Characterization of Resistance to Cereal Cyst Nematode, Agronomic Performance, and End-Use Quality Parameters in Four Perennial Wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium Lines.

Lei Cui,Yu Sun,Zhaohui Tang,Wenze Yan,Yanming Zhang,Yuqi Niu,Qing Guo,Yongkang Ren,Hongjie Li

doi:10.3389/fpls.2020.594197

Abstract

Perennial wheat is considered to be a practical way to increase the flexibility and profitability of sustainable agricultural system, as it can be either a forage grass or a grain crop. Four perennial wheat lines SX12-480, SX12-787, SX12-1150, and SX12-1269 were developed from a series of interspecific crosses between common wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 42) or durum wheat (T. turgidum var. durum, 2n = 28) and the intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, 2n = 42). These lines were characterized by the vigorous regrowth for at least 3 years. The one- and 2-year-old plants had higher grain yield potential than the 3-year-old perennial plants. The decline of grain yield was associated with plant age-related effects on yield components. The perennial wheat lines were all resistant to both Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi, the two distinct cereal cyst nematode species that occur in China, except that line SX12-787 exhibited moderate resistance only to H. avenae. The dual-purpose perennial wheat lines were evaluated for quality values of both defoliated grass and harvested grains in the form of amino acid profile, mineral concentration, and contents of protein and fiber. Difference in the quality profile was observed between the perennial lines. These perennial lines had an overall improved quality levels over those of the perennial wheat control Montana-2 (T. turgidum × Th. intermedium) and the annual wheat cultivar Jinchun 9. The amplification profiles of the molecular markers provided molecular evidence for the introgression of alien chromatin. Genomic in situ hybridization detected 16, 14, 14, and 12 Th. intermedium chromosomes in lines SX12-480 (2n = 48), SX12-787 (2n = 56), SX12-1150 (2n = 56), and SX12-1269 (2n = 54), respectively, in addition to either 32 or the complete set of wheat chromosomes. The four perennial wheat-Th. intermedium lines described here provide valuable sources of perennial wheat for the dual-purpose application of both grain and forage.

Highlights

Recent increase in the global attention has been paid to the development of perennial crop alternatives to annual crops (Jaikumar et al, 2012; Kantar et al, 2016; Cui et al, 2018)
They were selected as the perennial wheat lines for further characterization of the agronomic performances, quality characteristics, and disease resilience
We have developed four perennial wheat-Th. intermedium lines, which showed the remarkable capability to regenerate and persist at least 3 years in the field

Summary

Introduction

Recent increase in the global attention has been paid to the development of perennial crop alternatives to annual crops (Jaikumar et al, 2012; Kantar et al, 2016; Cui et al, 2018). Enrichment of genetic diversity, soil conservation, improvement of water quality, and reduction in environmental pollution from fertilizers and pesticides are some of the benefits of perennial crops over annual cereals, especially on certain erodible and marginal lands (Bell et al, 2010). One of the main issues is the potential buildup of disease pressure due to the persistence of perennial growth habit. Diseases, especially those caused by the soil-borne pathogens, could accumulate over years

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