Hard Red Spring Wheat Breeding Research Articles

Effectiveness of multigenerational transfer of Sumai 3 Fusarium head blight resistance in hard red spring wheat breeding populations

Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been identified for Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance in the cultivar Sumai 3. Wheat breeders need to know which Sumai 3 loci are present in derived lines used as parents for effective marker-assisted selection for genetic improvement. This study was conducted to identify the loci in Sumai 3 derived parents that contribute FHB resistance in breeding populations. Three doubled haploid (DH) populations utilizing Sumai 3 derived parents, ND3085, ND744, and Alsen, were evaluated during 2007 and 2008 in FHB nurseries near Carman, MB, Ottawa, ON and Charlottetown, PE. The percentage of incidence, severity, Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation were measured, and FHB index calculated. DNA markers at six FHB resistance loci detected in Sumai 3 were evaluated on the populations. For each trait, a t test was applied to means of observations pooled by parental type of each marker to determine which loci contributed to resistance. The alleles at 3BS and 5AS most frequently contributed to Type I and Type II FHB resistance, as well as to reduced FDK and DON in all three populations. Markers revealed resistance on 3BS and 5AS in Alsen, ND3085, and ND744, on 3BSc, 4D, and 6BS in ND744, on 4D in ND3085, and on 6BS in Alsen. In some environments, the susceptible parent Infinity contributed minor QTL on 2D, 3BSc, and 6BS. Likewise, Helios contributed minor QTL on 5AS and 6BS.

Genetic Mapping and Prediction Analysis of FHB Resistance in a Hard Red Spring Wheat Breeding Population.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most destructive diseases in wheat worldwide. Breeding for FHB resistance is hampered by its complex genetic architecture, large genotype by environment interaction, and high cost of phenotype screening. Genomic selection (GS) is a powerful tool to enhance improvement of complex traits such as FHB resistance. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the genetic architecture of FHB resistance in a North Dakota State University (NDSU) hard red spring wheat breeding population, (2) test if the major QTL Fhb1 and Fhb5 play an important role in this breeding population; and (3) assess the potential of GS to enhance breeding efficiency of FHB resistance. A total of 439 elite spring wheat breeding lines from six breeding cycles were genotyped using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) and 102,147 SNP markers were obtained. Evaluation of FHB severity was conducted in 10 unbalanced field trials across multiple years and locations. One QTL for FHB resistance was identified and located on chromosome arm 1AL, explaining 5.3% of total phenotypic variation. The major type II resistance QTL Fhb1 only explained 3.1% of total phenotypic variation and the QTL Fhb5 was not significantly associated with FHB resistance in this breeding population. Our results suggest that integration of many genes with medium/minor effects in this breeding population should provide stable FHB resistance. Genomic prediction accuracies of 0.22–0.44 were obtained when predicting over breeding cycles in this study, indicating the potential of GS to enhance the improvement of FHB resistance.

Mapping of two loci conferring resistance to wheat stem rust pathogen races TTKSK (Ug99) and TRTTF in the elite hard red spring wheat line SD4279

Since its identification in the late 1990s, the stem rust pathogen (Puccinia graminis. f. sp. tritici (Pgt)) strain Ug99 (race TTKSK) has represented a worldwide wheat production threat due to its ability to overcome most of the resistance genes present in commercial cultivars. In order to address this chal- lenge, resistance genes in wheat cultivars as well as in wild relatives have been identified. However, stem rust resistance breeding is facing a new challenge with the recent discovery in Ethiopia of a new race of Pgt (TRTTF) capable of defeating Sr13, SrTmp, and Sr1R Amigo genes that conferred resistance to the Ug99 race group. As part of an ongoing screening process at USDA-ARS Cereal Disease Laboratory, SD4279, an elite line from the hard red spring wheat breeding program at South Dakota State University, was found to be resistant to both races TTKSK and TRTTF. The objectives posed in this research were (1) to characterize the genetics of resistance to stem rust in SD4279 and (2) to identify molecular markers linked to race TTKSK (Ug99) and TRTTF resistance in SD4279. A mapping population composed of 92 F2:3 families was evaluated for resistance to TTKSK and TRTTF. A single-gene conferring resistance to TTKSK, likely Sr9h, was mapped on chromosome arm 2BL. Also, a single gene was located on chromosome arm 6AS conferring resistance to TRTTF. Based on the type of reaction and map location, we postulate that the 6AS resistance gene is Sr8a which has not been mapped previously using DNA markers.

Quantitative trait loci influencing end-use quality traits of hard red spring wheat breeding lines

Wheat bread-making quality is influenced by a complex group of traits including dough visco-elastic characteristics. In this study, quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) mapping and analysis were conducted for endosperm polymeric proteins together with dough mixing strength and bread-making properties in a population of 139 (MN98550 × MN99394) recombinant inbred lines that was evaluated at three environments in 2006. Eleven chromosome regions were associated with endosperm polymeric proteins, explaining 4.2–31.8% of the phenotypic variation. Most of these polymeric proteins QTL coincided with several QTL for dough-mixing strength and bread-making properties. Major QTL clusters were associated with the low-molecular weight glutenin gene Glu-A3, the two high-molecular weight glutenin genes Glu-B1 and Glu-D1, and two regions on chromosome 6D. Alleles at these QTL clusters have previously been proven useful for wheat quality except one of the 6D QTL clusters.

Quantitative trait loci influencing endosperm texture, dough-mixing strength, and bread-making properties of the hard red spring wheat breeding lines

Wheat end product quality is determined by a complex group of traits including dough viscoelastic characteristics and bread-making properties. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping and analysis were conducted for endosperm texture, dough-mixing strength, and bread-making properties in a population of 139 (MN99394 × MN98550) recombinant inbred lines that were evaluated at three environments in 2006. Based on the genetic map of 534 loci, six QTL were identified for endosperm texture, with the main QTL on chromosomes 1A (R(2) = 6.6%-17.3%), 5A (R(2) = 6.1%-17.1%), and 5D (R(2) = 15.8%-22%). Thirty-four QTL were identified for eight dough-mixing strength and bread-making properties. Major QTL clusters were associated with the low-molecular weight glutenin gene Glu-A3, the two high-molecular weight glutenin genes Glu-B1 and Glu-D1, and two regions on chromosome 6D. Alleles at these QTL clusters have previously been proven useful for wheat quality, except one of the QTL clusters on chromosome 6D. A QTL cluster on chromosome 6D is one of the novel chromosome regions influencing dough-mixing strength and bread-making properties. The QTL for endosperm texture on chromosomes 1A, 5A, and 5B also influenced flour ash content (12.4%-23.3%), flour protein content (10.5%-12.5%), and flour colour (7.7%-13.5%), respectively.

‘Barlow’: A High‐Quality and High‐Yielding Hard Red Spring Wheat Cultivar Adapted to the North Central Plains of the USA

‘Barlow’ (Reg. No. CV‐1055, PI 658018) hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES). Barlow was released in 2009 primarily for its good adaptation to the spring‐wheat‐growing regions in the U.S. North Central Plains. However, Barlow also shows superior adaptation, particularly to the rainfed western wheat‐production regions of North Dakota and counties in adjacent states. It has high yield potential and excellent milling and baking properties. Barlow is resistant to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.), stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Per.:Pers. f. sp. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn), tan spot [caused by [Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechs] race 3, Septoria tritici blotch (caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fückl) J. Schröt. in Cohn), and Stagonospora nodorum blotch [caused by Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) Castellani & E.G. Germano]. It also has an intermediate level of resistance to Fusarium head blight, or scab [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch)]. Barlow is derived from the ND 744/ND 721 cross made at NDSU in fall 1999. ND 744 (PI634936), a ‘Glenn’ (PI 639273) sister line, is a public HRSW breeding line developed at NDSU and released by NDAES as a germplasm in 2005. ND 721 is a public breeding line derived from the cross ‘Grandin’/3/IAS20*4/H567.71//‘Amidon’/4/ND 674. Barlow was produced from a bulk of 180 purified F11 headrow increase plots grown at Prosper, ND in 2007. Barlow was released because it combines high yield, excellent end‐use quality, and resistance to many diseases.

Genome mapping of kernel characteristics in hard red spring wheat breeding lines

Kernel characteristics, particularly kernel weight, kernel size, and grain protein content, are important components of grain yield and quality in wheat. Development of high performing wheat cultivars, with high grain yield and quality, is a major focus in wheat breeding programs worldwide. Here, we report chromosome regions harboring genes that influence kernel weight, kernel diameter, kernel size distribution, grain protein content, and grain yield in hard red spring wheat breeding lines adapted to the Upper Midwest region of the United States. A genetic linkage map composed of 531 SSR and DArT marker loci spanned a distance of 2,505 cM, covering all 21 chromosomes of wheat. Stable QTL clusters influencing kernel weight, kernel diameter, and kernel size distribution were identified on chromosomes 2A, 5B, and 7A. Phenotypic variation explained by individual QTL at these clusters varied from 5 to 20% depending on the trait. A QTL region on chromosome 2B confers an undesirable pleiotropic effect or a repulsion linkage between grain yield (LOD = 6.7; R (2) = 18%) and grain protein content (LOD = 6.2; R (2) = 13.3%). However, several grain protein and grain yield QTL independent of each other were also identified. Because some of the QTL identified in this study were consistent across environments, DNA markers will provide an opportunity for increasing the frequency of desirable alleles through marker-assisted selection.

Association of Size‐Exclusion HPLC of Endosperm Proteins with Dough Mixing and Breadmaking Characteristics in a Recombinant Inbred Population of Hard Red Spring Wheat

ABSTRACTVariation of polymeric proteins affects wheat end‐use quality. This research investigated associations of polymeric proteins with dough mixing strength and breadmaking characteristics in a near‐homogenous population of 139 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two hard red spring wheat breeding lines. Flours from the RILs grown at three locations were analyzed for molecular weight (MW) distribution of SDS‐extractable and unextractable proteins using size‐exclusion HPLC protocol. Correlations were calculated between mixing and breadmaking properties and HPLC absorbance data obtained a 0.01‐min retention time interval to identify protein fractions that had a significant effect on the quality traits. Very high MW polymeric proteins in the unextractable fraction had more distinct and positive associations with dough mixing strength and bread loaf volume than did other polymeric protein fractions, whereas extractable polymeric had negative influence. Consequently, the ratio of unextractable very high MW polymeric proteins to extractable polymeric proteins had greater correlations with dough mixing parameters than other HPLC absorbance area data. Covariate‐effect biplots also visually validated positive effects of unextractable very high MW polymeric proteins and negative effects of extractable polymeric proteins on mixing properties and loaf volume across three growing locations.

Registration of ‘Brick’ Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe; telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch], is a major constraint to spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. The objective of this research was to release a hard red spring wheat (HRSW) cultivar with enhanced FHB resistance. ‘Brick’ (Reg. No. 1043, PI 657697) HRSW was developed at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and released by the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station to Registered seed producers in March 2009. The cross ND2897/SD3219//SD3414 was created in spring 2000. ND2897 is an unreleased experimental line developed by the North Dakota State University HRSW breeding program, and SD3219 and SD3414 are both unreleased experimental lines developed by the SDSU–HRSW breeding program. The population was advanced via an early‐generation bulk‐testing program where F4:6 seed was included in the 2004 preliminary yield trial, and the line was designated SD3851. SD3851 also was tested in the advanced yield trial from 2005 through 2008. Brick was released for its high level of resistance to FHB when compared to other HRSW cultivars developed by the SDSU–HRSW breeding program as well as its high yield potential and grain volume weight in South Dakota and the northern Great Plains. Additionally, Brick is moderately resistant to leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.) and has an early heading date compared with HRSW cultivars currently in production.

Registration of ‘Faller’ Spring Wheat

‘Faller’ (Reg. No. CV‐1026, PI 648350) hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed at North Dakota State University (NDSU) and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES). Faller was derived from the ND2857/ND2814 cross made at NDSU in fall 1997. ND2857 (ND2709/ND688) is a hard red spring experimental line with good resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch]) originating from ND2709, a line known to possess the Fhb1 quantitative trait locus derived from ‘Sumai3’ (PI 481542). Sumai3, a spring wheat from China, is arguably the most widely used source of resistance to FHB in the world. Both ND2709 and ND688 are HRSW experimental lines developed by the NDSU breeding program. ND2814 (‘Kitt’ [PI 518818]/‘Amidon’ [PI 527682]/3/‘Grandin’ [PI 531005]/‘Stoa S’ [PI 520297]) is an HRSW line developed by the NDSU HRSW breeding program. Kitt is an HRSW cultivar released in 1975 by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station and the USDA‐ARS, while Amidon, Grandin, and Stoa are HRSW cultivars released by NDAES in 1988, 1989, 1984, respectively. Faller was produced from a bulk of one purified F4:5 plot selected in 2001 at Christchurch, New Zealand. Faller was released because it combines very high yield with good end‐use quality and resistance to FHB and leaf diseases.

Registration of Spring Wheat Germplasm ND 756 Combining Resistances to Foliar Diseases and Fusarium Head Blight

ND 756 hard red spring wheat (HRSW) (Triticum aestivum L.) (Reg. No. GP‐837, PI 648034) was developed at North Dakota State University and released by the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. ND 756 was derived from the ND 2849/ND 721 cross made in 1996. ND 2849 and ND 721 are two experimental lines developed by NDSU HRSW breeding program. ND 2849 is derived from a cross (ND 674//ND 2710/ND 688) involving NDSU HRSW experimental lines (ND 674 and ND 688) and ND 2710 (PI 633976, Frohberg et al., 2004) that was previously released for its resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) [caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe (telomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch]. ND 756 was produced from a bulk of one F5:6 head row selected in 2002 at the Christchurch, New Zealand off‐season nursery. ND 756 was released mainly for its resistance to Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB) [caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum (E.Müller) Hedjarroude], Septoria tritici blotch (STB) [caused by Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fückl) J. Schröt. in Cohn] and tan spot [caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechs]. ND 756 is also resistant to the prevalent races of stem rust (caused by Puccinia graminis Pers:Pers. f. sp.tritici Eriks. & E. Henn) and leaf rust (caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks.). ND 756 is moderately resistant to FHB and has good agronomic performance but does not meet the high grain quality requirements to qualify for release by NDAES.

Investigation of possible associations between partial fertility restoration and agronomic traits in Triticum aestivum L.

Many conventional hard red spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) lines, including several North Dakota cultivars, carry a gene (or genes) which restore partial male fertility to male sterile plants with Triticum timopheeviZhuk. cytoplasm. Since this gene has no fertility restoration function in T. aestivum cytoplasm, the postulation can be made that it is being retained in conventional lines because of pleiotropic effects, favorable linkages or chance. The research reported in this paper examined these possibilities. Forty F6 lines, derived from a single F2 plant which was heterozygous for a gene (or genes) for partial fertility restoration, were evaluated for two years in a yield trial planted at Fargo, North Dakota. The 40 lines were testcrossed to a male sterile line having T. timopheevi cytoplasm, and the mean seed set of testcrosses was used as a measure of a line's fertility restoration potential. Twenty-seven lines had the gene for partial fertility, and 13 lines apparently lacked this gene. The 40 lines differed for heading date, anther extrusion, plant height, grain yield, 200-kernel weight, test weight, and grain protein percentage. However, comparisons of lines having the restorer gene with those lacking the gene did not provide any obvious explanation for the retention of the partial fertility restorer gene in the breeding stocks of the North Dakota conventional hard red spring wheat breeding program. The possibility that the restorer gene was linked with genes for resistance to stem rust or leaf rust also was evaluated by testing lines for their reaction to several races of rust. No conclusive association was found.