The genetic makeup of wheat rust has been a mystery for over 30 years. Puzzle of wheat rust genetics solved after 30 years by scientists. Researchers from CSIRO, the University of Sydney, Limagrain UK, the United Kingdom's John Innes Centre and the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB) have identified the first three resistance genes against stripe rust disease which devastates world wheat crops. UK and Australian scientists solve 30-year wheat rust genetics conundrum.
CSIRO University of Sydney Limagrain UK United Kingdom's John Innes Centre National Institute of Agricultural Botany NIAB. yr7 yr5 yrsp. world's population. crops. Dr. Peng Zhang, Ms Jianping, Zhang, prof robert park, Dr. Evans Lagudah, Ms Clemence Marchal.
discovery scientists, cloned three related rust resistance genes—called Yr7, Yr5, YrSP enable important genes accurately monitored integrated breeding programs fight ever-changing pathogens kill 70 percent whole wheat crops time. Wheat relied one-third world's population economically important staple foods. Wheat rust widespread devastating diseases stripe rust— bright yellow shaped stripes is problematic pathogens worldwide easily adapts different climates environments, effective genes breeders varieties.
characterisation three genes made possible short period time improving technology collaboration led Australia UK. University Sydney's cereal rust research team directorship Prof Robert Park—a world-leader wheat rust research—created mutation populations 2015 identified mutants each gene, unknowingly parallel, scientists UK working genes. found each other's work international conference (the 3th International Wheat Genetics Symposium) April 2017 started collaborating.
findings published today Nature Plants. Co-author University Sydney Dr. Peng Zhang research major contribution understanding immune receptor protein class resistance genes wheat; similar gene structure, each gene confers distinct unique recognition specificity stripe rust pathogen. This work finally resolved relationships three genes provided answer question 30-year-old. Our work represents authenticated molecular isolation major resistance genes stripe rust.
Australian, UK scientists solve 30-year wheat rust genetics puzzle. lead authors Ph.D. students: Ms Jianping Zhang (co-supervised Prof Robert Park Dr. Peng Zhang Sydney's School Life Environmental Sciences Dr. Evans Lagudah CSIRO) Ms Clemence Marchal John Innes Centre, UK. Ph.D. candidate Ms Zhang recently, would years clone resistance gene wheat. With advances mutational genomics, sequencing cloning technologies, clone three genes relatively short period time," Ms Zhang, member Sydney Institute Agriculture Plant Breeding Institute Cobbitty conducting research University Sydney CSIRO. thorough understanding gene structure relationships three important genes.
Dr. Zhang breakthrough possible editing genes rendered ineffective rust pathogen, order try switch effectiveness again, protecting rust pathogens minimising fungicide. work possible isolate genes better understanding architectures functions. Diagnostic markers developed genes utilised promptly wheat breeding programs world. addition, cloning functional analysis genes lead novel control strategies future. Explore further: Researchers seek wheat fungus thing past
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