ARS | Publication request: WHEAT-ALIEN SPECIES DERIVATIVES: A NOVEL SOURCE OF RESISTANCE TO FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT IN WHEAT.

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 22, 2004
Publication Date: June 1, 2005
Citation: Oliver, R.E., Cai, X., Xu, S.S., Chen, X., Stack, R.W. 2005. Wheat-alien species derivatives: a novel source of resistance to Fusarium head blight in wheat. Crop Science. Vol. 45:1353-1360.

Interpretive Summary: Fusarium head blight (FHB), known as scab, is a destructive fungal disease of wheat in humid growth conditions throughout the world. Genetic resistance is considered the most effective and sustainable method of defense against FHB; however, only limited sources of resistance are available in wheat. Identification of novel sources of resistance is vital for the development of wheat cultivars with robust and durable resistance to this disease. Wild relative species (wheatgrasses) of wheat represent a rich gene pool for wheat improvement and many wheatgrasses have been hybridized with wheat, resulting in the production of numerous wheat-wheatgrasses derivatives. These materials offer an excellent prospect for identification of novel sources of FHB resistance genes, since they potentially combine alien resistance genes with cultivated wheat. The objective of the present study is to identify novel sources of resistance from wheat-wheatgrasses derivatives. We evaluated 327 lines derived from the crosses of wheat with its relatives for resistance to FHB over two greenhouse seasons. Of these 327 derivatives, 66 were susceptible, 187 appeared moderately resistant, and 74 lines exhibited a level of resistance comparable to common wheat cultivar 'Sumai 3', the most widely used source of resistance to FHB. These derivatives with resistance to FHB could be useful for developing new resistant germplsam and cultivars of wheat.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused mainly by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe, is a destructive disease of wheat (Triticum L.) in humid growth conditions throughout the world. Genetic resistance of the host plant is considered the most effective and sustainable method of defense against FHB; however, only limited sources of resistance are available in wheat. Relatives of wheat have proven to be an invaluable gene pool for wheat improvement. The objective of this study was to explore relatives of wheat for FHB resistance. We evaluated 327 lines derived from the crosses of wheat with its relatives for resistance to spread of FHB infection over two greenhouse seasons. Of these 327 derivatives, 66 were susceptible, 187 appeared moderately resistant, and 74 lines exhibited a level of resistance comparable to T. aestivum cv. Sumai 3, the most widely used source of resistance to FHB. Alien species involved in development of these derivatives include T. tauschii (Coss.) Schmal., Roegneria kamoji C. Koch, R. ciliaris (Trin.) Nevski, Leymus racemosus Lam., Thinopyrum ponticum (Podp.) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, Th. elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey, Th. junceum (L.) Love, Th. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey, Dasypyrum villosa L., and oat (Avena sativa L.). The wheat-alien species derivatives identified as resistant to FHB include wheat-alien species amphiploids, synthetic hexaploid wheat lines, and wheat-alien species substitution and translocation lines. These derivatives could serve as novel sources to enhance resistance of wheat to FHB.