Genome-wide Association Analysis Identifies a Consistent QTL for Powdery Mildew Resistance on Chromosome 3A in Nordic and Baltic Spring Wheat

Overview

Journal Theor Appl Genet

Publisher Springer

Specialty Genetics

Date 2024 Jan 19

PMID 38240841

Authors

Min Lin

Bulat Islamov

Andrius Aleliunas

Rita Armoniene

Andrii Gorash

Egon Meigas

Anne Ingver

Ilmar Tamm

Hannes Kollist

Vija Strazdina

Mara Bleidere

Gintaras Brazauskas

Morten Lillemo

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

QPm.NOBAL-3A is an important QTL providing robust adult plant powdery mildew resistance in Nordic and Baltic spring wheat, aiding sustainable crop protection and breeding. Powdery mildew, caused by the biotrophic fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, poses a significant threat to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), one of the world's most crucial cereal crops. Enhancing cultivar resistance against this devastating disease requires a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of powdery mildew resistance. In this study, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using extensive field trial data from multiple environments across Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway. The study involved a diverse panel of recent wheat cultivars and breeding lines sourced from the Baltic region and Norway. We identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 3A, designated as QPm.NOBAL-3A, which consistently conferred high resistance to powdery mildew across various environments and countries. Furthermore, the consistency of the QTL haplotype effect was validated using an independent Norwegian spring wheat panel. Subsequent greenhouse seedling inoculations with 15 representative powdery mildew isolates on a subset of the GWAS panel indicated that this QTL provides adult plant resistance and is likely of race non-specific nature. Moreover, we developed and validated KASP markers for QPm.NOBAL-3A tailored for use in breeding. These findings provide a critical foundation for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs aimed at pyramiding resistance QTL/genes to achieve durable and broad-spectrum resistance against powdery mildew.

Citing Articles

Genome-wide association study reveals 18 QTL for major agronomic traits in a Nordic-Baltic spring wheat germplasm.

Aleliunas A, Gorash A, Armoniene R, Tamm I, Ingver A, Bleidere M Front Plant Sci. 2024; 15:1393170.

PMID: 38974985 PMC: 11224466. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1393170.

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