or indirect effects of height difference per se. The interaction between these two characteristics highlights the importance of understanding relationships between resistance and other traits of agronomic importance as the value of a resistance gene could be compromised if it dramatically affects plant development and morphology.

Major QTL for Fusarium crown rot resistance in a barley landrace

Fusarium crown rot (FCR) is a serious cereal disease in semi-arid regions worldwide. In assisting the effort of breeding cultivars with enhanced resistance, we identified several barley genotypes with high levels of FCR resistance. One of these genotypes, AWCS079 which is a barley landrace originating from Japan, was investigated by developing and assessing three populations of recombinant inbred lines. Two QTL, one located on the long arm of chromosome 1H (designated as Qcrs.cpi-1H) and the other on 3HL (designated as Qcrs.cpi-3H), were found to be responsible for the FCR resistance of this genotype. Qcrs.cpi-1H is novel as no other FCR loci have been reported on this chromosome arm. Qcrs.cpi-3H co-located with a reduced height (Rht) locus and the effectiveness of the former was significantly affected by the latter. The total phenotypic variance explained by these two QTL was over 60 %. Significant effects were detected for each of the QTL in each of the three populations assessed. The existence of these loci with major effects should not only facilitate breeding and exploitation of FCR-resistant barley cultivars but also their further characterization based on fine mapping and map-based gene cloning.

A novel and major quantitative trait locus for fusarium crown rot resistance in a genotype of Wild Barley (Hordeum spontaneum L.)

Fusarium crown rot (FCR), caused by various Fusarium species, is a destructive disease of cereal crops in semiarid regions worldwide. As part of our contribution to the development of Fusarium resistant cultivars, we identified several novel sources of resistance by systematically assessing barley genotypes representing different geographical origins and plant types. One of these sources of resistance was investigated in this study by generating and analysing two populations of recombinant inbred lines. A major locus conferring FCR resistance, designated as Qcrs.cpi-4H, was detected in one of the populations (mapping population) and the effects of the QTL was confirmed in the other population. The QTL was mapped to the distal end of chromosome arm 4HL and it is effective against both of the Fusarium isolates tested, one F. pseudograminearum and the other F. graminearum. The QTL explains up to 45.3% of the phenotypic variance. As distinct from an earlier report which demonstrated co-locations of loci conferring FCR resistance and plant height in barley, a correlation between these two traits was not detected in the mapping population. However, as observed in a screen of random genotypes, an association between FCR resistance and plant growth rate was detected and a QTL controlling the latter was detected near the Qcrs.cpi-4H locus in the mapping population. Existing data indicate that, although growth rate may affect FCR resistance, different genes at this locus are likely involved in controlling these two traits.

Characterization of a QTL affecting spike morphology on the long arm of chromosome 3H in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) based on near isogenic lines and a NIL-derived population

Traits related to spike morphology (SM), including grain density (GD), spike length (SL) and awn length (AL), are of central importance in cereal improvement. A recent study based on a two-row landrace of barley, TX9425, detected QTL controlling all of the three traits in a similar region on the long arm of chromosome 3H. To further characterize this chromosomal region, 12 pairs of near isogenic lines (NILs) for GD were generated from two populations between TX9425 and two different commercial cultivars. A population consisting of 1,028 lines segregating primarily for the target region was also developed using materials generated during the production of these NILs. Results from the analysis of the NILs and the NIL-derived population showed that these three traits were likely controlled by a single-locus which was mapped to a 2.84 cM interval between two SSR markers, GBM1495 and HVM33. Across the 12 pairs of NILs, the presence of the 3HL locus increased GD by 53.4 %, reduced SL and AL by 38.8 % and 62.7 %, respectively. In the NIL-derived population, the presence of the 3HL locus increased GD by 64.6 %, reduced SL and AL by 33.7 % and 62.6 %, respectively. An interesting question arising from this research is why some loci such as the one reported here affect several SM-related traits while others appear to affect one of these traits only. The NILs and the NIL-derived population generated in this study will help answer such questions by providing the germplasm to enable cloning and comparative analysis of the genes responsible for these SM-related traits.

A single locus is responsible for salinity tolerance in a Chinese landrace barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Introduction

Salinity and waterlogging are two major abiotic stresses severely limiting barley production. The lack of a reliable screening method makes it very hard to improve the tolerance through breeding programs.

Methods

This work used 188 DH lines from a cross between a Chinese landrace variety, TX9425 (waterlogging and salinity tolerant), and a Japanese malting barley, Naso Nijo (waterlogging and salinity sensitive), to identify QTLs associated with the tolerance.

Results

Four QTLs were found for waterlogging tolerance. The salinity tolerance was evaluated with both a hydroponic system and in potting mixture. In the trial with potting mixture, only one major QTL was identified to associate with salinity tolerance. This QTL explained nearly 50% of the phenotypic variation, which makes it possible for further fine mapping and cloning of the gene. This QTL was also identified in the hydroponic experiment for different salt-related traits. The position of this QTL was located at a similar position to one of the major QTLs for waterlogging tolerance, indicating the possibility of similar mechanisms controlling both waterlogging and salinity tolerance.

Conclusion

The markers associated with the QTL provided a unique opportunity in breeding programs for selection of salinity and waterlogging tolerance.

Quantitative trait loci analysis for resistance to Cephalosporium stripe, a vascular wilt disease of wheat

Cephalosporium stripe, caused by Cephalosporium gramineum, can cause severe loss of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and grain quality and can be an important factor limiting adoption of conservation tillage practices. Selecting for resistance to Cephalosporium stripe is problematic; however, as optimum conditions for disease do not occur annually under natural conditions, inoculum levels can be spatially heterogeneous, and little is known about the inheritance of resistance. A population of 268 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two wheat cultivars was characterized using field screening and molecular markers to investigate the inheritance of resistance to Cephalosporium stripe. Whiteheads (sterile heads caused by pathogen infection) were measured on each RIL in three field environments under artificially inoculated conditions. A linkage map for this population was created based on 204 SSR and DArT markers. A total of 36 linkage groups were resolved, representing portions of all chromosomes except for chromosome 1D, which lacked a sufficient number of polymorphic markers. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified seven regions associated with resistance to Cephalosporium stripe, with approximately equal additive effects. Four QTL derived from the more susceptible parent (Brundage) and three came from the more resistant parent (Coda), but the cumulative, additive effect of QTL from Coda was greater than that of Brundage. Additivity of QTL effects was confirmed through regression analysis and demonstrates the advantage of accumulating multiple QTL alleles to achieve high levels of resistance.

Plant height affects Fusarium crown rot severity in wheat

Effects of plant height on Fusarium crown rot (FCR) disease severity were investigated using 12 pairs of near-isogenic lines (NILs) for six different reduced height (Rht) genes in wheat. The dwarf isolines all gave better FCR resistance when compared with their respective tall counterparts, although the Rht genes involved in these NILs are located on several different chromosomes. Treating plants with exogenous gibberellin increased FCR severity as well as seedling lengths in all of the isolines tested. Analysis of the expression of several defense genes with known correlation with resistance to FCR pathogens between the Rht isolines following FCR inoculation indicated that the better resistance of the dwarf isolines was not due to enhanced defense gene induction. These results suggested that the difference in FCR severity between the tall and dwarf isolines is likely due to their height difference per se or to some physiological and structural consequences of reduced height. Thus, caution should be taken when considering to exploit any FCR locus located near a height gene.

Genetic relationships between resistances to Fusarium head blight and crown rot in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and crown rot (CR) are two wheat diseases caused by the same Fusarium pathogens. Progress towards CR resistance could benefit from FHB-resistant germplasm if the same genes are involved in resistance to these two different diseases. Two independent studies were conducted to investigate the relationship between host resistances to these two diseases. In the first study 32 genotypes were assessed and no significant correlation between their reactions to FHB and CR was detected. The second study was based on a QTL analysis of a doubled haploid population derived from a variety with resistance to both diseases. Results from this study showed that loci conferring resistance to FHB and CR are located on different chromosomes. Together, these results suggest that, despite a common aetiology, different host genes are involved in the resistance against FHB and CR in wheat. Thus, although it is possible that genes affecting both diseases may exist in other germplasm or under different conditions, separate screening seems to be needed in identifying sources of CR resistance.

Identification and validation of a major QTL conferring crown rot resistance in hexaploid wheat

Crown rot (CR), caused by various Fusarium species, is a chronic wheat disease in Australia. As part of our objective of improving the efficiency of breeding CR resistant wheat varieties, we have been searching for novel sources of resistance. This paper reports on the genetic control of one of these newly identified resistant genotypes, 'CSCR6'. A population derived from a cross between CSCR6 and an Australian variety 'Lang' was analyzed using two Fusarium isolates belonging to two different species, one Fusarium pseudograminearum and the other Fusarium graminearum. The two isolates detected QTL with the same chromosomal locations and comparable magnitudes, indicating that CR resistance is not species-specific. The resistant allele of one of the QTL was derived from 'CSCR6'. This QTL, designated as Qcrs.cpi-3B, was located on the long arm of chromosome 3B and explains up to 48.8% of the phenotypic variance based on interval mapping analysis. Another QTL, with resistant allele from the variety 'Lang', was located on chromosome 4B. This QTL explained up to 22.8% of the phenotypic variance. A strong interaction between Qcsr.cpi-3B and Qcsr.cpi-4B was detected, reducing the maximum effect of Qcrs.cpi-3B to 43.1%. The effects of Qcrs.cpi-3B were further validated in four additional populations and the presence of this single QTL reduced CR severity by up to 42.1%. The fact that significant effects of Qcrs.cpi-3B were detected across all trials with different genetic backgrounds and with the use of isolates belonging to two different Fusarium species make it an ideal target for breeding programs as well as for further characterization of the gene(s) involved in its resistance.