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Doddrell NH, Lawson T, Raines CA, Wagstaff C, Simkin AJ. Feeding the world: impacts of elevated [CO 2] on nutrient content of greenhouse grown fruit crops and options for future yield gains. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad026. [PMID: 37090096 PMCID: PMC10116952 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Several long-term studies have provided strong support demonstrating that growing crops under elevated [CO2] can increase photosynthesis and result in an increase in yield, flavour and nutritional content (including but not limited to Vitamins C, E and pro-vitamin A). In the case of tomato, increases in yield by as much as 80% are observed when plants are cultivated at 1000 ppm [CO2], which is consistent with current commercial greenhouse production methods in the tomato fruit industry. These results provide a clear demonstration of the potential for elevating [CO2] for improving yield and quality in greenhouse crops. The major focus of this review is to bring together 50 years of observations evaluating the impact of elevated [CO2] on fruit yield and fruit nutritional quality. In the final section, we consider the need to engineer improvements to photosynthesis and nitrogen assimilation to allow plants to take greater advantage of elevated CO2 growth conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas H Doddrell
- NIAB, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ UK
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6DZ, UK
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester CO4 4SQ, UK
| | | | - Carol Wagstaff
- Department of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire RG6 6DZ, UK
| | - Andrew J Simkin
- NIAB, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ UK
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom CT2 7NJ, UK
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2
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Murchie EH, Reynolds M, Slafer GA, Foulkes MJ, Acevedo-Siaca L, McAusland L, Sharwood R, Griffiths S, Flavell RB, Gwyn J, Sawkins M, Carmo-Silva E. A 'wiring diagram' for source strength traits impacting wheat yield potential. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:72-90. [PMID: 36264277 PMCID: PMC9786870 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Source traits are currently of great interest for the enhancement of yield potential; for example, much effort is being expended to find ways of modifying photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis is but one component of crop regulation, so sink activities and the coordination of diverse processes throughout the crop must be considered in an integrated, systems approach. A set of 'wiring diagrams' has been devised as a visual tool to integrate the interactions of component processes at different stages of wheat development. They enable the roles of chloroplast, leaf, and whole-canopy processes to be seen in the context of sink development and crop growth as a whole. In this review, we dissect source traits both anatomically (foliar and non-foliar) and temporally (pre- and post-anthesis), and consider the evidence for their regulation at local and whole-plant/crop levels. We consider how the formation of a canopy creates challenges (self-occlusion) and opportunities (dynamic photosynthesis) for components of photosynthesis. Lastly, we discuss the regulation of source activity by feedback regulation. The review is written in the framework of the wiring diagrams which, as integrated descriptors of traits underpinning grain yield, are designed to provide a potential workspace for breeders and other crop scientists that, along with high-throughput and precision phenotyping data, genetics, and bioinformatics, will help build future dynamic models of trait and gene interactions to achieve yield gains in wheat and other field crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew Reynolds
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Gustavo A Slafer
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida–AGROTECNIO-CERCA Center, Av. R. Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
- ICREA (Catalonian Institution for Research and Advanced Studies), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M John Foulkes
- Division of Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Liana Acevedo-Siaca
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Km. 45, Carretera Mexico-Veracruz, El Batan, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Lorna McAusland
- Division of Plant and Crop Science, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Robert Sharwood
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Richmond NSW 2753, Australia
| | - Simon Griffiths
- John Innes Centre, Norwich Research Park, Colney Ln, Norwich NR4 7UH, UK
| | - Richard B Flavell
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Jeff Gwyn
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mark Sawkins
- International Wheat Yield Partnership, 1500 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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3
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Vignati E, Lipska M, Dunwell JM, Caccamo M, Simkin AJ. Options for the generation of seedless cherry, the ultimate snacking product. PLANTA 2022; 256:90. [PMID: 36171415 PMCID: PMC9519733 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-04005-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This manuscript identifies cherry orthologues of genes implicated in the development of pericarpic fruit and pinpoints potential options and restrictions in the use of these targets for commercial exploitation of parthenocarpic cherry fruit. Cherry fruit contain a large stone and seed, making processing of the fruit laborious and consumption by the consumer challenging, inconvenient to eat 'on the move' and potentially dangerous for children. Availability of fruit lacking the stone and seed would be potentially transformative for the cherry industry, since such fruit would be easier to process and would increase consumer demand because of the potential reduction in costs. This review will explore the background of seedless fruit, in the context of the ambition to produce the first seedless cherry, carry out an in-depth analysis of the current literature around parthenocarpy in fruit, and discuss the available technology and potential for producing seedless cherry fruit as an 'ultimate snacking product' for the twenty-first century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Vignati
- NIAB East Malling, Department of Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, New Road, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Marzena Lipska
- NIAB East Malling, Department of Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, New Road, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK
| | - Jim M Dunwell
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, Berkshire, RG6 6EU, UK
| | - Mario Caccamo
- NIAB, Cambridge Crop Research, Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge, CB3 0LE, UK
| | - Andrew J Simkin
- NIAB East Malling, Department of Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, New Road, West Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK.
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, UK.
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4
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Vignati E, Lipska M, Dunwell JM, Caccamo M, Simkin AJ. Fruit Development in Sweet Cherry. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11121531. [PMID: 35736682 PMCID: PMC9227597 DOI: 10.3390/plants11121531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Fruits are an important source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients in the human diet. They also contain several compounds of nutraceutical importance that have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory roles, which can protect the consumer from diseases, such as cancer, and cardiovascular disease as well as having roles in reducing the build-up of LDL-cholesterol in blood plasma and generally reduce the risks of disease and age-related decline in health. Cherries contain high concentrations of bioactive compounds and minerals, including calcium, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium, and it is, therefore, unsurprising that cherry consumption has a positive impact on health. This review highlights the development of sweet cherry fruit, the health benefits of cherry consumption, and the options for increasing consumer acceptance and consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Vignati
- NIAB, New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ, UK; (E.V.); (M.L.)
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6EU, UK;
| | - Marzena Lipska
- NIAB, New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ, UK; (E.V.); (M.L.)
| | - Jim M. Dunwell
- School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6EU, UK;
| | - Mario Caccamo
- NIAB, Cambridge Crop Research, Lawrence Weaver Road, Cambridge CB3 0LE, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Simkin
- NIAB, New Road, East Malling ME19 6BJ, UK; (E.V.); (M.L.)
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK
- Correspondence:
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5
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Lin G, Chen H, Tian B, Sehgal SK, Singh L, Xie J, Rawat N, Juliana P, Singh N, Shrestha S, Wilson DL, Shult H, Lee H, Schoen AW, Tiwari VK, Singh RP, Guttieri MJ, Trick HN, Poland J, Bowden RL, Bai G, Gill B, Liu S. Cloning of the broadly effective wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr42 transferred from Aegilops tauschii. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3044. [PMID: 35650212 PMCID: PMC9160033 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The wheat wild relative Aegilops tauschii was previously used to transfer the Lr42 leaf rust resistance gene into bread wheat. Lr42 confers resistance at both seedling and adult stages, and it is broadly effective against all leaf rust races tested to date. Lr42 has been used extensively in the CIMMYT international wheat breeding program with resulting cultivars deployed in several countries. Here, using a bulked segregant RNA-Seq (BSR-Seq) mapping strategy, we identify three candidate genes for Lr42. Overexpression of a nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NLR) gene AET1Gv20040300 induces strong resistance to leaf rust in wheat and a mutation of the gene disrupted the resistance. The Lr42 resistance allele is rare in Ae. tauschii and likely arose from ectopic recombination. Cloning of Lr42 provides diagnostic markers and over 1000 CIMMYT wheat lines carrying Lr42 have been developed documenting its widespread use and impact in crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Lin
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Bin Tian
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.,Syngenta Crop Protection, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Sunish K Sehgal
- Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, 57006, USA
| | - Lovepreet Singh
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jingzhong Xie
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.,State Key Laboratory of Plant Cell and Chromosome Engineering, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Innovation Academy for Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Nidhi Rawat
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Philomin Juliana
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), 56237, Texcoco, Mexico.,Borlaug Institute for South Asia, Ludhiana, India
| | - Narinder Singh
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.,Bayer R&D Services LLC, Kansas City, MO, 64153, USA
| | - Sandesh Shrestha
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Duane L Wilson
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Hannah Shult
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Hyeonju Lee
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Adam William Schoen
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Vijay K Tiwari
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Ravi P Singh
- International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), 56237, Texcoco, Mexico
| | - Mary J Guttieri
- Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Harold N Trick
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Jesse Poland
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.,Center for Desert Agriculture, Biological and Environmental Science and Engineering Division (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
| | - Robert L Bowden
- Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Guihua Bai
- Department of Agronomy, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.,Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA
| | - Bikram Gill
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.
| | - Sanzhen Liu
- Department of Plant Pathology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 66506-5502, USA.
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6
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Simkin AJ, Kapoor L, Doss CGP, Hofmann TA, Lawson T, Ramamoorthy S. The role of photosynthesis related pigments in light harvesting, photoprotection and enhancement of photosynthetic yield in planta. PHOTOSYNTHESIS RESEARCH 2022; 152:23-42. [PMID: 35064531 DOI: 10.1007/s11120-021-00892-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Photosynthetic pigments are an integral and vital part of all photosynthetic machinery and are present in different types and abundances throughout the photosynthetic apparatus. Chlorophyll, carotenoids and phycobilins are the prime photosynthetic pigments which facilitate efficient light absorption in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. The chlorophyll family plays a vital role in light harvesting by absorbing light at different wavelengths and allowing photosynthetic organisms to adapt to different environments, either in the long-term or during transient changes in light. Carotenoids play diverse roles in photosynthesis, including light capture and as crucial antioxidants to reduce photodamage and photoinhibition. In the marine habitat, phycobilins capture a wide spectrum of light and have allowed cyanobacteria and red algae to colonise deep waters where other frequencies of light are attenuated by the water column. In this review, we discuss the potential strategies that photosynthetic pigments provide, coupled with development of molecular biological techniques, to improve crop yields through enhanced light harvesting, increased photoprotection and improved photosynthetic efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Simkin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NJ, United Kingdom
| | - Leepica Kapoor
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - C George Priya Doss
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Tanja A Hofmann
- OSFC, Scrivener Drive, Pinewood, Ipswich, IP8 3SU, United Kingdom
| | - Tracy Lawson
- School of Life Sciences, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, United Kingdom
| | - Siva Ramamoorthy
- School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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7
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Simkin AJ. Carotenoids and Apocarotenoids in Planta: Their Role in Plant Development, Contribution to the Flavour and Aroma of Fruits and Flowers, and Their Nutraceutical Benefits. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112321. [PMID: 34834683 PMCID: PMC8624010 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Carotenoids and apocarotenoids are diverse classes of compounds found in nature and are important natural pigments, nutraceuticals and flavour/aroma molecules. Improving the quality of crops is important for providing micronutrients to remote communities where dietary variation is often limited. Carotenoids have also been shown to have a significant impact on a number of human diseases, improving the survival rates of some cancers and slowing the progression of neurological illnesses. Furthermore, carotenoid-derived compounds can impact the flavour and aroma of crops and vegetables and are the origin of important developmental, as well as plant resistance compounds required for defence. In this review, we discuss the current research being undertaken to increase carotenoid content in plants and research the benefits to human health and the role of carotenoid derived volatiles on flavour and aroma of fruits and vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. Simkin
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NJ, UK; or
- Crop Science and Production Systems, NIAB-EMR, New Road, East Malling, Kent ME19 6BJ, UK
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8
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Alotaibi SS. Developing specific leaf promoters tools for genetic use in transgenic plants towards food security. Saudi J Biol Sci 2021; 28:5187-5192. [PMID: 34466096 PMCID: PMC8380998 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.05.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant yields enrichments are necessitated for meeting the rapid global growth population together with the expected demanding for food, particularly major crops. Photosynthesis improvement is an unexploited opportunity in research on improving crop yields. However, the lack of sufficient molecular promoters tools leads to the need to explore and analyze native leaf-specified promoters for manipulating photosynthesis activities in plants. Two B. distachyon promoters, sedoheptulose-1, 7-bisphosphatase (SBPase) and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate aldolase (FBPA), were isolated and cloned into an expression vector upstream of the eYFP reporter gene. The results demonstrate that both promoters actively function in N. benthamiana leaves in both agro-transiently assays, successfully regulating expression specifically to leaf-tissues. Exploring these active promoters could potentially provide new well genetic tools for any transgene expression in plants or leaves to genetically manipulate photosynthesis for yield improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqer S Alotaibi
- Biotechnology Department, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. BOX 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Stephens C, Ölmez F, Blyth H, McDonald M, Bansal A, Turgay EB, Hahn F, Saintenac C, Nekrasov V, Solomon P, Milgate A, Fraaije B, Rudd J, Kanyuka K. Remarkable recent changes in the genetic diversity of the avirulence gene AvrStb6 in global populations of the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici. MOLECULAR PLANT PATHOLOGY 2021; 22:1121-1133. [PMID: 34258838 PMCID: PMC8358995 DOI: 10.1111/mpp.13101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, is one of the most economically important diseases of wheat. Recently, both factors of a gene-for-gene interaction between Z. tritici and wheat, the wheat receptor-like kinase Stb6 and the Z. tritici secreted effector protein AvrStb6, have been identified. Previous analyses revealed a high diversity of AvrStb6 haplotypes present in earlier Z. tritici isolate collections, with up to c.18% of analysed isolates possessing the avirulence isoform of AvrStb6 identical to that originally identified in the reference isolate IPO323. With Stb6 present in many commercial wheat cultivars globally, we aimed to assess potential changes in AvrStb6 genetic diversity and the incidence of haplotypes allowing evasion of Stb6-mediated resistance in more recent Z. tritici populations. Here we show, using targeted resequencing of AvrStb6, that this gene is universally present in field isolates sampled from major wheat-growing regions of the world in 2013-2017. However, in contrast to the data from previous AvrStb6 population studies, we report a complete absence of the originally described avirulence isoform of AvrStb6 amongst modern Z. tritici isolates. Moreover, a remarkably small number of haplotypes, each encoding AvrStb6 protein isoforms conditioning virulence on Stb6-containing wheat, were found to predominate among modern Z. tritici isolates. A single virulence isoform of AvrStb6 was found to be particularly abundant throughout the global population. These findings indicate that, despite the ability of Z. tritici to sexually reproduce on resistant hosts, AvrStb6 avirulence haplotypes tend to be eliminated in subsequent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatih Ölmez
- Department of Plant ProtectionSivas Science and Technology UniversitySivasTurkey
| | - Hannah Blyth
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop ProtectionRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
| | - Megan McDonald
- Division of Plant SciencesResearch School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
- Present address:
Megan McDonald, School of BiosciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Anuradha Bansal
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop ProtectionRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
- Present address:
British American TobaccoSouthamptonUK
| | - Emine Burcu Turgay
- Department of Plant PathologyPlant Protection Central Research InstituteField Crops Central Research InstituteAnkaraTurkey
| | - Florian Hahn
- Department of Plant SciencesRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
- Present address:
Department of Plant SciencesUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | | | - Peter Solomon
- Division of Plant SciencesResearch School of BiologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralia
| | - Andrew Milgate
- NSW Department of Primary IndustriesWagga Wagga Agricultural InstituteWagga WaggaAustralia
| | - Bart Fraaije
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop ProtectionRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
- Present address:
NIABCambridgeUK
| | - Jason Rudd
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop ProtectionRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
| | - Kostya Kanyuka
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop ProtectionRothamsted ResearchHarpendenUK
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10
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Hahn F, Sanjurjo Loures L, Sparks CA, Kanyuka K, Nekrasov V. Efficient CRISPR/Cas-Mediated Targeted Mutagenesis in Spring and Winter Wheat Varieties. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:1481. [PMID: 34371684 PMCID: PMC8309376 DOI: 10.3390/plants10071481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CRISPR/Cas technology has recently become the molecular tool of choice for gene function studies in plants as well as crop improvement. Wheat is a globally important staple crop with a well annotated genome and there is plenty of scope for improving its agriculturally important traits using genome editing technologies, such as CRISPR/Cas. As part of this study we targeted three different genes in hexaploid wheat Triticum aestivum: TaBAK1-2 in the spring cultivar Cadenza as well as Ta-eIF4E and Ta-eIF(iso)4E in winter cultivars Cezanne, Goncourt and Prevert. Primary transgenic lines carrying CRISPR/Cas-induced indels were successfully generated for all targeted genes. While BAK1 is an important regulator of plant immunity and development, Ta-eIF4E and Ta-eIF(iso)4E act as susceptibility (S) factors required for plant viruses from the Potyviridae family to complete their life cycle. We anticipate the resultant homozygous tabak1-2 mutant lines will facilitate studies on the involvement of BAK1 in immune responses in wheat, while ta-eif4e and ta-eif(iso)4e mutant lines have the potential to become a source of resistance to wheat spindle streak mosaic virus (WSSMV) and wheat yellow mosaic virus (WYMV), both of which are important pathogens of wheat. As winter wheat varieties are generally less amenable to genetic transformation, the successful experimental methodology for transformation and genome editing in winter wheat presented in this study will be of interest to the research community working with this crop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Hahn
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (F.H.); (L.S.L.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Laura Sanjurjo Loures
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (F.H.); (L.S.L.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Caroline A. Sparks
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (F.H.); (L.S.L.); (C.A.S.)
| | - Kostya Kanyuka
- Department of Biointeractions and Crop Protection, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK;
| | - Vladimir Nekrasov
- Plant Sciences Department, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden AL5 2JQ, UK; (F.H.); (L.S.L.); (C.A.S.)
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11
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Simkin AJ. Genetic Engineering for Global Food Security: Photosynthesis and Biofortification. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E586. [PMID: 31835394 PMCID: PMC6963231 DOI: 10.3390/plants8120586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Increasing demands for food and resources are challenging existing markets, driving a need to continually investigate and establish crop varieties with improved yields and health benefits. By the later part of the century, current estimates indicate that a >50% increase in the yield of most of the important food crops including wheat, rice and barley will be needed to maintain food supplies and improve nutritional quality to tackle what has become known as 'hidden hunger'. Improving the nutritional quality of crops has become a target for providing the micronutrients required in remote communities where dietary variation is often limited. A number of methods to achieve this have been investigated over recent years, from improving photosynthesis through genetic engineering, to breeding new higher yielding varieties. Recent research has shown that growing plants under elevated [CO2] can lead to an increase in Vitamin C due to changes in gene expression, demonstrating one potential route for plant biofortification. In this review, we discuss the current research being undertaken to improve photosynthesis and biofortify key crops to secure future food supplies and the potential links between improved photosynthesis and nutritional quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew John Simkin
- Genetics, Genomics and Breeding, NIAB EMR, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, UK
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Genetic Modification for Wheat Improvement: From Transgenesis to Genome Editing. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:6216304. [PMID: 30956982 PMCID: PMC6431451 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6216304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To feed the growing human population, global wheat yields should increase to approximately 5 tonnes per ha from the current 3.3 tonnes by 2050. To reach this goal, existing breeding practices must be complemented with new techniques built upon recent gains from wheat genome sequencing, and the accumulated knowledge of genetic determinants underlying the agricultural traits responsible for crop yield and quality. In this review we primarily focus on the tools and techniques available for accessing gene functions which lead to clear phenotypes in wheat. We provide a view of the development of wheat transformation techniques from a historical perspective, and summarize how techniques have been adapted to obtain gain-of-function phenotypes by gene overexpression, loss-of-function phenotypes by expressing antisense RNAs (RNA interference or RNAi), and most recently the manipulation of gene structure and expression using site-specific nucleases, such as CRISPR/Cas9, for genome editing. The review summarizes recent successes in the application of wheat genetic manipulation to increase yield, improve nutritional and health-promoting qualities in wheat, and enhance the crop's resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Simkin AJ, López-Calcagno PE, Raines CA. Feeding the world: improving photosynthetic efficiency for sustainable crop production. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:1119-1140. [PMID: 30772919 PMCID: PMC6395887 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/ery445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
A number of recent studies have provided strong support demonstrating that improving the photosynthetic processes through genetic engineering can provide an avenue to improve yield potential. The major focus of this review is on improvement of the Calvin-Benson cycle and electron transport. Consideration is also given to how altering regulatory process may provide an additional route to increase photosynthetic efficiency. Here we summarize some of the recent successes that have been observed through genetic manipulation of photosynthesis, showing that, in both the glasshouse and the field, yield can be increased by >40%. These results provide a clear demonstration of the potential for increasing yield through improvements in photosynthesis. In the final section, we consider the need to stack improvement in photosynthetic traits with traits that target the yield gap in order to provide robust germplasm for different crops across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Simkin
- NIAB EMR, New Road, East Malling, Kent, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| | | | - Christine A Raines
- School of Biological Sciences, Wivenhoe Park, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
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