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Chen Z, Li X, He F, Liu B, Xu W, Chai L, Cheng X, Song L, Guo W, Hu Z, Su Z, Liu J, Xin M, Peng H, Yao Y, Sun Q, Xing J, Ni Z. Positional cloning and characterization reveal the role of TaSRN-3D and TaBSR1 in the regulation of seminal root number in wheat. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2024; 242:2510-2523. [PMID: 38629267 DOI: 10.1111/nph.19740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024]
Abstract
Seminal roots play a critical role in water and nutrient absorption, particularly in the early developmental stages of wheat. However, the genes responsible for controlling SRN in wheat remain largely unknown. Genetic mapping and functional analyses identified a candidate gene (TraesCS3D01G137200, TaSRN-3D) encoding a Ser/Thr kinase glycogen synthase kinase 3 (STKc_GSK3) that regulated SRN in wheat. Additionally, experiments involving hormone treatment, nitrate absorption and protein interaction were conducted to explore the regulatory mechanism of TaSRN-3D. Results showed that the TaSRN-3D4332 allele inhibited seminal roots initiation and development, while loss-of-function mutants showed significantly higher seminal root number (SRN). Exogenous application of epi-brassinolide could increase the SRN in a HS2-allelic background. Furthermore, chlorate sensitivity and 15N uptake assays revealed that a higher number of seminal roots promoted nitrate accumulation. TaBSR1 (BIN2-related SRN Regulator 1, orthologous to OsGRF4/GL2 in rice) acts as an interactor of TaSRN-3D and promotes TaBSR1 degradation to reduce SRN. This study provides valuable insights into understanding the genetic basis and regulatory network of SRN in wheat, highlighting their roles as potential targets for root-based improvement in wheat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyan Chen
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuanshuang Li
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fei He
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weiya Xu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lingling Chai
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Xuejiao Cheng
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
- State Key Laboratory for Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, CIC-MCP, Nanjing Agricultural University, No. 1 Weigang, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Long Song
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Weilong Guo
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhaorong Hu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhenqi Su
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Mingming Xin
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Huiru Peng
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yingyin Yao
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Qixin Sun
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jiewen Xing
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhongfu Ni
- Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), Key Laboratory of Crop Heterosis and Utilization (MOE), China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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Abbas M, Abid MA, Meng Z, Abbas M, Wang P, Lu C, Askari M, Akram U, Ye Y, Wei Y, Wang Y, Guo S, Liang C, Zhang R. Integrating advancements in root phenotyping and genome-wide association studies to open the root genetics gateway. PHYSIOLOGIA PLANTARUM 2022; 174:e13787. [PMID: 36169590 DOI: 10.1111/ppl.13787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Plant adaptation to challenging environmental conditions around the world has made root growth and development an important research area for plant breeders and scientists. Targeted manipulation of root system architecture (RSA) to increase water and nutrient use efficiency can minimize the adverse effects of climate change on crop production. However, phenotyping of RSA is a major bottleneck since the roots are hidden in the soil. Recently the development of 2- and 3D root imaging techniques combined with the genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have opened up new research tools to identify the genetic basis of RSA. These approaches provide a comprehensive understanding of the RSA, by accelerating the identification and characterization of genes involved in root growth and development. This review summarizes the latest developments in phenotyping techniques and GWAS for RSA, which are used to map important genes regulating various aspects of RSA under varying environmental conditions. Furthermore, we discussed about the state-of-the-art image analysis tools integrated with various phenotyping platforms for investigating and quantifying root traits with the highest phenotypic plasticity in both artificial and natural environments which were used for large scale association mapping studies, leading to the identification of RSA phenotypes and their underlying genetics with the greatest potential for RSA improvement. In addition, challenges in root phenotyping and GWAS are also highlighted, along with future research directions employing machine learning and pan-genomics approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubashir Abbas
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Ali Abid
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhigang Meng
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Manzar Abbas
- School of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Engineering, Yibin University, Yibin, China
| | - Peilin Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Lu
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Muhammad Askari
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Umar Akram
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yulu Ye
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yunxiao Wei
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sandui Guo
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengzhen Liang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Biotechnology Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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Lauterberg M, Saranga Y, Deblieck M, Klukas C, Krugman T, Perovic D, Ordon F, Graner A, Neumann K. Precision phenotyping across the life cycle to validate and decipher drought-adaptive QTLs of wild emmer wheat ( Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides) introduced into elite wheat varieties. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:965287. [PMID: 36311121 PMCID: PMC9598872 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.965287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Drought events or the combination of drought and heat conditions are expected to become more frequent due to global warming, and wheat yields may fall below their long-term average. One way to increase climate-resilience of modern high-yielding varieties is by their genetic improvement with beneficial alleles from crop wild relatives. In the present study, the effect of two beneficial QTLs introgressed from wild emmer wheat and incorporated in the three wheat varieties BarNir, Zahir and Uzan was studied under well-watered conditions and under drought stress using non-destructive High-throughput Phenotyping (HTP) throughout the life cycle in a single pot-experiment. Plants were daily imaged with RGB top and side view cameras and watered automatically. Further, at two time points, the quantum yield of photosystem II was measured with a top view FluorCam. The QTL carrying near isogenic lines (NILs) were compared with their corresponding parents by t-test for all non-invasively obtained traits and for the manually determined agronomic and yield parameters. Data quality of phenotypic traits (repeatability) in the controlled HTP experiment was above 85% throughout the life cycle and at maturity. Drought stress had a strong effect on growth in all wheat genotypes causing biomass reduction from 2% up to 70% at early and late points in the drought period, respectively. At maturity, the drought caused 47-55% decreases in yield-related traits grain weight, straw weight and total biomass and reduced TKW by 10%, while water use efficiency (WUE) increased under drought by 29%. The yield-enhancing effect of the introgressed QTLs under drought conditions that were previously demonstrated under field/screenhouse conditions in Israel, could be mostly confirmed in a greenhouse pot experiment using HTP. Daily precision phenotyping enabled to decipher the mode of action of the QTLs in the different genetic backgrounds throughout the entire wheat life cycle. Daily phenotyping allowed a precise determination of the timing and size of the QTLs effect (s) and further yielded information about which image-derived traits are informative at which developmental stage of wheat during the entire life cycle. Maximum height and estimated biovolume were reached about a week after heading, so experiments that only aim at exploring these traits would not need a longer observation period. To obtain information on different onset and progress of senescence, the CVa curves represented best the ongoing senescence of plants. The QTL on 7A in the BarNir background was found to improve yield under drought by increased biomass growth, a higher photosynthetic performance, a higher WUE and a "stay green effect."
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Affiliation(s)
- Madita Lauterberg
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Yehoshua Saranga
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Mathieu Deblieck
- Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Julius Kühn-Institute, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Christian Klukas
- Digitalization in Research and Development (ROM), BASF SE, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Tamar Krugman
- Institute of Evolution, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Dragan Perovic
- Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Julius Kühn-Institute, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Frank Ordon
- Institute for Resistance Research and Stress Tolerance, Julius Kühn-Institute, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Graner
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
| | - Kerstin Neumann
- Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK), Gatersleben, Germany
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Li J, Xie T, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Wang C, Jiang Z, Yang W, Zhou G, Guo L, Zhang J. High-throughput unmanned aerial vehicle-based phenotyping provides insights into the dynamic process and genetic basis of rapeseed waterlogging response in the field. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2022; 73:5264-5278. [PMID: 35641129 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Waterlogging severely affects the growth, development, and yield of crops. Accurate high-throughput phenotyping is important for exploring the dynamic crop waterlogging response in the field, and the genetic basis of waterlogging tolerance. In this study, a multi-model remote sensing phenotyping platform based on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was used to assess the genetic response of rapeseed (Brassica napus) to waterlogging, by measuring morphological traits and spectral indices over 2 years. The dynamic responses of the morphological and spectral traits indicated that the rapeseed waterlogging response was severe before the middle stage within 18 d after recovery, but it subsequently decreased partly. Genome-wide association studies identified 289 and 333 loci associated with waterlogging tolerance in 2 years. Next, 25 loci with at least nine associations with waterlogging-related traits were defined as highly reliable loci, and 13 loci were simultaneously identified by waterlogging tolerance coefficients of morphological traits, spectral indices, and common factors. Forty candidate genes were predicted in the regions of 13 overlapping loci. Our study provides insights into the understanding of the dynamic process and genetic basis of rapeseed waterlogging response in the field by a high-throughput UAV phenotyping platform. The highly reliable loci identified in this study are valuable for breeding waterlogging-tolerant rapeseed cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jijun Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianjin Xie
- Macro Agriculture Research Institute, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yahui Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuting Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Chufeng Wang
- Macro Agriculture Research Institute, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhao Jiang
- Macro Agriculture Research Institute, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanneng Yang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Guangsheng Zhou
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Liang Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Macro Agriculture Research Institute, College of Resource and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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5
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Maqbool S, Hassan MA, Xia X, York LM, Rasheed A, He Z. Root system architecture in cereals: progress, challenges and perspective. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 110:23-42. [PMID: 35020968 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.15669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Roots are essential multifunctional plant organs involved in water and nutrient uptake, metabolite storage, anchorage, mechanical support, and interaction with the soil environment. Understanding of this 'hidden half' provides potential for manipulation of root system architecture (RSA) traits to optimize resource use efficiency and grain yield in cereal crops. Unfortunately, root traits are highly neglected in breeding due to the challenges of phenotyping, but could have large rewards if the variability in RSA traits can be fully exploited. Until now, a plethora of genes have been characterized in detail for their potential role in improving RSA. The use of forward genetics approaches to find sequence variations in genes underpinning desirable RSA would be highly beneficial. Advances in computer vision applications have allowed image-based approaches for high-throughput phenotyping of RSA traits that can be used by any laboratory worldwide to make progress in understanding root function and dissection of the genetics. At the same time, the frontiers of root measurement include non-invasive methods like X-ray computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging that facilitate new types of temporal studies. Root physiology and ecology are further supported by spatiotemporal root simulation modeling. The discovery of component traits providing improved resilience and yield advantage in target environments is a key necessity for mainstreaming root-based cereal breeding. The integrated use of pan-genome resources, now available in most cereals, coupled with new in-field phenotyping platforms has the potential for precise selection of superior genotypes with improved RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saman Maqbool
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Adeel Hassan
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Xianchun Xia
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Larry M York
- Biosciences Division and Center for Bioenergy Innovation, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Awais Rasheed
- Department of Plant Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, 45320, Pakistan
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, c/o CAAS, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Zhonghu He
- Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
- International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CIMMYT) China Office, c/o CAAS, 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Beijing, 100081, China
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Chhabra B, Singh L, Wallace S, Schoen A, Dong Y, Tiwari V, Rawat N. Screening of an Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Mutagenized Population of a Wheat Cultivar Susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight Identifies Resistant Variants. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:3669-3676. [PMID: 34132597 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-03-21-0670-re] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum is a key disease of small grains. Diseased spikes show symptoms of premature bleaching shortly after infection and have aborted or shriveled seeds, resulting in reduced yields. The fungus also deteriorates quality and safety of the grain because of production of mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), which can result in grain being docked or rejected at the point of sale. Genetic host resistance to FHB is quantitative, and no complete genetic resistance against this devastating disease is available. Alternative approaches to develop new sources of FHB resistance are needed. In this study, we performed extensive forward genetic screening of the M4 generation of an ethyl methane sulfonate-induced mutagenized population of cultivar Jagger to isolate variants with FHB resistance. In field testing, 74 mutant lines were found to have resistance against FHB spread, and 30 of these lines also had low DON content. Subsequent testing over 2 years in controlled greenhouse conditions revealed 10 M6 lines showing significantly lower FHB spread. Seven and 6 of those 10 lines also had reduced DON content and fewer Fusarium-damaged kernels, respectively. Future endeavors will include identification of the mutations that led to resistance in these variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavit Chhabra
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Lovepreet Singh
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Sydney Wallace
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Adam Schoen
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Yanhong Dong
- Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
| | - Vijay Tiwari
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
| | - Nidhi Rawat
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742
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Li C, Li L, Reynolds MP, Wang J, Chang X, Mao X, Jing R. Recognizing the hidden half in wheat: root system attributes associated with drought tolerance. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2021; 72:5117-5133. [PMID: 33783492 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erab124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Improving drought tolerance in wheat is crucial for maintaining productivity and food security. Roots are responsible for the uptake of water from soil, and a number of root traits are associated with drought tolerance. Studies have revealed many quantitative trait loci and genes controlling root development in plants. However, the genetic dissection of root traits in response to drought in wheat is still unclear. Here, we review crop root traits associated with drought, key genes governing root development in plants, and quantitative trait loci and genes regulating root system architecture under water-limited conditions in wheat. Deep roots, optimal root length density and xylem diameter, and increased root surface area are traits contributing to drought tolerance. In view of the diverse environments in which wheat is grown, the balance among root and shoot traits, as well as individual and population performance, are discussed. The known functions of key genes provide information for the genetic dissection of root development of wheat in a wide range of conditions, and will be beneficial for molecular marker development, marker-assisted selection, and genetic improvement in breeding for drought tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaonan Li
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Long Li
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | | | - Jingyi Wang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xiaoping Chang
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xinguo Mao
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Ruilian Jing
- National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement/Institute of Crop Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
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Ober ES, Alahmad S, Cockram J, Forestan C, Hickey LT, Kant J, Maccaferri M, Marr E, Milner M, Pinto F, Rambla C, Reynolds M, Salvi S, Sciara G, Snowdon RJ, Thomelin P, Tuberosa R, Uauy C, Voss-Fels KP, Wallington E, Watt M. Wheat root systems as a breeding target for climate resilience. TAG. THEORETICAL AND APPLIED GENETICS. THEORETISCHE UND ANGEWANDTE GENETIK 2021; 134:1645-1662. [PMID: 33900415 PMCID: PMC8206059 DOI: 10.1007/s00122-021-03819-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
In the coming decades, larger genetic gains in yield will be necessary to meet projected demand, and this must be achieved despite the destabilizing impacts of climate change on crop production. The root systems of crops capture the water and nutrients needed to support crop growth, and improved root systems tailored to the challenges of specific agricultural environments could improve climate resiliency. Each component of root initiation, growth and development is controlled genetically and responds to the environment, which translates to a complex quantitative system to navigate for the breeder, but also a world of opportunity given the right tools. In this review, we argue that it is important to know more about the 'hidden half' of crop plants and hypothesize that crop improvement could be further enhanced using approaches that directly target selection for root system architecture. To explore these issues, we focus predominantly on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple crop that plays a major role in underpinning global food security. We review the tools available for root phenotyping under controlled and field conditions and the use of these platforms alongside modern genetics and genomics resources to dissect the genetic architecture controlling the wheat root system. To contextualize these advances for applied wheat breeding, we explore questions surrounding which root system architectures should be selected for, which agricultural environments and genetic trait configurations of breeding populations are these best suited to, and how might direct selection for these root ideotypes be implemented in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric S Ober
- NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK.
| | - Samir Alahmad
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - James Cockram
- NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK
| | - Cristian Forestan
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lee T Hickey
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Josefine Kant
- Forschungszentrum Jülich, IBG-2, Wilhelm-Johnen-Straße, 52428, Jülich, Germany
| | - Marco Maccaferri
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emily Marr
- NIAB, 93 Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK
| | | | - Francisco Pinto
- Global Wheat Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), 56237, Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Charlotte Rambla
- Centre for Crop Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- Global Wheat Program, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), 56237, Texcoco, Estado de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Silvio Salvi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sciara
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rod J Snowdon
- Department of Plant Breeding, IFZ Research Centre for Biosystems, Land Use and Nutrition, Justus Liebig University, Heinrich-Buff-Ring 26-32, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Roberto Tuberosa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale G Fanin 44, 40127, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cristobal Uauy
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Kai P Voss-Fels
- Centre for Animal Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | | | - Michelle Watt
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
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Hendel E, Bacher H, Oksenberg A, Walia H, Schwartz N, Peleg Z. Deciphering the genetic basis of wheat seminal root anatomy uncovers ancestral axial conductance alleles. PLANT, CELL & ENVIRONMENT 2021; 44:1921-1934. [PMID: 33629405 DOI: 10.1111/pce.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Root axial conductance, which describes the ability of water to move through the xylem, contributes to the rate of water uptake from the soil throughout the whole plant lifecycle. Under the rainfed wheat agro-system, grain-filling is typically occurring during declining water availability (i.e., terminal drought). Therefore, preserving soil water moisture during grain filling could serve as a key adaptive trait. We hypothesized that lower wheat root axial conductance can promote higher yields under terminal drought. A segregating population derived from a cross between durum wheat and its direct progenitor wild emmer wheat was used to underpin the genetic basis of seminal root architectural and functional traits. We detected 75 QTL associated with seminal roots morphological, anatomical and physiological traits, with several hotspots harbouring co-localized QTL. We further validated the axial conductance and central metaxylem QTL using wild introgression lines. Field-based characterization of genotypes with contrasting axial conductance suggested the contribution of low axial conductance as a mechanism for water conservation during grain filling and consequent increase in grain size and yield. Our findings underscore the potential of harnessing wild alleles to reshape the wheat root system architecture and associated hydraulic properties for greater adaptability under changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Hendel
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
- The Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Harel Bacher
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Adi Oksenberg
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Harkamal Walia
- Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Nimrod Schwartz
- The Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Zvi Peleg
- The Robert H. Smith Institute of Plant Sciences and Genetics in Agriculture, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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Regulation of Sixth Seminal Root Formation by Jasmonate in Triticum aestivum L. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10020219. [PMID: 33498738 PMCID: PMC7911905 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
A well-developed root system is an important characteristic of crop plants, which largely determines their productivity, especially under conditions of water and nutrients deficiency. Being Poaceous, wheat has more than one seminal root. The number of grown seminal roots varies in different wheat accessions and is regulated by environmental factors. Currently, the molecular mechanisms determining the number of germinated seminal roots remain poorly understood. The analysis of the root system development in germinating seeds of genetically modified hexaploid wheat plants with altered activity of jasmonate biosynthesis pathway and seeds exogenously treated with methyl jasmonate revealed the role of jasmonates in the regulation of sixth seminal root development. This regulatory effect strongly depends on the jasmonate concentration and the duration of the exposure to this hormone. The maximum stimulatory effect of exogenously applied methyl jasmonate on the formation of the sixth seminal root was achieved at 200 μM concentration after 48 h of treatment. Further increase in concentration and exposure time does not increase the stimulating effect. While 95% of non-transgenic plants under non-stress conditions possess five or fewer seminal roots, the number of plants with developed sixth seminal root reaches up to 100% when selected transgenic lines are treated with methyl jasmonate.
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11
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Abstract
Wheat was one of the first grain crops domesticated by humans and remains among the major contributors to the global calorie and protein budget. The rapidly expanding world population demands further enhancement of yield and performance of wheat. Phenotypic information has historically been instrumental in wheat breeding for improved traits. In the last two decades, a steadily growing collection of tools and imaging software have given us the ability to quantify shoot, root, and seed traits with progressively increasing accuracy and throughput. This review discusses challenges and advancements in image analysis platforms for wheat phenotyping at the organ level. Perspectives on how these collective phenotypes can inform basic research on understanding wheat physiology and breeding for wheat improvement are also provided.
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