Equal Distribution of Mating Type Alleles and the Presence of Strobilurin Resistance in Algerian Zymoseptoria tritici Field Populations

Deciphering resistance to Zymoseptoria tritici in the Tunisian durum wheat landrace accession 'Agili39'

Background

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici (Z. tritici), is an important biotic threat to durum wheat in the entire Mediterranean Basin. Although most durum wheat cultivars are susceptible to Z. tritici, research in STB resistance in durum wheat has been limited.

Results

In our study, we have identified resistance to a wide array of Z. tritici isolates in the Tunisian durum wheat landrace accession ‘Agili39’. Subsequently, a recombinant inbred population was developed and tested under greenhouse conditions at the seedling stage with eight Z. tritici isolates and for five years under field conditions with three Z. tritici isolates. Mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) resulted in the identification of two major QTL on chromosome 2B designated as Qstb2B_1 and Qstb2B_2. The Qstb2B_1 QTL was mapped at the seedling and the adult plant stage (highest LOD 33.9, explained variance 61.6%), conferring an effective resistance against five Z. tritici isolates. The Qstb2B_2 conferred adult plant resistance (highest LOD 32.9, explained variance 42%) and has been effective at the field trials against two Z. tritici isolates. The physical positions of the flanking markers linked to Qstb2B_1 and Qstb2B_2 indicate that these two QTL are 5 Mb apart. In addition, we identified two minor QTL on chromosomes 1A (Qstb1A) and chromosome 7A (Qstb7A) (highest LODs 4.6 and 4.0, and explained variances of 16% and 9%, respectively) that were specific to three and one Z. tritici isolates, respectively. All identified QTL were derived from the landrace accession Agili39 that represents a valuable source for STB resistance in durum wheat.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that Z. tritici resistance in the ‘Agili39’ landrace accession is controlled by two minor and two major QTL acting in an additive mode. We also provide evidence that the broad efficacy of the resistance to STB in ‘Agili 39’ is due to a natural pyramiding of these QTL. A sustainable use of this Z. tritici resistance source and a positive selection of the linked markers to the identified QTL will greatly support effective breeding for Z. tritici resistance in durum wheat.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12864-022-08560-2.

Sensitivity of the Pyrenophora teres Population in Algeria to Quinone outside Inhibitors, Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitors and Demethylation Inhibitors

Net blotch of barley caused by Pyrenophora teres (Died.) Drechsler, is one of the most destructive diseases on barley in Algeria. It occurs in two forms: P. teres f. teres and P. teres f. maculata. A total of 212 isolates, obtained from 58 fields sampled in several barley growing areas, were assessed for fungicide sensitivity by target gene analysis. F129L and G137R mitochondrial cytochrome b substitution associated with quinone outside inhibitors (QoIs) resistance, and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHIs) related mutations (B-H277, C-N75S, C-G79R, C-H134R, and C-S135R), were analyzed by pyrosequencing. In vitro sensitivity of 45 isolates, towards six fungicides belonging to three chemical groups (QoI, demethylase inhibitor, and SDHI) was tested by microtiter technique. Additionally, sensitivity towards three fungicides (azoxystrobin, fluxapyroxad, and epoxiconazole) was assessed in planta under glasshouse conditions. All tested isolates were QoI-sensitive and SDHI-sensitive, no mutation that confers resistance was identified. EC50 values showed that pyraclostrobin and azoxystrobin are the most efficient fungicides in vitro, whereas fluxapyroxad displayed the best disease inhibition in planta (81% inhibition at 1/9 of the full dose). The EC₅₀ values recorded for each form of net blotch showed no significant difference in efficiency of QoI treatments and propiconazole on each form. However, in the case of fluxapyroxad, epoxiconazole and tebuconazole treatments, analysis showed significant differences in their efficiency. To our knowledge, this study is the first investigation related to mutations associated to QoI and SDHI fungicide resistance in Algerian P. teres population, as well as it is the first evaluation of the sensitivity of P. teres population towards these six fungicides.

Sexual reproduction of Zymoseptoria tritici on durum wheat in Tunisia revealed by presence of airborne inoculum, fruiting bodies and high levels of genetic diversity

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) caused by the heterothallic ascomycete Zymoseptoria tritici is currently one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. The extent of sexual reproduction of this pathogen is well documented on bread wheat, but not on durum wheat. The objective of the present study was to quantify the occurrence of Z. tritici sexual reproduction on durum wheat in the Tunisian environment. The assessment was undertaken using a triple approach combining fruiting body assessment, ascospore trapping and population genetic analyses. The results highlighted the formation of pseudothecia on leaves and stubble from the autumn until the end of the growing season. Likewise, qPCR monitoring highlighted a constant release of Z. tritici airborne inoculum during the wheat-growing season, with a peak of production at the end of the season. Genetic investigations using microsatellites revealed high levels of gene and genotypic diversities, an equal distribution of mating types, and a lack of genetic clustering within and between growing seasons. Taken together, these findings indicate that Z. tritici undergoes sexual reproduction on durum wheat in Tunisia at least to the same extent than on bread wheat in Western Europe, and that the dry and warm climate does not affect the mating process of the fungus. Frequent occurrence of sexual reproduction is a valuable knowledge to take into account in STB control strategies on durum wheat.