ARS | Publication request: FUSARIUM HEAD BLIGHT RESISTANCE IN WHEAT-ALIEN SPECIES DERIVATIVES.

Submitted to: International Wheat Scab Symposium Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 25, 2004
Publication Date: December 10, 2004
Citation: Oliver, R.E., Xu, S.S., Cai, X., Stack, R.W. 2004. Fusarium head blight resistance in wheat-alien species derivatives. International Wheat Scab Symposium Proceedings. In: Canty, S.M., Boring, T., Wardwell, J. And Ward, R.W.(Eds.), Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Fusarium Head Blight; incorporating the 8th European Fusarium Seminar; 2004, 11-15 December; Orlando, FL. pp 139.

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 means 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., Secale cereale 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.