Improve Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Research Articles

Evaluation of Canadian barley breeding lines for Fusarium head blight resistance

He, X., Osman, M., Helm, J., Capettini, F. and Singh, P. K. 2015. Evaluation of Canadian barley breeding lines for Fusarium head blight resistance. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 923–929. Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major challenge to the successful production of barley in Canada, as well as for end-users such as the malting and brewing industries. Due to the quantitative inheritance of FHB resistance, continuous effort is required to identify breeding lines with improved FHB resistance and incorporate them into crossing schemes to enhance FHB resistance. In the present study, 402 advanced breeding lines from Alberta, Canada, were evaluated in the FHB screening nursery at CIMMYT, Mexico. In 2011 and 2012, FHB incidence was measured on a scale of 1 to 4 to eliminate the most susceptible lines. In 2013 and 2014, 181 lines with the lowest disease scores in the previous 2 yr were tested in replicated experiments for field FHB index, Fusarium-damaged kernels, and deoxynivalenol content. Agronomic and morphological traits, specifically days to heading, plant height, and row and hull types were also evaluated in relations to FHB parameters. Correlation coefficients among the three FHB parameters in both 2013 and 2014 were all significant at P<0.0001, ranging from 0.36 to 0.63. Additional correlation analysis showed that late-maturing, tall, and two-row lines tended to have lower disease, whereas hull type did not show a significant correlation with FHB. Several lines with high and stable FHB resistance similar to that of the resistant checks were identified. These could be used in breeding programs as resistance sources or be registered as new cultivars if their overall attributes meet commercial standards.

Current knowledge on resistance to Fusarium head blight in tetraploid wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious threat worldwide due to its dramatic consequences and effects on small grain cereal production such as yield and quality losses and most importantly mycotoxin contamination. Durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) is particularly susceptible to FHB. Enhancing resistance has proven difficult due to the narrow genetic variation for this trait in the durum wheat gene pool. Broadening the genetic basis by incorporating resistance alleles from wild and cultivated relatives is a promising approach for durum resistance breeding. This review summarizes the current information on sources available for FHB resistance improvement in durum wheat which include wild and cultivated tetraploid wheat, hexaploid wheat and alien species. The genetic basis of FHB resistance of a few tetraploid sources in the T. durum background has been dissected by QTL mapping. So far, thirteen QTL with small to moderate effects have repeatedly been detected on 11 chromosomes with alleles improving FHB resistance deriving from relatives and durum wheat itself. Notably, the QTL found in tetraploid wheat populations largely overlap with the QTL identified in hexaploid wheat suggesting a common genetic basis of FHB resistance. FHB resistance breeding by allele introgression into durum wheat is feasible, and QTL pyramiding appears a practicable strategy for durum resistance breeding.

Identification and molecular mapping of quantitative trait loci for Fusarium head blight resistance in emmer and durum wheat using a single nucleotide polymorphism-based linkage map

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, threatens durum wheat (Triticum turgidum subsp. durum) production in many durum-growing regions. It is critical to identify useful sources of FHB resistance for durum wheat. A domesticated emmer wheat (T. turgidum subsp. dicoccum) accession, PI 41025, was previously shown to be moderately resistant to FHB. This study aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with FHB resistance in PI 41025. A population of 200 recombinant inbred lines were developed from a cross between the durum cultivar ‘Ben’ and PI 41025 and evaluated for reactions to F. graminearum in one field nursery and three greenhouse experiments. The disease severity data and a single nucleotide polymorphism marker-based linkage map from this population were used for QTL analysis. The results showed that one QTL on chromosome 2A from Ben and one QTL each on 3A and 5A from PI 41025 were associated with FHB resistance. The 2A and 3A QTL each explaining 8 % of the phenotypic variation were detected only in the greenhouse experiments. The QTL on 5A, which mapped near the domestication gene Q, explained 11 and 35 % of phenotypic variation in greenhouse and field evaluations, respectively. The identification of the 2A QTL from Ben confirmed the presence of FHB resistance in North Dakota durum cultivars, which have been successfully used for developing new cultivars with improved FHB tolerance. This study indicates that combining the QTL from related tetraploid species with native durum QTL will be useful for improving FHB resistance in durum.

Field evaluation of resistance to kernel infection and mycotoxin accumulation caused by Fusarium head blight in western Japanese wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Fusarium head blight (FHB) remains a serious problem that causes yield and grain quality losses, and mycotoxin accumulation in wheat production in western Japan. A 3-year field trial with artificial FHB inoculation was conducted to evaluate varietal characteristics of FHB resistance among 31 wheat cultivars/lines cultivated in western Japan, including one standard line. Severity of FHB, frequency of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK), deoxynivalenol concentration (DON), nivalenol concentration (NIV), and grain yield showed significant differences among years and among cultivars/lines. Interaction between years and cultivars/lines was also significant in these traits, but F values were larger for cultivars/lines than for the interaction. Correlation analysis showed that cultivars/lines with lower FHB severities tended to have lower FDK, DON and NIV, and a higher yield. Resistance to kernel infection (RKI), residuals calculated by regressing FDK against FHB severity, and resistance to mycotoxin accumulation (RTA), residuals calculated by regressing DON + NIV against FDK, also differed significantly among cultivars/lines. These results indicated that varietal differences in response to FHB symptom development, RKI and RTA exist among wheat cultivars/lines in western Japan. Such information is important to aid producers in controlling the disease and for breeders to improve FHB resistance and reduce mycotoxin accumulation in commercial wheat cultivars.

Characterization of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Hulled and Hulless Winter Barley

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most serious diseases impacting the U.S. barley (Hordeum vulgare) industry. The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), produced by the pathogen, renders grain unmarketable if concentrations exceed threshold values set for end-use markets. Development of cultivars with improved FHB resistance and reduced DON accumulation is necessary to ensure minimal losses. Elite hulled and hulless genotypes developed by the Virginia Tech winter barley breeding program were screened in inoculated, mist-irrigated FHB nurseries over 2 years at two locations in Virginia to validate resistance levels over years and locations. Results demonstrated that barley genotypes varied significantly for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation. The hulled 'Nomini', hulless 'Eve', and hulless line VA06H-48 were consistently resistant across locations to both FHB and DON accumulation. Screening the genotypes with molecular markers on chromosomes 2H and 6H for FHB and DON revealed quantitative trait loci regions which may confer resistance in the Virginia Tech germplasm. Ongoing and future work with mapping populations seeks to identify novel regions for resistance to FHB and DON accumulation unique to the Virginia Tech breeding program.

Variability in components of fusarium head blight resistance among wheat genotypes

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a serious threat for the quality of wheat products. In order to breed wheat lines with improved FHB resistance we investigated several FHB resistance components in Croatian and international wheat lines. We tested for Type I resistance (resistance against initial infection), Type II resistance (resistance against spreading), Type III resistance (DON resistance) and general FHB resistance. This information allows us to select proper parents used in future crosses to improve FHB resistance by combining and improving the level of individual resistance components. The genotypes Divana and SirbanProlifik showed the highest resistance levels against initial infection. The genotypes Libellula and Srpanjka had the highest resistance level against FHB spreading. The genotype Renan was the most DON resistant line.

Evaluation of Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat and the Development of a New Variety by Integrating Type I and II Resistance

Fusarium head blight (FHB), which is caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [teleomorph: Gibberella zeae (Schwein.) Petch], is a devastating disease affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spikes, which considerably reduces grain yield and quality and produces mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and animals, especially in warm and humid climates, such as that of west Japan. Therefore, an important target of breeding programs is to improve FHB resistance in wheat. In general, wheat cultivars bred in west Japan exhibit high resistance to FHB worldwide. FHB resistance in wheat can be divided into resistance to initial infection (type I) and resistance to spread within the spike (type II). To improve FHB resistance in west Japanese wheat, we first improved the methods used to evaluate type I and II resistance separately. We then analyzed factors related to type I and II resistance using diverse materials. Finally, we selected a wheat line, ‘Norin PL-9,’ into which we integrated type I and II resistance, and applied for registration as the wheat parental line. The knowledge and materials developed in this study are useful for breeding FHB resistance in wheat where FHB outbreak is problematic. This review draws on a series of related studies.

Transcend Durum wheat

Singh, A. K., Clarke, J. M., Knox, R. E., DePauw, R. M., McCaig, T. N., Fernandez, M. R. and Clarke, F. R. 2012. Transcend durum wheat. Can. J. Plant Sci. 92: 809–813. Transcend durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. It combines high grain yield, grain protein concentration, test weight, yellow grain and dough pigment, and low grain cadmium concentration. Transcend has strong straw, slightly more days to maturity, and improved Fusarium head blight resistance compared to Strongfield.

Quantitative trait loci responsible for Fusarium head blight resistance in Chinese landrace Baishanyuehuang

Fusarium head blight (FHB), mainly caused by Fusarium graminearum, is a destructive disease that can significantly reduce grain yield and quality. Deployment of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for FHB resistance in commercial cultivars has been the most effective approach for minimizing the disease losses. 'Baishanyuehuang' is a highly FHB-resistant landrace from China. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross of 'Baishanyuehuang' and 'Jagger' were evaluated for FHB resistance in three greenhouse experiments in 2010 and 2011 by single-floret inoculation. Percentage of symptomatic spikelets in an inoculated spike was recorded 18 days post-inoculation. The RIL population was screened with 251 polymorphic simple sequence repeats. Four QTLs were associated with FHB resistance and mapped on three chromosomes. Two QTLs were located on the short arm of chromosome 3B (3BS) with one in distal of 3BS and another near centromere (3BSc), designated as Qfhb.hwwg-3BSc. The QTL in the distal of 3BS is flanked by Xgwm533 and Xgwm493, thus corresponds to Fhb1. This QTL explained up to 15.7 % of phenotypic variation. Qfhb.hwwg-3BSc flanked by Xwmc307 and Xgwwm566 showed a smaller effect than Fhb1 and explained up to 8.5 % of phenotypic variation. The other two QTLs were located on 3A, designated as Qfhb.hwwg-3A, and 5A, designated as Qfhb.hwwg-5A. Qfhb.hwwg-3A was flanked by Xwmc651 and Xbarc356 and explained 4.8-7.5 % phenotypic variation, and Qfhb.hwwg-5A was flanked by markers Xgwm186 and Xbarc141, detected in only one experiment, and explained 4.5 % phenotypic variation for FHB resistance. 'Baishanyuehuang' carried all resistance alleles of the four QTL. Qfhb.hwwg-3BSc and Qfhb.hwwg-3A were new QTLs in 'Baishanyuehuang'. 'Baishanyuehuang' carries a combination of QTLs from different sources and can be a new source of parent to pyramid FHB-resistant QTLs for improving FHB resistance in wheat.

Identification and molecular mapping of two QTLs with major effects for resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of wheat worldwide. Novel sources of resistance are critical for improving FHB resistance levels in wheat. From a large-scale evaluation of germplasm for reactions to FHB, we identified one wheat accession (PI 277012) that consistently showed a high level of resistance in both greenhouse and field experiments. To characterize the FHB resistance in this accession, we developed a doubled haploid (DH) mapping population consisting of 130 lines from the cross between PI 277012 and the hard red spring wheat cultivar 'Grandin'. The DH population was then evaluated for reactions to FHB in three greenhouse seasons and five field environments. Based on a linkage map that consisted of 340 SSR markers spanning 2,703 cM of genetic distance, two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for FHB resistance were identified on chromosome arms 5AS and 5AL, with each explaining up to 20 and 32% of the variation in FHB severity, respectively. The two QTLs also showed major effects on reducing the percentage of Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK) and deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation in seeds. FHB resistance has not previously been reported to be associated with this particular genomic region of chromosome arm 5AL, thus indicating the novelty of FHB resistance in PI 277012. Plant maturity was not associated with FHB resistance and the effects of plant height on FHB resistance were minor. Therefore, these results suggest that PI 277012 is an excellent source for improving FHB resistance in wheat. The markers identified in this research are being used for marker-assisted introgression of the QTLs into adapted durum and hard red spring wheat cultivars.

Employment of wheat grain properties in evaluation of Fusarium head blight resistance

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the most destructive fungal diseases. Wide spread of FHB causes yield loss, quality reduction, and accumulation of poisonous mycotoxins. Twenty-three Korean wheat cultivars and a known FHB resistant cultivar ‘Sumai 3’ were tested for Type I and Type II resistance to FHB and evaluated for grain characteristics. Wheat cultivars showed infection scores of 0.6 (the lowest) to 7.8 (the highest) in response to the Fusarium inoculation for Type I evaluation. Three Korean cultivars, ‘Chungkye’ (1.8), ‘Tapdong’ (1.8), and ‘Jinpoom’ (1.6) showed relatively good FHB resistance compared to ‘Sumai 3’ (0.6) for Type I evaluation. On the other hand, Type II evaluation scores ranged between 1.4 and 3.6. The infection scores of ‘Uri’ (1.4) and ‘Jinpoom’ (1.4) were particularly low and even lower than “Sumai 3” (1.6). The relationship between grain properties and FHB severity was evaluated. Grain length was positively correlated with Type II evaluation. Spike length and total polyphenol content were negatively correlated with FHB severity of Type I evaluation. Grain properties were negatively or positively correlated with FHB severity. The obtained results indicated that some of the grain parameters could be employed in the development of wheat lines with improved FHB resistance.

Agronomic and Quality Performance of Winter Wheat Backcross Populations Carrying Non‐Adapted Fusarium Head Blight Resistance QTL

Two BC3F2:5 winter wheat populations carrying Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) Fhb1 and Qfhs.ifa‐5A were tested for resistance and agronomic and baking‐quality performance in 10 high yielding environments. The objectives of this study were to determine (i) the resistance effect of the two nonadapted QTL, (ii) their side effects on agronomic and quality performance, and (iii) their relative advantage in European breeding programs. The two populations were split into four QTL classes containing either Fhb1, Qfhs.ifa‐5A, both QTL or neither of them with about 25 (Opus BC3F2:5 population) and 15 (Anthus BC3F2:5 population) lines each class and check varieties. Disease resistance trials on microplots and yield trials on large plots had two replicates at five locations in Germany in each of 2 yr. Mean FHB ratings (%) between QTL classes carrying either one or two QTL showed significantly (p < 0.05) improved FHB resistance and a significant variation within QTL classes. Small significant negative effects on grain yield were detected in the Anthus but not in the Opus BC3F2:5 population. However, selection of lines with improved resistance level and similar high yield level like the recurrent parent was feasible. All other differences in agronomic and quality traits were in all cases small although often significant. The introgression of both QTL did not significantly improve the FHB resistance compared to Qfhs.ifa‐5A indicating that this QTL suffices for European breeding programs.

Diallel analysis of Fusarium head blight resistance in genetically diverse winter wheat germplasm

New sources of partial resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat have been identified over the past decade; however, little is known of their breeding value. A 20 parent partial diallel that included resistant genotypes from the U.S., Europe, China and South America was used to evaluate the potential of these sources of resistance as parents in wheat breeding programs. Eight plants replication−1 of each of 190 crosses and 20 parents were point-inoculated with Fusarium graminearum under greenhouse conditions in two replicated experiments. Both general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were significant. Most of the variance for FHB severity was associated with additive genes; however, estimates for SCA ranged from highly negative to highly positive in both resistant × resistant and resistant × susceptible crosses which suggest that improving FHB resistance through gene pyramiding strategies based on additive genetic variation may be complicated by interaction effects that condition FHB resistance.

Enterprise durum wheat

Enterprise durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] is adapted to the durum production area of the Canadian prairies. It combines high grain yield, grain protein concentration, test weight, yellow grain pigment, and low grain cadmium concentration. Enterprise has slightly weaker straw strength, similar days to maturity, and improved fusarium head blight resistance compared with strongfield. Key words: Triticum turgidum L. subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn., durum wheat, cultivar description, grain yield, yellow pigment, cadmium

Expression of a truncated form of yeast ribosomal protein L3 in transgenic wheat improves resistance to Fusarium head blight

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a disease that causes major economic losses in wheat and barley production worldwide. Contamination of food with the trichothecene mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by Fusarium is a major health concern for humans and animals because trichothecenes are potent cytotoxins of eukaryotic cells. Trichothecene mycotoxins inhibit translation by targeting ribosomal protein L3 at the peptidyltransferase center. We previously showed that expression of an N-terminal fragment of yeast L3 (L3Δ) in transgenic tobacco plants reduced the toxicity of DON. Here, we produced transgenic wheat plants that express the same yeast L3 (L3Δ) fragment and evaluated their susceptibility to Fusarium graminearum infection and their ability to accumulate DON. Following F. graminearum infection in greenhouse tests, two transgenic wheat lines expressing the highest levels of L3Δ showed reductions in disease severity and kernel DON levels, compared to non-transformed plants. In a field test, a transgenic wheat line with the highest L3Δ expression controlled by the maize Ubi1 promoter had significant reductions in visually scabby kernels and kernel DON levels. These results demonstrate that expression of a modified form of the ribosomal protein that is the target of DON can improve FHB resistance in wheat.

Identification of a new QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance in the wheat genotype “Wang shui-bai”

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating wheat diseases, causing both yield loss and quality reduction. To detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for FHB resistance, plants of the F 2:3 population derived from a 'Wangshui-bai' x 'Sy95-7' cross were artificially inoculated. Of 396 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 125 amplified fragment length polymorphisms were used for FHB resistance QTL analysis. Five QTLs for FHB resistance were detected on chromosomes 3B, 6B, 7A, 1B and 2D. The effect of the QTL located on chromosome 3B on phenotypic variation was 31.69%, while that of the QTL found on 2D was the smallest and only accounted for 4.98% of the variation. The resistance alleles originated from 'Wangshibai' and association of the QTLs using these SSR markers may facilitate marker-assisted selection to improve FHB resistance in the wheat breeding programs of southwest China.

Identification of QTL Conferring Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in the Breeding Line C93‐3230‐24

ABSTRACTControl of Fusarium head blight (FHB), incited primarily by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe [telomorph Gibberella zea (Schwein)], has been a challenge for barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) producers in the upper midwestern United States for more than a decade. This disease manifests primarily in the form of food safety issues and quality discounts due to the presence of deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by the pathogen. Cultural practices and fungicides only provide partial control; genetic resistance to FHB and DON accumulation may add to control of the disease. Field studies in North Dakota and China were conducted in FHB disease nurseries using 118 double‐haploid lines from the cross C93‐3230‐24/‘Foster’. Foster is susceptible to FHB, and C93‐3230‐24 is moderately resistant. The quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed five putative QTL for Type I FHB resistance; however, only the one in bins 7 and 8 of chromosome 2H was detected in more than 70% of the environments. In addition, QTL associated with late days to heading and maturity and tall plant height also were located in the same region. Three putative QTL for increased DON accumulation were detected; however, none were detected in more than three of the eight environments where data were collected. On the basis of these results, it is unlikely that C93‐3230‐24 has a novel QTL for FHB resistance different from those identified in other resistant accessions. However, C93‐3230‐24 is unique in that it provides QTL for improved FHB resistance but not reduced DON accumulation. This is an atypical response compared with other sources of FHB resistance and provides evidence that FHB resistance and DON accumulation are under separate genetic control.

Validation of EST-derived STS markers localized on Qfhs.ndsu-3BS for Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat using a ‘Wangshuibai’ derived population

A few EST-derived STS markers localized on Qfhs.ndsu-3BS, a major QTL for resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat, have been previously identified in the 'Sumai 3'/'Stoa' population. In this study, we used a 'Wangshuibai' (resistant) /'Seri82' (susceptible) derived population, linkage group, QTL, and quantitative gene expression analysis to assess the genetic background dependence and stability of the EST-derived STS markers for use in marker aided selection to improve FHB resistance in wheat. Based on our results, a QTL in the map interval of Xsts3B-138_1-Xgwm493 on chromosome 3BS was detected for FHB resistance, which accounted for up to 16% of the phenotypic variation. BLASTN analysis indicated that Xsts3B-138_1 sequence had significant similarity with the resistance gene analogue. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that the relative expression of Xsts3B-138_1 in 'Wangshuibai' at 96 h after inoculation was 2.6 times higher than 'Seri82'. Our results underlined that EST-derived STS3B-138 markers could be predominantly used in marker aided selection to improve FHB resistance in wheat.

Molecular breeding for wheat fusarium head blight resistance in China

Wheat Fusarium head blight (FHB) may cause serious losses in grain yield and quality in China. More than 7 million hectares which approximately accounts for 25% of the total areas in China is infected by the disease. The cultivation of wheat varieties with resistance to Fusarium head blight is recognized as one of the most important components to diminish losses due to this disease. Chinese wheat breeders have commenced the research on FHB since 1950s. Wheat cultivars with improved FHB resistance were developed through conventional breeding. Some famous resistant varieties such as Sumai 3, Yangmai 158 and Ning 7840 were released from Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, these varieties were widely applied in wheat production and breeding programs. Significant achievements concerning molecular mapping and marker assisted selection have been made in the past decade. The major QTL on chromosome 3BS was identified and located in the same region on chromosome 3BS in Sumai 3, Ning 894037, Wangshuibai, and Chinese Spring. Using SSR marker in this QTL region for assisted selection, some lines with the same resistance to FHB were obtained. New STS markers and SSCP markers were developed and will be tested for the efficiency of MAS. However, further achievements are still hindered by a number of constraints. More FHB resistance genetic resources from landrace in middle to lower reaches of Yangtze River are necessary to be used for improving FHB resistant. The genetic mechanism of the varieties contributing the resistance to improved cultivars is needed to be understood. Development of functional markers for FHB is discussed.

The evaluation of FHB resistance QTLs introgressed into elite Canadian spring wheat germplasm

FHB resistance QTL alleles from Nyuubai, Sumai-3, and Wuhan-1 were evaluated for their effect on Fusarium head blight (FHB) index, Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation, plant height, anthesis date, and numerous grain quality traits in three elite Canadian spring wheat backgrounds. The three FHB resistance parameters were negatively correlated with plant height in the three populations. The Wuhan-1 4B resistance allele was the most effective resistance allele but was associated with a 9.3 cm increase in plant height. The Wuhan-1 2D, Nyuubai 3BSc, Sumai-3 3BSc, Nyuubai 5AS, and Sumai-3 5AS alleles were also effective FHB resistance alleles in these populations. The Nyuubai and Sumai-3 3BS alleles were the least effective of the FHB resistance alleles in the FHB nursery tests. The Sumai-3 5AS resistance allele was significantly associated with reduced grain protein content, while the same trend was observed for the Nyuubai 5AS resistance allele but was not significant. FHB resistance tended to increase with more FHB resistance alleles introgressed into the elite genetic background, which suggested that marker-assisted selection (MAS) will prove useful for improving FHB resistance in Canadian germplasm.