Genetic dissection of crown rust resistance in oat and the identification of key adult plant resistance genes

Authors: SHARIATIPOUR, NIKWAN - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; YAZDANI, MAHBOOBEH - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; CARLSSON, ANDERS - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; BENGTSSON, THERÉSE - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; Kianian, Shahryar; JALLI, MARJA - Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE); RAHMATOV, MAHBUBJON - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences; THE PPP ROBOAT, CONSORTIUM - Swedish University Of Agricultural Sciences

Submitted to: The Plant Genome
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2025
Publication Date: 6/13/2025
Citation: Shariatipour, N., Yazdani, M., Carlsson, A., Bengtsson, T., Kianian, S., Jalli, M., Rahmatov, M., The Ppp Roboat, C. 2025. Genetic dissection of crown rust resistance in oat and the identification of key adult plant resistance genes. The Plant Genome. 18(2). Article e70059. https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.70059.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/tpg2.70059

Interpretive Summary: Crown rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia coronata f.sp. avenae Erikss. (Pca), is the most devastating disease affecting oat globally. The disease poses a severe threat to global oat production by significantly reducing yield and quality, where yield losses can exceed 50% during severe epidemics. Changes in weather patterns are also expected to increase the severity and frequency of crown rust outbreaks in more geographical locations, further threatening oat production. In this study, using various data we identified 167 genetic loci linked to crown rust resistance. Through a detailed analysis, 23 key genomic regions associated with resistance were pinpointed. This study identified several important genes involved in stress response, plant defense, and hormone regulation. These findings provide valuable insights for breeders to develop more resistant oat varieties, enhancing protection against crown rust and securing improved crop stability.

Technical Abstract: Crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. Avenae Erikss.) poses a significant threat to oat production worldwide. The most effective strategy for managing this disease involves identifying, mapping, and deploying resistance genes to develop cultivars with enhanced resistance. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) linked to crown rust resistance across diverse oat populations and environments. From eleven studies conducted between 2003 and 2024, we identified 167 QTL, of which 127 were successfully mapped onto a consensus oat genetic map. These QTL were mainly located on chromosomes of the D and C sub-genomes, showing considerable variation in genetic distances and marker associations. Based on the integration of these QTL in a meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis, 23 MQTL were identified for crown rust resistance in the oat genome. Gene mining within the MQTL intervals identified 1,526 candidate genes, most of which were located in the D sub-genome. Functional analysis revealed that these genes play key roles in stress response, hormonal regulation, and polyamine metabolism, which are crucial for plant defence. Conserved regulatory elements (CAREs) were also identified in the promoter regions of key resistance genes, indicating their involvement in light response, stress regulation, and hormon signaling. This study represents a significant advancement in understanding the genetic architecture of crown rust resistance in oat and provides a valuable resource for breeding programs focused on improving disease resistance.