Seedling and adult plant resistance to leaf rust in some Bulgarian common wheat lines

The response of 250 common winter wheat breeding lines was investigated for resistance to the causative agent of Puccinia triticina under conditions of an infected field on the territory of Dobrudzha Agricultural Institute - General Toshevo, Bulgaria, during three successive seasons. Twenty lines with different degrees of resistance under field conditions were selected. Multi-pathotype testing was used to study the response of these lines at seedling stage under greenhouse conditions to individual pathotypes of P. triticina. Based on the response of the lines at seedling and adult stages, we found out that 20 % of them carried race-specific resistance. One of the lines (99/08-52) reacted with full resistance to the pathotypes used under greenhouse conditions. The reaction demonstrated by this line coincided with the response of isogenic lines carrying the genes Lr9, Lr19, Lr22a, Lr22b and Lr25. The other three lines (19/06- 108, 82/08-43 and 82/08-35) showed a resistant reaction to 6 or 5 of the pathotypes used in the study. Their response partially coincided with the reaction of 5 isogenic lines, and the presence of some of these genes in the above lines is quite possible. Lines carrying this type of resistance are to be subjected to further genetic and breeding investigations to prove the presence of a race-specific gene. Twenty-five percent of the lines combined partial race-specific resistance at seedling stage with the resistance of race non-specific nature at adult stage. Forty percent of all studied lines carried race non-specific resistance, and 15 % of the lines possessed resistance of the "slow rusting" type. As a result of the study we carried out, the lines that demonstrated stable resistance to leaf rust can provide sufficient protection of the host and can be included in the breeding programs for developing varieties resistant to P. triticina.

Relocation of Sr48 to Chromosome 2D Using an Alternative Mapping Population and Development of a Closely Linked Marker Using Diverse Molecular Technologies

The Ug99-effective stem rust resistance gene Sr48 was mapped to chromosome 2A based on its repulsion linkage with Yr1 in an Arina/Forno recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Attempts to identify markers closely linked to Sr48 using available genomic resources were futile. This study used an Arina/Cezanne F_5:7 RIL population to identify markers closely linked with Sr48. Using the Arina/Cezanne DArTseq map, Sr48 was mapped on the short arm of chromosome 2D and it co-segregated with 12 markers. These DArTseq marker sequences were used for BlastN search to identify corresponding wheat chromosome survey sequence (CSS) contigs, and PCR-based markers were developed. Two simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, sun590 and sun592, and two Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers were derived from the contig 2DS_5324961 that mapped distal to Sr48. Molecular cytogenetic analysis using sequential fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) identified a terminal translocation of chromosome 2A in chromosome 2DL of Forno. This translocation would have led to the formation of a quadrivalent involving chromosomes 2A and 2D in the Arina/Forno population, which would have exhibited pseudo-linkage between Sr48 and Yr1 in chromosome 2AL. Polymorphism of the closet marker sunKASP_239 among a set of 178 wheat genotypes suggested that this marker can be used for marker-assisted selection of Sr48.

The Keys to Controlling Wheat Rusts: Identification and Deployment of Genetic Resistance

Rust diseases are among the major constraints for wheat production worldwide due to the emergence and spread of highly destructive races of Puccinia. The most common approach to minimize yield losses due to rust is to use cultivars that are genetically resistant. Modern wheat cultivars, landraces, and wild relatives can contain undiscovered resistance genes, which typically encode kinase or nucleotide-binding site leucine rich repeat (NLR) domain containing receptor proteins. Recent research has shown that these genes can provide either resistance in all growth stages (all-stage resistance; ASR) or specially in later growth stages (adult-plant resistance; APR). ASR genes are pathogen and race-specific, meaning can function against selected races of the Puccinia fungus due to the necessity to recognize specific avirulence molecules in the pathogen. APR genes are either pathogen-specific or multipathogen resistant but often race-nonspecific. Prediction of resistance genes through rust infection screening alone remains complex when more than one resistance gene is present. However, breakthroughs during the past half century such as the single-nucleotide polymorphism-based genotyping techniques and resistance gene isolation strategies like mutagenesis, resistance gene enrichment, and sequencing (MutRenSeq), mutagenesis and chromosome sequencing (MutChromSeq), and association genetics combined with RenSeq (AgRenSeq) enables rapid transfer of resistance from source to modern cultivars. There is a strong need for combining multiple genes for better efficacy and longer-lasting resistance. Hence, techniques like gene cassette creation speeds up the gene combination process, but their widespread adoption and commercial use is limited due to their transgenic nature.

Mapping a leaf rust resistance gene LrOft in durum wheat Ofanto and its suppressor SuLrOft in common wheat

Epidemics of leaf rust (caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia triticina Erikss., Pt) raise concerns regarding sustainability of wheat production. Deployment of resistant cultivars is the most effective and economic strategy for combating this disease. Ofanto is a durum wheat cultivar that exhibits high resistance to Pt race PHT throughout its entire growing period. In the present study, we identified a leaf rust resistance gene in Ofanto and temporarily designated it as LrOft. LrOft was mapped to a 2.5 cM genetic interval in chromosome arm 6BL between Indel markers 6B6941 and 6B50L24. During introgression of LrOft from Ofanto to common wheat it was observed that F₁ plants of Ofanto crossed with Shi4185 exhibited leaf rust resistance whereas the F₁ of Ofanto crossed with ND4503 was susceptible. In order to map the presumed suppressor locus, a Shi4185/ND4503//Ofanto three-way pentaploid population was generated and SuLrOft was mapped on chromosome arm 2AS. SuLrOft was mapped within a 2.6 cM genetic interval flanked by 2AS50L14 and 2AS50L6. Fine mapping using 2,268 plants of the three-way cross narrowed the suppressor locus to a 68.2-kbp physical interval according to IWGSC RefSeq v1.1. Sequence analysis of genes in the physical interval revealed that TraesCS2A02G110800 encoding an RPP-13-like protein with an NB-ARC domain was a potential candidate for SuLrOft.

Discovery of the New Leaf Rust Resistance Gene Lr82 in Wheat: Molecular Mapping and Marker Development

Breeding for leaf rust resistance has been successful worldwide and is underpinned by the discovery and characterisation of genetically diverse sources of resistance. An English scientist, Arthur Watkins, collected pre-Green Revolution wheat genotypes from 33 locations worldwide in the early part of the 20th Century and this collection is now referred to as the ‘Watkins Collection’. A common wheat genotype, Aus27352 from Yugoslavia, showed resistance to currently predominating Australian pathotypes of the wheat leaf rust pathogen. We crossed Aus27352 with a leaf rust susceptible wheat selection Avocet S and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) F₆ population of 200 lines was generated. Initial screening at F₃ generation showed monogenic segregation for seedling response to leaf rust in Aus27352. These results were confirmed by screening the Aus27352/Avocet S RIL population. The underlying locus was temporarily named LrAW2. Bulked segregant analysis using the 90K Infinium SNP array located LrAW2 in the long arm of chromosome 2B. Tests with molecular markers linked to two leaf rust resistance genes, Lr50 and Lr58, previously located in chromosome 2B, indicated the uniqueness of LrAW2 and it was formally designated Lr82. Kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction assays were developed for Lr82-linked SNPs. KASP_22131 mapped 0.8 cM proximal to Lr82 and KASP_11333 was placed 1.2 cM distal to this locus. KASP_22131 showed 91% polymorphism among a set of 89 Australian wheat cultivars. We recommend the use of KASP_22131 for marker assisted pyramiding of Lr82 in breeding programs following polymorphism check on parents.

Identification of genomic regions conferring rust resistance and enhanced mineral accumulation in a HarvestPlus Association Mapping Panel of wheat

New genomic regions for high accumulation of 10 minerals were identified. The 1B:1R and 2NS translocations enhanced concentrations of four and two minerals, respectively, in addition to disease resistance. Puccinia species, the causal agents of rust diseases of wheat, have the potential to cause total crop failures due their high evolutionary ability to acquire virulence for resistance genes deployed in commercial cultivars. Hence, the discovery of genetically diverse sources of rust resistance is essential. On the other hand, biofortification of wheat for essential nutrients, such as zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), is also an objective in wheat improvement programs to tackle micronutrient deficiency. The development of rust-resistant and nutrient-concentrated wheat cultivars would be important for sustainable production and the fight against malnutrition. The HarvestPlus association mapping panel (HPAMP) that included nutrient-dense sources from diverse genetic backgrounds was genotyped using a 90 K Infinium SNP array and 13 markers linked with rust resistance genes. The HPAMP was used for genome-wide association mapping to identify genomic regions underpinning rust resistance and mineral accumulation. Twelve QTL for rust resistance and 53 for concentrations of 10 minerals were identified. Comparison of results from this study with the published QTL information revealed the detection of already known and some putatively new genes/QTL underpinning stripe rust and leaf rust resistance in this panel. Thirty-six new QTL for mineral concentration were identified on 17 chromosomes. Accessions carrying the 1B:1R translocation accumulated higher concentrations of Zn, Fe, Copper (Cu) and sulphur (S). The 2NS segment showed enhanced accumulation of grain Fe and Cu. Fifteen rust-resistant and biofortified accessions were identified for use as donor sources in breeding programs.

Molecular Mapping of a Novel Quantitative Trait Locus Conferring Adult Plant Resistance to Stripe Rust in Chinese Wheat Landrace Guangtoumai

Stripe rust (yellow rust), caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat worldwide. Chinese wheat landrace Guangtoumai (GTM) exhibited a high level of resistance against predominant P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races in China at the adult plant stage. The objective of this research was to identify and map the major locus/loci for stripe rust resistance in GTM. A set of 212 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from a cross between GTM and Avocet S. The parents and RILs were evaluated in three field tests (2018, 2019, and 2020 at Chongzhou, Sichuan) with the currently predominant P. striiformis f. sp. tritici races for final disease severity and genotyped with the Wheat 55K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array to construct a genetic map with 1,031 SNP markers. A major locus, named QYr.GTM-5DL, was detected on chromosome 5DL in GTM. The locus was mapped in a 2.75-cM interval flanked by SNP markers AX-109855976 and AX-109453419, explaining up to 44.4% of the total phenotypic variation. Since no known Yr genes have been reported on chromosome 5DL, QYr.GTM-5DL is very likely a novel adult plant resistance locus. Haplotype analysis revealed that the resistance allele displayed enhanced levels of stripe rust resistance and is likely present in 5.3% of the 247 surveyed Chinese wheat landraces. The derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) marker dCAPS-5722, converted from a SNP marker tightly linked to QYr.GTM-5DL with 0.3 cM, was validated on a subset of RILs and 48 commercial wheat cultivars developed in Sichuan. The results indicated that QYr.GTM-5DL with its linked dCAPS marker could be used in marker-assisted selection to improve stripe rust resistance in breeding programs, and this quantitative trait locus will provide new and possibly durable resistance to stripe rust.

An adult plant stripe rust resistance gene maps on chromosome 7A of Australian wheat cultivar Axe

An adult plant stripe rust resistance gene Yr75 was located on the long arm of chromosome 7A. Fine mapping of the region identified markers closely linked with Yr75. Australian wheat cultivar Axe produced resistant to moderately resistant stripe rust responses under field conditions and was exhibiting seedling responses varying from 33C to 3+ under greenhouse conditions. Experiments covering tests at different growth stages (2nd, 3rd and 4th leaf stages) demonstrated the clear expression of resistance at the 4th leaf stage under controlled-environment greenhouse conditions. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from the Axe/Nyabing-3 (Nyb) cross. Genetic analysis of Axe/Nyb RIL population in the greenhouse at the 4th leaf stage showed monogenic inheritance of stripe rust resistance. Selective genotyping using the iSelect 90 K Infinium SNP genotyping array was performed, and the resistance locus was mapped to the long arm of chromosome 7A and named Yr75. The Axe/Nyb RIL population was genotyped using a targeted genotype-by-sequencing assay, and the resistance-linked SNPs were converted into kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers. These markers were tested on the entire Axe/Nyb RIL population, and markers sunKASP_430 and sunKASP_427 showed close association with Yr75 in the Axe/Nyb RIL population. A high-resolution mapping family of 1032 F₂ plants from the Axe/Nyb cross was developed and genotyped with sunKASP_430 and sunKASP_427, and these markers flanked Yr75 at 0.3 cM and 0.4 cM, respectively. These markers cover 1.24 Mb of the physical map of Chinese Spring, and this information will be useful for map-based cloning of Yr75.

Lr80: A new and widely effective source of leaf rust resistance of wheat for enhancing diversity of resistance among modern cultivars

A new leaf rust resistance gene Lr80 was identified and closely linked markers were developed for its successful pyramiding with other marker-tagged genes to achieve durable control of leaf rust. Common wheat landrace Hango-2, collected in 2006 from the Himalayan area of Hango, District Kinnaur, in Himachal Pradesh, exhibited a very low infection type (IT;) at the seedling stage to all Indian Puccinia triticina (Pt) pathotypes, except the pathotype 5R9-7 which produced IT 3⁺. Genetic analysis based on Agra Local/Hango-2-derived F₃ families indicated monogenic control of leaf rust resistance, and the underlying locus was temporarily named LrH2. Bulked segregant analysis using 303 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers located LrH2 in the short arm of chromosome 2D. An additional set of 10 chromosome 2DS-specific markers showed polymorphism between the parents and these were mapped on the entire Agra Local/Hango-2 F₃ population. LrH2 was flanked by markers cau96 (distally) and barc124 (proximally). The 90 K Infinium SNP array was used to identify SNP markers linked with LrH2. Markers KASP_17425 and KASP_17148 showed association with LrH2. Comparison of seedling leaf rust response data and marker locations across different maps demonstrated the uniqueness of LrH2 and it was formally named Lr80. The Lr80-linked markers KASP_17425, KASP_17148 and barc124 amplified alleles/products different to Hango-2 in 82 Australian cultivars indicating their robustness for marker-assisted selection of this gene in wheat breeding programs.

Challenges and prospects for developing genetic resistance in common wheat against stem rust in Western Siberia

Современные исследования проблемы устойчивости мягкой пшеницы к стеблевой ржавчине включают два основных направления: оценку устойчивости коллекций мягкой пшеницы к заболеванию с помощью молекулярных маркеров к известным генам устойчивости в дополнение к полевому скринингу материала и лабораторным тестам к образцам различных популяций гриба; поиск источников и доноров новых генов и генных локусов, в том числе среди культурных и дикорастущих родичей пшеницы. Для достижения адекватного генетического контроля заболевания важен интегральный подход, включающий как данные об источниках устойчивости, так и актуальные сведения о действующих в регионе патогенных популяциях, их расовом составе и динамике генов вирулентности. Результаты анализа экспериментальных данных полевого скрининга устойчивости к стеблевой ржавчине сортов мягкой пшеницы из коллекции питомников CIMMYT в условиях Омской и Новосибирской областей, а также лабораторного тестирования образцов инфекции на международном наборе пшеничных линий-дифференциаторов позволяют предполагать, что на территории Западной Сибири и Алтайского края существует обособленная, «азиатская», популяция Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. При этом практический интерес для современных программ опережающей селекции пшеницы на иммунитет к стеблевой ржавчине в условиях Западной Сибири представляют гены устойчивости Sr2, Sr6Ai#2, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr39, Sr40, Sr44 и Sr57. В настоящем обзоре проанализированы источники генов, сохраняющих эффективность к западносибирской популяции P. graminis, с целью упрощения первичного этапа отбора селекционного материала для создания устойчивого генотипа путем пирамидирования генов. Описаны основные требования, предъявляемые к фитопатологическому тестированию селекционного материала. Составлен список молекулярных маркеров к указанным генам устойчивости – как широко применяющихся в маркер-ориентированной селекции, так и требующих верификации.

Application of Genomics Tools in Wheat Breeding to Attain Durable Rust Resistance

Wheat is an important source of dietary protein and calories for the majority of the world's population. It is one of the largest grown cereal in the world occupying over 215 M ha. Wheat production globally is challenged by biotic stresses such as pests and diseases. Of the 50 diseases of wheat that are of economic importance, the three rust diseases are the most ubiquitous causing significant yield losses in the majority of wheat production environments. Under severe epidemics they can lead to food insecurity threats amid the continuous evolution of new races of the pathogens, shifts in population dynamics and their virulence patterns, thereby rendering several effective resistance genes deployed in wheat breeding programs vulnerable. This emphasizes the need to identify, characterize, and deploy effective rust-resistant genes from diverse sources into pre-breeding lines and future wheat varieties. The use of genetic resistance has been marked as eco-friendly and to curb the further evolution of rust pathogens. Deployment of multiple rust resistance genes including major and minor genes in wheat lines could enhance the durability of resistance thereby reducing pathogen evolution. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms and associated bioinformatics tools have revolutionized wheat genomics. The sequence alignment of the wheat genome is the most important landmark which will enable genomics to identify marker-trait associations, candidate genes and enhanced breeding values in genomic selection (GS) studies. High throughput genotyping platforms have demonstrated their role in the estimation of genetic diversity, construction of the high-density genetic maps, dissecting polygenic traits, and better understanding their interactions through GWAS (genome-wide association studies) and QTL mapping, and isolation of R genes. Application of breeder's friendly KASP assays in the wheat breeding program has expedited the identification and pyramiding of rust resistance alleles/genes in elite lines. The present review covers the evolutionary trends of the rust pathogen and contemporary wheat varieties, and how these research strategies galvanized to control the wheat killer genus Puccinia. It will also highlight the outcome and research impact of cost-effective NGS technologies and cloning of rust resistance genes amid the public availability of common and tetraploid wheat reference genomes.

Identification of regions under selection and loci controlling agronomic traits in a soft red winter wheat population

Comprehensive information of a breeding population is a necessity to design promising crosses. This study was conducted to characterize a soft red winter wheat breeding population that was subject of intensive germplasm introductions and introgression from exotic germplasm. We used genome-wide markers and phenotypic assessment to identify signatures of selection and loci controlling agronomic traits in a soft red winter wheat population. The study of linkage disequilibrium (LD) revealed that the extent of LD and its decay varied among chromosomes with chromosomes 2B and 7D showing the most extended islands of high-LD with slow rates of decay. Four sub-populations, two with North American origin and two with Australian and Chinese origins, were identified. Genome-wide scans for selection signatures using F_ST and hapFLK identified 13 genomic regions under selection, of which five loci (LT, Fr-A2, Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1, Vrn3) were associated with environmental adaptation and two loci were associated with disease resistance genes (Sr36 and Fhb1). Genome-wide association studies identified major loci controlling yield and yield related traits. For days to heading and plant height, major loci with effects sizes of 2.2 days and 5 cm were identified on chromosomes 7B and 6A respectively. For test weight, number of spikes per square meter, and number of kernels per square meter, large effect loci were identified on chromosomes 1A, 4B, and 5A, respectively. However, for yield alone, no major loci were detected. A combination of selection for large effect loci for yield components and genomic selection could be a promising approach for yield improvement.

Fine Mapping of the Wheat Leaf Rust Resistance Gene LrLC10 (Lr13) and Validation of Its Co-segregation Markers

Wheat leaf rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina Eriks. (Pt), is a destructive disease found throughout common wheat production areas worldwide. At its adult stage, wheat cultivar Liaochun10 is resistant to leaf rust and the gene for that resistance has been mapped on chromosome 2BS. It was designated LrLC10 and is the same gene as cataloged gene Lr13 by pedigree analysis and allelism test. We fine-mapped it using recessive class analysis (RCA) of the homozygous susceptible F₂ plants derived from crosses using Liaochun10 as the resistant, male parent. Taking advantage of the re-sequencing data of Liaochun10 and its counterpart susceptible parent, we converted nucleotide polymorphisms in the LrLC10 interval between the resistant and susceptible parents into molecular markers to saturate the LrLC10 genetic linkage map. Four indel markers were added in the 1.65 cM map of LrLC10 flanked by markers CAUT163 and Lseq22. Thirty-two recombinants were identified by those two markers from the 984 F₂ homozygous susceptible plants and were further genotyped with additional ten markers. LrLC10 was finally placed in a 314.3 kb region on the Chinese Spring reference sequence (RefSeq v1.0) that contains three high confidence genes: TraesCS2B01G182800, TraesCS2B01G182900, and TraesCS2B01G183000. Sequence analysis showed several variations in TraesCS2B01G182800 and TraesCS2B01G183000 between resistant and susceptible parents. One KASP marker and an indel marker were designed based on the differences in those two genes, respectively, and were validated to be diagnostic co-segregating markers for LrLC10. Our results both improve marker-assisted selection and help with the map-based cloning of LrLC10.

Identification of a new source of stripe rust resistance Yr82 in wheat

Stripe rust resistance gene, Yr82, was mapped in chromosome 3BL using SNP markers. Yr82 interacted with Yr29 to produce lower stripe rust responses at the adult plant stage. Landrace Aus27969 produced low infection types against Australian Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) pathotypes. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) F₇ population from the Aus27969/Avocet S cross was developed. Monogenic segregation for seedling stripe rust response was observed among the RIL population, and the resistance locus was named Yr82. Bulk segregant analysis performed using the iSelect wheat 90 K Infinium SNP array located Yr82 in the long arm of chromosome 3B. The RIL population was screened against stripe rust under field conditions and was genotyped with targeted genotyping-by-sequencing assay. QTL analysis detected the involvement of chromosomes 1B and 3B in controlling stripe rust resistance carried by Aus27969. Incorporation of Yr82 and marker SNPLr46G22 into the linkage map showed that the QTL in 1B and 3B represented Yr29 and Yr82, respectively. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers sun KASP_300 and KASP_8775 flanked Yr82 distally and proximally, respectively, each at 2 cM distance. These Yr82-linked markers were polymorphic among 84% of Australian cultivars and can be used for marker-assisted selection of Yr82.

Genome-wide mapping of adult plant stripe rust resistance in wheat cultivar Toni

Two adult plant stripe rust resistance QTL, QYrto.swust-3AS and QYrto.swust-3BS, were identified and mapped in common wheat cultivar Toni. The two QTL were located to corresponding positions in the wheat physical map position based on flanking SNP markers. Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most important foliar diseases of wheat. Characterization and utilization of resistance genes are the most effective, economic and environmental-friendly way to control the disease. The wheat cultivar Toni resistant at the adult plant stage to predominant Chinese Pst races was crossed with the susceptible genotype Mingxian 169. A recombinant inbred line population comprising 171 lines was tested in the field at three locations in the 2016 and 2017 crop seasons. The Affymetrix Axiom^® 35 K single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) Wheat Breeder's Genotyping Array was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) for adult plant resistance to stripe rust. Inclusive composite interval mapping identified stable QTL QYrto.swust-3AS and QYrto.swust-3BS that explained 31.6-48.2% and 21.9-56.3% of the variation in stripe rust severity and infection type, respectively. The two QTL regions were anchored to the wheat IWGSC Ref Seq v1.0 sequence. QYrto.swust-3AS was localized to a 2.22-Mb interval flanked by SNP markers AX-95240191 and AX-94828890. Among 65 HC (high confidence) annotated genes in this region, 11 (16.9%) contained NB-ARC domains and 9 (13.8%) contained protein kinase domains and thus could contribute to disease resistance. QYrto.swust-3BS was localized to a 4.77-Mb interval flanked by SNP markers AX-94509749 and AX-94998050. One hundred and thirty three HC genes are annotated in this region. Among them, 14 (10.5%) protein kinase domain genes may contribute to disease resistance. The linked markers should be useful for marker-assisted selection in breeding for resistance.

Molecular Mapping of Stripe Rust Resistance Gene Yr81 in a Common Wheat Landrace Aus27430

The deployment of diverse sources of resistance in new cultivars underpins durable control of rust diseases. Aus27430 exhibited a moderate level of stripe rust resistance against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) pathotypes currently prevalent in Australia. Aus27430 was crossed with the susceptible parent Avocet S (AvS) and subsequent filial generations were raised. Monogenic segregation observed among Aus27430/AvS F₃ families was confirmed through stripe rust screening of an F₆ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, and the resistance locus was temporarily named YrAW5. Selective genotyping using an Illumina iSelect 90K wheat SNP bead chip array located YrAW5 in chromosome 6A. Genetic mapping of the RIL population with linked 90K SNPs that were converted into PCR-based marker assays, as well as SSR markers previously mapped to chromosome 6A, confirmed the chromosomal assignment for YrAW5. Comparative analysis of other stripe rust resistance genes located in chromosome 6A led to the formal designation of YrAW5 as Yr81. Tests with a marker linked with Yr18 also demonstrated the presence of this gene in Aus27430. Yr18 interacted with Yr81 to produce stripe rust responses lower than those produced by RILs carrying these genes individually. Although gwm459 showed higher recombination with Yr81 compared with the other flanking marker KASP_3077, it amplified the AvS allele in 80 cultivars, whereas KASP_3077 amplified AvS allele in 67 cultivars. Both markers can be used in marker-assisted selection after confirming parental polymorphism.

Fine Mapping of Lr49 Using 90K SNP Chip Array and Flow-Sorted Chromosome Sequencing in Wheat

Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, threatens global wheat production due to the constant evolution of virulent pathotypes that defeat commercially deployed all stage-resistance (ASR) genes in modern cultivars. Hence, the deployment of combinations of adult plant resistance (APR) and ASR genes in new wheat cultivars is desirable. Adult plant resistance gene Lr49 was previously mapped on the long arm of chromosome 4B of cultivar VL404 and flanked by microsatellite markers barc163 (8.1 cM) and wmc349 (10.1 cM), neither of which was sufficiently closely linked for efficient marker assisted selection. This study used high-density SNP genotyping and flow sorted chromosome sequencing to fine-map the Lr49 locus as a starting point to develop a diagnostic marker for use in breeding and to clone this gene. Marker sunKASP_21 was mapped 0.4 cM proximal to Lr49, whereas a group of markers including sunKASP_24 were placed 0.6 cM distal to this gene. Testing of the linked markers on 75 Australian and 90 European cultivars with diverse genetic backgrounds showed that sunKASP_21 was most strongly associated with Lr49. Our results also show that the Lr49 genomic region contains structural variation relative to the reference stock Chinese Spring, possibly an inverted genomic duplication, which introduces a new set of challenges for the Lr49 cloning.

Development, Validation, and Re-selection of Wheat Lines with Pyramided Genes Yr64 and Yr15 Linked on the Short Arm of Chromosome 1B for Resistance to Stripe Rust

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat worldwide. The disease is most preferably managed by developing and growing cultivars with high-level, durable resistance. To achieve high-level and long-lasting resistance, we developed a wheat line, RIL-Yr64/Yr15, by pyramiding Yr64 and Yr15, both on the chromosome 1BS and providing high resistance to all tested Pst races. To validate RIL-Yr64/Yr15 possessing both genes, we crossed it to Avocet S (AvS). The F₄ RILs from this cross were phenotyped with Pst races under controlled greenhouse conditions and also under natural Pst infection in the field. The population was genotyped with SSR markers previously reported to be linked to the resistance gene loci and with additional SSR and SNP-KASP markers along chromosome 1B. Both phenotype and genotype data confirmed the copresence of Yr64 and Yr15 in RIL-Yr64/Yr15, and the high-resolution linkage map dissected the chromosomal regions and traced their origins. New lines possessing these genes were selected from the F₅ population of cross AvS × RIL-Yr64/Yr15 by marker-assisted selection. These lines with the two highly effective genes should be more useful than individual gene lines for developing high-level, durable resistant wheat cultivars.

New Sources of Adult Plant and Seedling Resistance to Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae Identified among Avena sativa Accessions From the National Small Grains Collection

Accessions of cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.) from the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service Small Grains Collection in Aberdeen, ID were characterized for adult plant resistance (APR) and seedling resistance to crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae. Initially, 607 oat accessions with diverse geographic origins were evaluated in field tests in Baton Rouge, LA. Of those, 97 accessions were not fully susceptible and were tested in the field in St. Paul, MN against a diverse P. coronata f. sp. avenae population. Thirty-six accessions that had some level of resistance in both field tests and mean coefficients of infection of ≤20 were further evaluated for APR and seedling resistance. Among these, four accessions (PI 193040, PI 194201, PI 237090, and PI 247930) were resistant to eight P. coronata f. sp. avenae races as seedlings. Twenty-nine accessions had resistance to at least one of the P. coronata f. sp. avenae races. Three accessions (CIav 2272, CIav 3390, and PI 285583) were fully susceptible to all eight P. coronata f. sp. avenae races as seedlings. Further evaluation of the three seedling-susceptible accessions at the flag leaf stage in a growth chamber resulted in moderately susceptible to moderately resistant responses. The resistance sources presented here may contain genes not deployed in elite oat varieties, and may be useful for future crown rust resistance breeding. The adult and seedling resistance found in accessions of the cultivated oat species is especially valuable because it avoids problems associated with the transfer of genes from wild species to cultivated oat.

Characterisation and mapping of adult plant stripe rust resistance in wheat accession Aus27284

A new adult plant stripe rust resistance gene, Yr80, was identified in a common wheat landrace Aus27284. Linked markers were developed and validated for their utility in marker-assisted selection. Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is among the most important constraints to global wheat production. The identification and characterisation of new sources of host plant resistance enrich the gene pool and underpin deployment of resistance gene pyramids in new cultivars. Aus27284 exhibited resistance at the adult plant stage against predominant Pst pathotypes and was crossed with a susceptible genotype Avocet S. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population comprising 121 lines was developed and tested in the field at three locations in 2016 and two in 2017 crop seasons. Monogenic segregation for adult plant stripe rust response was observed among the Aus27284/Avocet S RIL population and the underlying locus was temporarily designated YrAW11. Bulked-segregant analysis using the Infinium iSelect 90K SNP wheat array placed YrAW11 in chromosome 3B. Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) primers were designed for the linked SNPs and YrAW11 was flanked by KASP_65624 and KASP_53292 (3 cM) proximally and KASP_53113 (4.9 cM) distally. A partial linkage map of the genomic region carrying YrAW11 comprised nine KASP and two SSR markers. The physical position of KASP markers in the pseudomolecule of chromosome 3B placed YrAW11 in the long arm and the location of markers gwm108 and gwm376 in the deletion bin 3BL2-0.22 supported this conclusion. As no other stripe rust resistance locus has been reported in chromosome 3BL, YrAW11 was formally designated Yr80. Marker KASP_ 53113 was polymorphic among 94% of 81 Australian wheat cultivars used for validation.

Identification of stem rust resistance genes in wheat cultivars in China using molecular markers

Wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn. (Pgt), is a major disease that has been effectively controlled using resistance genes. The appearance and spread of Pgt races such as Ug99, TKTTF, and TTTTF, which are virulent to most stem rust-resistant genes currently deployed in wheat breeding programs, renewed the interest in breeding cultivars resistant to wheat stem rust. It is therefore important to investigate the levels of resistance or vulnerability of wheat cultivars to Pgt races. Resistance to Pgt races 21C3CTHQM, 34MKGQM, and 34C3RTGQM was evaluated in 136 Chinese wheat cultivars at the seedling stage. A total of 124 cultivars (91.2%) were resistant to the three races. Resistance genes Sr2, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, and Sr38 were analyzed using molecular markers closely linked to them, and 63 of the 136 wheat cultivars carried at least one of these genes: 21, 25, and 28 wheat cultivars likely carried Sr2, Sr31, and Sr38, respectively. Cultivars "Kehan 3" and "Jimai 22" likely carried Sr25. None of the cultivars carried Sr24 or Sr26. These cultivars with known stem rust resistance genes provide valuable genetic material for breeding resistant wheat cultivars.

Evaluation and identification of stem rust resistance genes Sr2, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31 and Sr38 in wheat lines from Gansu Province in China

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia granimis f. sp. tritici, severely affects wheat production, but it has been effectively controlled in China since the 1970s. However, the appearance and spread of wheat stem rust races Ug99 (TTKSK, virulence to Sr31), TKTTF (virulence to SrTmp) and TTTTF (virulence to the cultivars carrying Sr9e and Sr13) have received attention. It is important to clarify the effectiveness of resistance genes in a timely manner, especially for the purpose of using new resistance genes in wheat cultivars for durable-resistance. However, little is known about the stem rust resistance genes present in widely used wheat cultivars from Gansu. This study aimed to determine the resistance level at the seedling stage of the main wheat cultivars in Gansu Province. A secondary objective was to assess the prevalence of Sr2, Sr24, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, and Sr38 using molecular markers. The results of the present study indicated that 38 (50.7%) wheat varieties displayed resistance to all the tested races of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici. The molecular marker analysis showed that 13 out of 75 major wheat cultivars likely carried Sr2; 25 wheat cultivars likely carried Sr31; and nine wheat cultivars likely carried Sr38. No cultivar was found to have Sr25 and Sr26, as expected. Surprisingly, no wheat cultivars carried Sr24. The wheat lines with known stem rust resistance genes could be used as donor parent for further breeding programs.

Vulnerability of Barley to African Pathotypes of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici and Sources of Resistance

The emergence of widely virulent pathotypes (e.g., TTKSK in the Ug99 race group) of the stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) in Africa threatens wheat production on a global scale. Although intensive research efforts have been advanced to address this threat in wheat, few studies have been conducted on barley, even though pathotypes such as TTKSK are known to attack the crop. The main objectives of this study were to assess the vulnerability of barley to pathotype TTKSK and identify possible sources of resistance. From seedling evaluations of more than 1,924 diverse cultivated barley accessions to pathotype TTKSK, more than 95% (1,844) were found susceptible. A similar high frequency (910 of 934 = 97.4%) of susceptibility was found for the wild progenitor (Hordeum vulgare subsp. spontaneum) of cultivated barley. Additionally, 55 barley lines with characterized or putative introgressions from various wild Hordeum spp. were also tested against pathotype TTKSK but none was found resistant. In total, more than 96% of the 2,913 Hordeum accessions tested were susceptible as seedlings, indicating the extreme vulnerability of the crop to the African pathotypes of P. graminis f. sp. tritici. In total, 32 (1.7% of accessions evaluated) and 13 (1.4%) cultivated and wild barley accessions, respectively, exhibited consistently highly resistant to moderately resistant reactions across all experiments. Molecular assays were conducted on these resistant accessions to determine whether they carried rpg4/Rpg5, the only gene complex known to be highly effective against pathotype TTKSK in barley. Twelve of the 32 (37.5%) resistant cultivated accessions and 11 of the 13 (84.6%) resistant wild barley accessions tested positive for a functional Rpg5 gene, highlighting the narrow genetic base of resistance in Hordeum spp. Other resistant accessions lacking the rpg4/Rpg5 complex were discovered in the evaluated germplasm and may possess useful resistance genes. Combining rpg4/Rpg5 with resistance genes from these other sources should provide more durable resistance against the array of different virulence types in the Ug99 race group.

Detection and validation of genomic regions associated with resistance to rust diseases in a worldwide hexaploid wheat landrace collection using BayesR and mixed linear model approaches

BayesR and MLM association mapping approaches in common wheat landraces were used to identify genomic regions conferring resistance to Yr, Lr, and Sr diseases. Deployment of rust resistant cultivars is the most economically effective and environmentally friendly strategy to control rust diseases in wheat. However, the highly evolving nature of wheat rust pathogens demands continued identification, characterization, and transfer of new resistance alleles into new varieties to achieve durable rust control. In this study, we undertook genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using a mixed linear model (MLM) and the Bayesian multilocus method (BayesR) to identify QTL contributing to leaf rust (Lr), stem rust (Sr), and stripe rust (Yr) resistance. Our study included 676 pre-Green Revolution common wheat landrace accessions collected in the 1920-1930s by A.E. Watkins. We show that both methods produce similar results, although BayesR had reduced background signals, enabling clearer definition of QTL positions. For the three rust diseases, we found 5 (Lr), 14 (Yr), and 11 (Sr) SNPs significant in both methods above stringent false-discovery rate thresholds. Validation of marker-trait associations with known rust QTL from the literature and additional genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of biparental populations showed that the landraces harbour both previously mapped and potentially new genes for resistance to rust diseases. Our results demonstrate that pre-Green Revolution landraces provide a rich source of genes to increase genetic diversity for rust resistance to facilitate the development of wheat varieties with more durable rust resistance.

Fine mapping of the chromosome 5B region carrying closely linked rust resistance genes Yr47 and Lr52 in wheat

Fine mapping of Yr47 and Lr52 in chromosome arm 5BS of wheat identified close linkage of the marker sun180 to both genes and its robustness for marker-assisted selection was demonstrated. The widely effective and genetically linked rust resistance genes Yr47 and Lr52 have previously been mapped in the short arm of chromosome 5B in two F₃ populations (Aus28183/Aus27229 and Aus28187/Aus27229). The Aus28183/Aus27229 F₃ population was advanced to generate an F₆ recombinant inbred line (RIL) population to identify markers closely linked with Yr47 and Lr52. Diverse genomic resources including flow-sorted chromosome survey sequence contigs representing the orthologous region in Brachypodium distachyon, the physical map of chromosome arm 5BS, expressed sequence tags (ESTs) located in the 5BS6-0.81-1.00 deletion bin and resistance gene analog contigs of chromosome arm 5BS were used to develop markers to saturate the target region. Selective genotyping was also performed using the iSelect 90 K Infinium wheat SNP assay. A set of SSR, STS, gene-based and SNP markers were developed and genotyped on the Aus28183/Aus27229 RIL population. Yr47 and Lr52 are genetically distinct genes that mapped 0.4 cM apart in the RIL population. The SSR marker sun180 co-segregated with Lr52 and mapped 0.4 cM distal to Yr47. In a high resolution mapping population of 600 F₂ genotypes Yr47 and Lr52 mapped 0.2 cM apart and marker sun180 was placed 0.4 cM distal to Lr52. The amplification of a different sun180 amplicon (195 bp) than that linked with Yr47 and Lr52 (200 bp) in 204 diverse wheat genotypes demonstrated its robustness for marker-assisted selection of these genes.

Tight repulsion linkage between Sr36 and Sr39 was revealed by genetic, cytogenetic and molecular analyses

The shortening of Aegilops speltoides segment did not facilitate recombination between stem rust resistance genes Sr36 and Sr39 . Robustness of marker rwgs28 for marker-assisted selection of Sr39 was demonstrated. Stem rust resistance genes Sr39 and Sr36 were transferred from Aegilops speltoides and Triticum timopheevii, respectively, to chromosome 2B of wheat. Genetic stocks RL6082 and RWG1 carrying Sr39 on a large and a shortened Ae. speltoides segments, respectively, and the Sr36-carrying Australian wheat cultivar Cook were used in this study. This investigation was planned to determine the genetic relationship between these genes. Stem rust tests on F₃ populations derived from RL6082/Cook and RWG1/Cook crosses showed tight repulsion linkage between Sr39 and Sr36. The genomic in situ hybridization analysis of heterozygous F₃ family from the RWG1/Cook population showed that the translocated segments do not overlap. Meiotic analysis on the F₁ plant from RWG1/Cook showed two univalents at the metaphase and anaphase stages in a majority of the cells indicating absence of pairing. Since meiotic pairing has been reported to initiate at the telomere, pairing and recombination may be inhibited due to very little wheat chromatin in the distal end of the chromosome arm 2BS in RWG1. The Sr39-carrying large Ae. speltoides segment transmitted preferentially in the RL6082/Cook F₃ population, whereas the Sr36-carrying T. timopheevii segment over-transmitted in the RWG1/Cook cross. Genotyping with the co-dominant Sr39- and Sr36-linked markers rwgs28 and stm773-2, respectively, matched the phenotypic classification of F₃ families. The RWG1 allele amplified by rwgs28 was diagnostic for the shortened Ae. speltoides segment and alternate alleles were amplified in 29 Australian cultivars. Marker rwgs28 will be useful in marker-assisted pyramiding of Sr39 with other genes.

Identification and validation of single nucleotide polymorphic markers linked to Ug99 stem rust resistance in spring wheat

Wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici Eriks. and E. Henn.) is one of the most destructive diseases world-wide. Races belonging to Ug99 (or TTKSK) continue to cause crop losses in East Africa and threaten global wheat production. Developing and deploying wheat varieties with multiple race-specific genes or complex adult plant resistance is necessary to achieve durability. In the present study, we applied genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for identifying loci associated with the Ug99 stem rust resistance (SR) in a panel of wheat lines developed at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT). Genotyping was carried out using the wheat 9K iSelect single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip. Phenotyping was done in the field in Kenya by infection of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici race TTKST, the Sr24-virulent variant of Ug99. Marker-trait association identified 12 SNP markers significantly associated with resistance. Among them, 7 were mapped on five chromosomes. Markers located on chromosomes 4A and 4B overlapped with the location of the Ug99 resistance genes SrND643 and Sr37, respectively. Markers identified on 7DL were collocated with Sr25. Additional significant markers were located in the regions where no Sr gene has been reported. The chromosome location for five of the SNP markers was unknown. A BLASTN search of the NCBI database using the flanking sequences of the SNPs associated with Ug99 resistance revealed that several markers were linked to plant disease resistance analogues, while others were linked to regulatory factors or metabolic enzymes. A KASP (Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR) assay was used for validating six marker loci linked to genes with resistance to Ug99. Of those, four co-segregated with the Sr25-pathotypes while the rest identified unknown resistance genes. With further investigation, these markers can be used for marker-assisted selection in breeding for Ug99 stem rust resistance in wheat.

Advances in Identification and Mapping of Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat

Genetic characterisation of new rust resistance loci in wheat using cytogenetic/low-throughput genotyping systems required at least 5 years. Development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) based molecular marker genotyping platforms in the last decade has provided scientists with the genomic resources to expedite precise mapping of target loci. Here, we describe methodologies for genetic analysis and application of NGS-based resources to determine the precise genomic locations of rust resistance loci in wheat and development of closely linked markers for marker assisted selection.

Postulation of rust resistance genes in Nordic spring wheat genotypes and identification of widely effective sources of resistance against the Australian rust flora

Wild relatives, landraces and cultivars from different geographical regions have been demonstrated as the sources of genetic variation for resistance to rust diseases. This study involved assessment of diversity for resistance to three rust diseases among a set of Nordic spring wheat cultivars. These cultivars were tested at the seedling stage against several pathotypes of three rust pathogens in the greenhouse. All stage stem rust resistance genes Sr7b, Sr8a, Sr12, Sr15, Sr17, Sr23 and Sr30, and leaf rust resistance genes Lr1, Lr3a, Lr13, Lr14a, Lr16 and Lr20 were postulated either singly or in different combinations among these cultivars. A high proportion of cultivars were identified to carry linked rust resistance genes Sr15 and Lr20. Although 51 cultivars showed variation against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) pathotypes used in this study, results were not clearly contrasting to enable postulation of stripe rust resistance genes in these genotypes. Stripe rust resistance gene Yr27 was postulated in four cultivars and Yr1 was present in cultivar Zebra. Cultivar Tjalve produced low stripe rust response against all Pst pathotypes indicating the presence either of a widely effective resistance gene or combination of genes with compensating pathogenic specificities. Several cultivars carried moderate to high level of APR to leaf rust and stripe rust. Seedling stem rust susceptible cultivar Aston exhibited moderately resistant to moderately susceptible response, whereas other cultivars belonging to this class were rated moderately susceptible or higher. Molecular markers linked with APR genes Yr48, Lr34/Yr18/Sr57, Lr68 and Sr2 detected the presence of these genes in some genotypes.

Mapping of a new stem rust resistance gene Sr49 in chromosome 5B of wheat

A new stem rust resistance gene Sr49 was mapped to chromosome 5BL of wheat. Usefulness of the closely linked markers sun209 and sun479 for marker-assisted selection of Sr49 was demonstrated. Landrace AUS28011 (Mahmoudi), collected from Ghardimaou, Tunisia, produced low stem rust response against Australian pathotypes of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) carrying virulence for several stem rust resistance genes deployed in modern wheat cultivars. Genetic analysis based on a Mahmoudi/Yitpi F3 population indicated the involvement of a single all-stage stem rust resistance gene and it was temporarily named SrM. Bulked segregant analysis using multiplex-ready SSR technology located SrM on the long arm of chromosome 5B. Since there is no other all-stage stem rust resistance gene located in chromosome 5BL, SrM was permanently designated Sr49. The Mahmoudi/Yitpi F3 population was enhanced to generate F6 recombinant inbred line (RIL) population for detailed mapping of Sr49 using publicly available genomic resources. Markers sun209 and sun479 flanked Sr49 at 1.5 and 0.9 cM distally and proximally, respectively. Markers sun209 and sun479 amplified PCR products different than the Sr49-linked alleles in 146 and 145 common wheat cultivars, respectively. Six and seven cultivars, respectively, carried the resistance-linked marker alleles sun209 148bp and sun479 200bp ; however, none of the cultivars carried both resistance-linked alleles. These results demonstrated the usefulness of these markers for marker-assisted selection of Sr49 in breeding programs.

Evaluation of marker-assisted selection for the stripe rust resistance gene Yr15, introgressed from wild emmer wheat

Stripe rust disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and severely threatens wheat worldwide, repeatedly breaking resistance conferred by resistance genes and evolving more aggressive strains. Wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, is an important source for novel stripe rust resistance (Yr) genes. Yr15, a major gene located on chromosome 1BS of T. dicoccoides, was previously reported to confer resistance to a broad spectrum of stripe rust isolates, at both seedling and adult plant stages. Introgressions of Yr15 into cultivated T. aestivum bread wheat and T. durum pasta wheat that began in the 1980s are widely used. In the present study, we aimed to validate SSR markers from the Yr15 region as efficient tools for marker-assisted selection (MAS) for introgression of Yr15 into wheat and to compare the outcome of gene introgression by MAS and by conventional phenotypic selection. Our findings establish the validity of MAS for introgression of Yr15 into wheat. We show that the size of the introgressed segment, defined by flanking markers, varies for both phenotypic selection and MAS. The genetic distance of the MAS marker from Yr15 and the number of backcross steps were the main factors affecting the length of the introgressed donor segments. Markers Xbarc8 and Xgwm493, which are the nearest flanking markers studied, were consistent and polymorphic in all 34 introgressions reported here and are therefore the most recommended markers for the introgression of Yr15 into wheat cultivars. Introgression directed by markers, rather than by phenotype, will facilitate simultaneous selection for multiple stripe rust resistant genes and will help to avoid escapees during the selection process.

Marker-assisted introgression of a QTL region to improve rust resistance in three elite and popular varieties of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Successful introgression of a major QTL for rust resistance, through marker-assisted backcrossing, in three popular Indian peanut cultivars generated several promising introgression lines with enhanced rust resistance and higher yield. Leaf rust, caused by Puccinia arachidis Speg, is one of the major devastating diseases in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.). One QTL region on linkage group AhXV explaining upto 82.62 % phenotypic variation for rust resistance was validated and introgressed from cultivar 'GPBD 4' into three rust susceptible varieties ('ICGV 91114', 'JL 24' and 'TAG 24') through marker-assisted backcrossing (MABC). The MABC approach employed a total of four markers including one dominant (IPAHM103) and three co-dominant (GM2079, GM1536, GM2301) markers present in the QTL region. After 2-3 backcrosses and selfing, 200 introgression lines (ILs) were developed from all the three crosses. Field evaluation identified 81 ILs with improved rust resistance. Those ILs had significantly increased pod yields (56-96 %) in infested environments compared to the susceptible parents. Screening of selected 43 promising ILs with 13 markers present on linkage group AhXV showed introgression of the target QTL region from the resistant parent in 11 ILs. Multi-location field evaluation of these ILs should lead to the release of improved varieties. The linked markers may be used in improving rust resistance in peanut breeding programmes.

Genomic prediction for rust resistance in diverse wheat landraces

We have demonstrated that genomic selection in diverse wheat landraces for resistance to leaf, stem and strip rust is possible, as genomic breeding values were moderately accurate. Markers with large effects in the Bayesian analysis confirmed many known genes, while also discovering many previously uncharacterised genome regions associated with rust scores. Genomic selection, where selection decisions are based on genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) derived from genome-wide DNA markers, could accelerate genetic progress in plant breeding. In this study, we assessed the accuracy of GEBVs for rust resistance in 206 hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum) landraces from the Watkins collection of phenotypically diverse wheat genotypes from 32 countries. The landraces were genotyped for 5,568 SNPs using an Illumina iSelect 9 K bead chip assay and phenotyped for field-based leaf rust (Lr), stem rust (Sr) and stripe rust (Yr) responses across multiple years. Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (GBLUP) and a Bayesian Regression method (BayesR) were used to predict GEBVs. Based on fivefold cross-validation, the accuracy of genomic prediction averaged across years was 0.35, 0.27 and 0.44 for Lr, Sr and Yr using GBLUP and 0.33, 0.38 and 0.30 for Lr, Sr and Yr using BayesR, respectively. Inclusion of PCR-predicted genotypes for known rust resistance genes increased accuracy more substantially when the marker was diagnostic (Lr34/Sr57/Yr18) for the presence-absence of the gene rather than just linked (Sr2). Investigation of the impact of genetic relatedness between validation and reference lines on accuracy of genomic prediction showed that accuracy will be higher when each validation line had at least one close relationship to the reference lines. Overall, the prediction accuracies achieved in this study are encouraging, and confirm the feasibility of genomic selection in wheat. In several instances, estimated marker effects were confirmed by published literature and results of mapping experiments using Watkins accessions.

Molecular mapping of an adult plant stem rust resistance gene Sr56 in winter wheat cultivar Arina

This article covers detailed characterization and naming of QSr.sun - 5BL as Sr56 . Molecular markers linked with adult plant stem rust resistance gene Sr56 were identified and validated for marker-assisted selection. The identification of new sources of adult plant resistance (APR) and effective combinations of major and minor genes is well appreciated in breeding for durable rust resistance in wheat. A QTL, QSr.sun-5BL, contributed by winter wheat cultivar Arina providing 12-15 % reduction in stem rust severity, was reported in an Arina/Forno recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Following the demonstration of monogenic segregation for APR in the Arina/Yitpi RIL population, the resistance locus was formally named Sr56. Saturation mapping of the Sr56 region using STS (from EST and DArT clones), SNP (9 K) and SSR markers from wheat chromosome survey sequences that were ordered based on synteny with Brachypodium distachyon genes in chromosome 1 resulted in the flanking of Sr56 by sun209 (SSR) and sun320 (STS) at 2.6 and 1.2 cM on the proximal and distal ends, respectively. Investigation of conservation of gene order between the Sr56 region in wheat and B. distachyon showed that the syntenic region defined by SSR marker interval sun209-sun215 corresponded to approximately 192 kb in B. distachyon, which contains five predicted genes. Conservation of gene order for the Sr56 region between wheat and Brachypodium, except for two inversions, provides a starting point for future map-based cloning of Sr56. The Arina/Forno RILs carrying both Sr56 and Sr57 exhibited low disease severity compared to those RILs carrying these genes singly. Markers linked with Sr56 would be useful for marker-assisted pyramiding of this gene with other major and APR genes for which closely linked markers are available.

The Pontin series of recombinant alien translocations in bread wheat: single translocations integrating combinations of Bdv2, Lr19 and Sr25 disease-resistance genes from Thinopyrum intermedium and Th. ponticum

Two bread wheat lines each with a translocation on chromosome 7DL from either Thinopyrum intermedium (TC5 and TC14) or Thinopyrum ponticum (T4m), were hybridized in a ph1b mutant background to enhance recombination between the two translocated chromosomal segments. The frequency of recombinants was high in lines derived from the larger and similar-sized translocations (TC5/T4m), but much lower when derived from different-sized translocations (TC14/T4m). Recombinant translocations contained combinations of resistance genes Bdv2, Lr19 and Sr25 conferring resistance to Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), leaf rust and stem rust, respectively. Their genetic composition was identified using bioassays and molecular markers specific for the two progenitor Thinopyrum species. This set of 7DL Th. ponticum/intermedium recombinant translocations was termed the Pontin series. In addition to Thinopyrum markers, the size of the translocation was estimated with the aid of wheat markers mapped on each of the 7DL deletion bins. Bioassays for BYDV, leaf rust and stem rust were performed under greenhouse and field conditions. Once separated from ph1b background, the Pontin recombinant translocations were stable and showed normal inheritance in successive backcrosses. The reported Pontin translocations integrate important resistance genes in a single linkage block which will allow simultaneous selection of disease resistance. Combinations of Bdv2 + Lr19 or Lr19 + Sr25 in both long and short translocations, are available to date. The smaller Pontins, comprising only 20 % of the distal portion of 7DL, will be most attractive to breeders.

Characterisation of a new stripe rust resistance gene Yr47 and its genetic association with the leaf rust resistance gene Lr52

Two Iranian common wheat landraces AUS28183 and AUS28187 from the Watkins collection showed high levels of seedling resistance against Australian pathotypes of leaf rust and stripe rust pathogens. Chi-squared analyses of rust response segregation among F(3) populations derived from crosses of AUS28183 and AUS28187 with a susceptible genotype AUS27229 revealed monogenic inheritance of leaf rust and stripe rust resistance. As both genotypes produced similar leaf rust and stripe rust infection types, they were assumed to carry the same genes. The genes were temporarily named as LrW1 and YrW1. Molecular mapping placed LrW1 and YrW1 in the short arm of chromosome 5B, about 10 and 15 cM proximal to the SSR marker gwm234, respectively, and the marker cfb309 mapped 8-12 cM proximal to YrW1. LrW1 mapped 3-6 cM distal to YrW1 in two F(3) populations. AUS28183 corresponded to the accession V336 of the Watkins collection which was the original source of Lr52. Based on the genomic location and accession records, LrW1 was concluded to be Lr52. Because no other seedling stripe rust resistance gene has previously been mapped in chromosome 5BS, YrW1 was permanently named as Yr47. A combination of flanking markers gwm234 and cfb309 with phenotypic assays could be used to ascertain the presence of Lr52 and Yr47 in segregating populations. This investigation characterised a valuable source of dual leaf rust and stripe rust resistance for deployment in new wheat cultivars. Transfer of Lr52 and Yr47 into current Australian wheat backgrounds is in progress.

A robust molecular marker for the detection of shortened introgressed segment carrying the stem rust resistance gene Sr22 in common wheat

Stem rust resistance gene Sr22 transferred to common wheat from Triticum boeoticum and T. monococcum remains effective against commercially prevalent pathotypes of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, including Ug99 and its derivatives. Sr22 was previously located on the long arm of chromosome 7A. Several backcross derivatives (hexaploid) possessing variable sized Sr22-carrying segments were used in this study to identify a closely linked DNA marker. Expressed sequenced tags belonging to the deletion bin 7AL-0.74-0.86, corresponding to the genomic location of Sr22 were screened for polymorphism. In addition, RFLP markers that mapped to this region were targeted. Initial screening was performed on the resistant and susceptible DNA bulks obtained from backcross derivatives carrying Sr22 in three genetic backgrounds with short T. boeoticum segments. A cloned wheat genomic fragment, csIH81, that detected RFLPs between the resistant and susceptible bulks, was converted into a sequence tagged site (STS) marker, named cssu22. Validation was performed on Sr22 carrying backcross-derivatives in fourteen genetic backgrounds and other genotypes used for marker development. Marker cssu22 distinguished all backcross-derivatives from their respective recurrent parents and co-segregated with Sr22 in a Schomburgk (+Sr22)/Yarralinka (-Sr22)-derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population. Sr22 was also validated in a second population, Sr22TB/Lakin-derived F(4) selected families, containing shortened introgressed segments that showed recombination with previously reported flanking microsatellite markers.

Diagnostic and co-dominant PCR markers for wheat stem rust resistance genes Sr25 and Sr26

Wheat stem rust, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat. A new race of the pathogen named TTKSK (syn. Ug99) and its derivatives detected in East Africa are virulent to many designated and undesignated stem rust resistance genes. The emergence and spread of those races pose an imminent threat to wheat production worldwide. Genes Sr25 and Sr26 transferred into wheat from Thinopyrum ponticum are effective against these new races. DNA markers for Sr25 and Sr26 are needed to pyramid both genes into adapted germplasm. The previously published dominant markers Gb for Sr25 and Sr26#43 for Sr26 were validated with eight wheat lines with or without Sr25 or Sr26. We tested six published STS (sequence tagged site) markers amplifying diagnostic bands of Th. ponticum. Marker BF145935 consistently amplified well and can be used as a co-dominant marker for Sr25. Among 16 STS markers developed from wheat ESTs mapped to deletion bin 6AL8-0.90-1.00, none was co-dominant for tagging Sr26. However, five 6A-specific markers were identified. Multiplex PCR with marker Sr26#43 and 6A-specific marker BE518379 can be used as a co-dominant marker for Sr26. The co-dominant markers for Sr25 and Sr26 were validated with 37 lines with known stem rust resistance genes. A diverse set of germplasm consisting 170 lines from CIMMYT, China, USA and other counties were screened with the co-dominant markers for Sr25 and Sr26. Five lines with the diagnostic fragment for Sr25 were identified, and they all have 'Wheatear' in their pedigrees, which is known to carry Sr25. None of the 170 lines tested had Sr26, as expected.

Development of wheat lines carrying stem rust resistance gene Sr39 with reduced Aegilops speltoides chromatin and simple PCR markers for marker-assisted selection

The use of major resistance genes is a cost-effective strategy for preventing stem rust epidemics in wheat crops. The stem rust resistance gene Sr39 provides resistance to all currently known pathotypes of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) including Ug99 (TTKSK) and was introgressed together with leaf rust resistance gene Lr35 conferring adult plant resistance to P. triticina (Pt), into wheat from Aegilops speltoides. It has not been used extensively in wheat breeding because of the presumed but as yet undocumented negative agronomic effects associated with Ae. speltoides chromatin. This investigation reports the production of a set of recombinants with shortened Ae. speltoides segments through induction of homoeologous recombination between the wheat and the Ae. speltoides chromosome. Simple PCR-based DNA markers were developed for resistant and susceptible genotypes (Sr39#22r and Sr39#50s) and validated across a set of recombinant lines and wheat cultivars. These markers will facilitate the pyramiding of ameliorated sources of Sr39 with other stem rust resistance genes that are effective against the Pgt pathotype TTKSK and its variants.

Genetic mapping of adult plant leaf rust resistance genes Lr48 and Lr49 in common wheat

Hypersensitive adult plant resistance genes Lr48 and Lr49 were named based on their genetic independence of the known adult plant resistance genes. This study was planned to determine genomic locations of these genes. Recombinant inbred line populations derived from crosses involving CSP44 and VL404, sources of Lr48 and Lr49, respectively, and the susceptible parent WL711, were used to determine the genomic locations of these genes. Bulked segregant analyses were performed using multiplex-ready PCR technology. Lr48 in genotype CSP44 was mapped on chromosome arm 2BS flanked by marker loci Xgwm429b (6.1 cM) and Xbarc7 (7.3 cM) distally and proximally, respectively. Leaf rust resistance gene Lr13, carried by the alternate parent WL711, was proximal to Lr48 and was flanked by Xksm58 (5.1 cM) and Xstm773-2 (8.7 cM). Lr49 was flanked by Xbarc163 (8.1 cM) and Xwmc349 (10.1 cM) on chromosome arm 4BL. The likely presence of the durable leaf rust resistance gene Lr34 in both CSP44 and VL404 was confirmed using the tightly linked marker csLV34. Near-isogenic lines for Lr48 and Lr49 were developed in cultivar Lal Bahadur. Genotypes combining Lr13 and/or Lr34 with Lr48 or Lr49 were identified as potential donor sources for cultivar development programs.

Stem rust of wheat in Australia

Annual pathogenicity surveys of Puccinina graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt), initiated at the University of Sydney in 1919, have continued without interruption to the present day. The population structure of Pgt over the past 85 years has been strongly influenced by exotic introductions in 1925 (race 126), 1954 (race 21), and 1969 (races 194 and 326), subsequent random mutations to virulence, and selection of genotypes with virulence matching resistance genes in cultivars. Pathotypes detected in Australia over the past 10 years trace back to either races 21, 194, or 326. Based on varietal resistance and pathogenic variability, previous workers identified 3 periods between 1919 and 1970: from 1919 to 1938, cultivars lacked effective resistance genes; from 1938 to 1964, cultivars released with single genes for resistance (Sr6, Sr11, Sr9b, Sr36, Sr17), and new pathotypes with corresponding virulences were detected; from 1965 to 1970, and beyond, cultivars with multiple resistance genes were deployed in many regions, significantly reducing yield losses. During this third phase, and until now, cultivars were protected by resistance genes Sr2, Sr9g, Sr12, Sr13, Sr17, Sr22, Sr24, Sr26, Sr30, Sr36, and Sr38, singly or more commonly in combinations. Overall inoculum levels and pathotype diversity in Pgt have declined in all wheat-growing regions since the mid 1970s, likely as a consequence of the release of cultivars with gene combinations. Despite the low levels of stem rust in Australia over the past 30 years, resistance is still a top priority in many breeding programs. The development of virulence for Sr38 in WA in 2001 was a timely reminder of the need for continued vigilance if the sustained genetic control of the past 30 years is to continue.