ARS | Publication request: Greenhouse FHB Reaction of Durum Wheat Expressing Tri101 and a Rice Tip

Submitted to: National Fusarium Head Blight Forum Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 16, 2006
Publication Date: December 10, 2006
Citation: Tobias, D.J., Dahleen, L.S., Manoharan, M., Jauhar, P.P. 2006. Greenhouse FHB Reaction of Durum Wheat Expressing Tri101 and a Rice Tip. National Fusarium Head Blight Forum Proceedings. p. 68.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe), is a serious problem in small grain species such as durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) used for making pasta and semolina. One method being tested to incorporate FHB resistance is gene transfer technology. As previously reported, the cultivar Monroe was transformed by bombarding calli with the pathogenesis-related gene thaumatin-like protein (tlp) from rice, and the Tri101 gene from F. sporotrichioides, along with the bar gene for selection. PCR and Southern blot analyses identified three insertion events in the 44 regenerated plants and western blot analysis confirmed the expression of both genes in the durum wheat cultivar Monroe. T2 homozygous lines were identified and three lines from each event were tested for their response to FHB. Replicated greenhouse tests were conducted using spray inoculation with three F. graminearum isolates. Spikes from seven of the nine lines showed significantly reduced FHB spread compared to Monroe by 28 days after inoculation, but all had significantly more FHB spread than the resistant bread wheat cultivar Sumai 3. One line with increased FHB at 14 and 21 days after inoculation also showed increased DON. None of the lines showed reduced DON.