Wheat sharp eyespot is a soil-borne fungal disease and causes severe yield reduction in wheat worldwide. Identifying candidate genes and enhancing the resistance to sharp eyespot in wheat varieties are effective ways to control the disease. In this study, we performed meta-analysis to identify 7 high potential MQTL by integrating 80 initial QTL related to wheat sharp eyespot resistance. The average confidence interval (CI) of these MQTL was refined to 7.29 cM, representing a 1.95-fold increase in resolution compared to the initial QTL. Notably, the genetic distance of MQTL5 was condensed to less than 1 cM. A total of 275 high confidence annotated genes were obtained as candidate genes within these 7 MQTL by bioinformatic interrogation. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that these genes enriched most significantly in the plant-pathogen interaction pathway. Based on the analysis of qRT-PCR, we further screened out 6 candidate genes showed differential expression between resistant (CI12633 and Niavt14) and susceptible (Yu49 and EM23) cultivars after pathogen inoculation. These candidates include genes encoding an endo-1,3-β-glucanase-like protein (TraesCS6B02G138300), a calmodulin-binding family protein (TraesCS6B02G137500), a short-chain dehydrogenase reductase (TraesCS2D02G058400), two NBS-LRR proteins (TraesCS7D02G106100 and TraesCS7D02G106200), and a kinase family protein (TraesCS2B02G537200). All candidate genes were upregulated in resistant cultivars after Rhizoctonia cerealis infection. Our findings provide a principled foundation for marker-assisted selection and the elucidation of molecular resistance mechanisms in wheat defense against R. cerealis.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) negatively affects wheat yield and quality worldwide. As wheat varieties differ in terms of their resistance to FHB, the identification of FHB-resistant genes is of great importance for the genetic improvement for FHB resistance in wheat breeding. Although sugar transporter proteins (STPs) play vital roles in plant–pathogen interactions, the functions of STP genes in wheat FHB resistance remain poorly understood. In this study, bioinformatics analyses were conducted to identify novel STP genes and characterize their expression profiles in wheat. We confirmed the presence of the 81 TaSTP genes previously reported and identified one additional member, designated as TaSTP6-2D. Based on RNA-seq profiles, 50 TaSTP genes that showed differential expression under biotic or abiotic stress were selected to explore the potential function in the resistance to Fusarium head blight. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that 11 TaSTP genes (TaSTP1-2D, TaSTP3-2A, TaSTP3-2B, TaSTP6-2A, TaSTP6-2B, TaSTP13-4B, TaSTP13-4D, TaSTP19-4A, TaSTP26-5A, TaSTP28-3A and TaSTP28-3D) were differential expressed following the treatment with chitin, Fusarium graminearum or deoxynivalenol. Among them, TaSTP26-5A showed a 28-fold upregulation to chitin in “Yangmai 158” compared to a 6-fold change in “Fielder”. These findings establish a foundation for understanding the function of TaSTP genes in FHB resistance and provide potential genetic targets for improving disease resistance in wheat.

Plant breeding stands as a cornerstone for agricultural productivity and the safeguarding of food security. The advent of Genomic Selection heralds a new epoch in breeding, characterized by its capacity to harness wholegenome variation for genomic prediction. This approach transcends the need for prior knowledge of genes associated with specific traits. Nonetheless, the vast dimensionality of genomic data juxtaposed with the relatively limited number of phenotypic samples often leads to the "curse of dimensionality", where traditional statistical, machine learning, and deep learning methods are prone to overfitting and suboptimal predictive performance. To surmount this challenge, we introduce a unified Variational auto-encoder based Multi-task Genomic Prediction model (VMGP) that integrates self-supervised genomic compression and reconstruction with multiple prediction tasks. This approach provides a robust solution, offering a formidable predictive framework that has been rigorously validated across public datasets for wheat, rice, and maize. Our model demonstrates exceptional capabilities in multi-phenotype and multi-environment genomic prediction, successfully navigating the complexities of cross-population genomic selection and underscoring its unique strengths and utility. Furthermore, by integrating VMGP with model interpretability, we can effectively triage relevant single nucleotide polymorphisms, thereby enhancing prediction performance and proposing potential cost-effective genotyping solutions. The VMGP framework, with its simplicity, stable predictive prowess, and open-source code, is exceptionally wellsuited for broad dissemination within plant breeding programs. It is particularly advantageous for breeders who prioritize phenotype prediction yet may not possess extensive knowledge in deep learning or proficiency in parameter tuning. (c) 2025 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of KeAi Communications Co., Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

BACKGROUND:Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation suffers from significant yield loss owing to diseases such as Fusarium head blight (FHB) and powdery mildew (PM). Utilization of host resistance is an effective strategy for controlling diseases. Fhb7 and Pm21 are derived from wild relatives of wheat, which confer broad-spectrum resistance to FHB and PM, respectively, and can be used in breeding through marker-assisted selection. Kompetitive Allele Specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) is a homogeneous fluorescence-based technology, which identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), and is suitable for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in large-scale breeding. However, KASP typically identifies the alleles of a single SNP, which limits the efficiency of pyramiding multiple genes during breeding. RESULTS:In this study, we developed and applied a novel multiplex KASP (Multi-KASP) system that enabled concurrent detection of two distinct genes in a single reaction. The Multi-KASP system increased the flexibility of primer requirements and differentiated genes using only basic fluorescent cassettes, thereby significantly enhancing genotyping efficiency while ensuring high specificity and accuracy. This system accurately distinguished homozygous and heterozygous genotypes for both genes, which was validated by comparison with conventional marker detection. Phenotyping showed that polymerization of Fhb7 and Pm21 using the multi-KASP system enhanced resistance to FHB and PM in the wheat breeding program. CONCLUSIONS:A cost-effective Multi-KASP genotyping system, capable of simultaneously detecting two distinct genes in a single reaction, is an efficient and convenient solution for molecular breeding. The system demonstrates high potential for enhancing the efficiency of MAS in wheat breeding for resistance to FHB and PM.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat is one of the most damaging diseases affecting global wheat production. Over the past few decades, significant advancements have been made in mitigating the impact of this disease through the development of resistant wheat varieties. However, the FHB epidemic has been increasing due to changes in climate and crop rotation. Improving breeding efficiency is urgently needed. Cloning disease resistance genes and elucidating their molecular mechanisms will accelerate the breeding of FHB-resistant wheat varieties. This review outlines the five types of FHB resistance in wheat, provides definitions and potential mechanisms for each type, and reviews the cloned resistance genes and the resistance mechanisms they mediate. Additionally, this review discusses the progress in breeding FHB-resistant wheat via resistance genes and proposes strategies for different resistance requirements in breeding, with the goal of increasing the efficiency of FHB resistance breeding in wheat.

Background Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum species complex is a destructive disease in wheat worldwide. Lack of FHB resistant germplasm is a barrier in wheat breeding for the resistance to FHB. Thinopyrum elongatum is an important relative species successfully used for genetic improvement in wheat. Results In this study, a translocation line YNM158 with a YM158 genetic background and carrying the fragment of diploid Th. elongatum 7EL chromosome created by 60Co-γ radiation showed high resistance to FHB under both filed and greenhouse conditions. The transcriptome analysis validated that the horizontal transfer gene GST is one of the important contributors to FHB resistance in pathogen infection stage, whereas 7EL chromosome fragment also carries other genes regulated by F. graminearum during the colonization stage. In addition, the introgression of 7EL fragment affected the expression of wheat genes which were enriched in the resistance pathways including phosphatidylinositol signaling system, protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, plant-pathogen interaction and MAPK signaling pathway at different stages after F. graminearium infection. Conclusions The study provides a novel germplasm for wheat resistance to FHB and new insights into the molecular mechanism of wheat resistance to FHB.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating wheat disease. Fhb1, the most widely applied genetic locus for FHB resistance, is conferred by TaHRC of an unknown mode of action. Here, we show that TaHRC alleles distinctly drive liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) within a proteinaceous complex, determining FHB susceptibility or resistance. TaHRC-S (susceptible) exhibits stronger LLPS ability than TaHRC-R (resistant), and this distinction is further intensified by fungal mycotoxin deoxynivalenol, leading to opposing FHB symptoms. TaHRC recruits a protein class with intrinsic LLPS potentials, referred to as an “HRC-containing hub.” TaHRC-S drives condensation of hub components, while TaHRC-R comparatively suppresses hub condensate formation. The function of TaSR45a splicing factor, a hub member, depends on TaHRC-driven condensate state, which in turn differentially directs alternative splicing, switching between susceptibility and resistance to wheat FHB. These findings reveal a mechanism for FHB spread within a spike and shed light on the roles of complex condensates in controlling plant disease.

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the Fusarium graminearum species complex, is a destructive disease in wheat worldwide. The lack of FHB-resistant germplasm is a barrier in wheat breeding for resistance to FHB. Thinopyrum elongatum is an important relative that has been successfully used for the genetic improvement of wheat. In this study, a translocation line, YNM158, with the YM158 genetic background carrying a fragment of diploid Th. elongatum 7EL chromosome created using 60Co-γ radiation, showed high resistance to FHB under both field and greenhouse conditions. Transcriptome analysis confirmed that the horizontal transfer gene, encoding glutathione S-transferase (GST), is an important contributor to FHB resistance in the pathogen infection stage, whereas the 7EL chromosome fragment carries other genes regulated by F. graminearum during the colonization stage. Introgression of the 7EL fragment affected the expression of wheat genes that were enriched in resistance pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol signaling system, protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum, plant–pathogen interaction, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway at different stages after F. graminearium infection. This study provides a novel germplasm for wheat resistance to FHB and new insights into the molecular mechanisms of wheat resistance to FHB.

As an important component of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, 1000-kernel weight (TKW) has played a crucial role in yield improvement in recent decades. Marker-assisted selection is an effective tool for improving quantitative traits; however, most markers have not been effectively applied in TKW improvement despite the identification of many loci associated with TKW. In this study, association mapping was performed using local cultivated varieties, and a previous linkage analysis was integrated to identify 10 candidate intervals. The corresponding kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers associated with TKW were successfully developed and screened in 1153 F4 breeding lines. Three markers, namely, Ktkw-5B2, Ktkw-5D, and Ktkw-7D, were proved to be significantly related to TKW according to large-scale association mapping, and their ability to increase TKW was enhanced in combination. We applied the three markers in 150 F6 breeding lines and obtained 25 high-TKW lines, indicating the availability in marker-assisted selection. The TKW-increasing allele for Ktkw-5D was heavily selected in the present breeding program, while that for Ktkw-5B2 was low and for Ktkw-7D tended to increase after 2000. Furthermore, strategies for gene exploration in the three significant intervals were proposed. These results are expected to provide an efficient route for improving TKW in wheat high-yield breeding. Three significant loci for 1000-kernel weight were identified by genetic analysis. The markers were applied in breeding lines to generate varieties with high 1000-kernel weight. The application progress of the three loci was clarified. Strategies for gene exploration in the three significant intervals were proposed.

为评价拔节期不同小麦耐渍性,以34份品种(系)为试验材料,设置渍水和常规栽培2个处理,测量产量、千粒重和粒径等相关指标,通过相关分析、因子分析和综合得分等对耐渍性进行综合评价.结果显示,渍水14d时产量、千粒重和粒径显著下降,粒径与千粒重显著相关,千粒重和粒径的降低是产量下降的主要原因之一;耐胁迫指数(STI)、生产力几何平均值(GMP)、平均生产力(MP)、调和平均数(HM)、平均相对生产力(MRP)、相对生产力(RP)与正常条件下均产(Yp)、胁迫条件下均产(Ys)显著正相关,适于筛选渍水胁迫和正常环境下的高产潜力品种;胁迫敏感指数(SSI)、耐湿指数(WTI)、抗逆性(TOL)与Ys呈显著负相关,适于筛选渍水胁迫环境下的高产潜力品种;因子1主要解释了 GMP、HM、MP、WTI和RP,反映产量特性,因子2主要解释了 SSI、TOL和STI,反映耐渍特性;GMP、HM、MP、STI、WTI和RP被提取的比例均在0.85以上,被解释程度高,适于品种(系)耐渍性的初步筛选.通过因子综合得分和耐胁迫得分(STS)发现,国豪麦6号、扬15-133、扬16-157、扬麦20、华麦1064、鄂麦166、华麦1061、安农170、宁麦9号、华麦1063和皖科125的综合得分和STS值均高于耐渍对照扬麦25,可见综合得分0.30以上或STS值4.00以上的为耐渍品种(系).因此,由GMP、HM、MP、STI、WTI和RP获得的综合得分和STS值可作为筛选耐渍种质资源的指标.

Wheat yellow rust (YR) is a most devastating disease in wheat worldwide. In recent years, the epidemic in China has expanded from traditional areas to the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River due to the changes in climate and cropping systems. To facilitate YR resistance breeding, it is meaningful to explore resistance loci from local germplasm resources. In this study, a linkage mapping was performed in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Ningmai 9 x Yangmai 158 using a high-density genetic map and phenotypic identification for adult plant resistance (APR) to YR in four environments. Phenotypic analysis showed that Yangmai 158 had better APR than Ningmai 9. Disease severity in different environments was significantly correlated with each other, and it was found that disease severity was significantly influenced by genotype, environment and their interaction. A total of 19 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, of which four could be detected in multiple environments and four corresponding KASP markers were then developed. Lines with different QTLs from the population including 476 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) were evaluated for APR. The results revealed that Qyr-4B.4 and Qyr-5B.2 could significantly reduce the disease severity, with their combination showing a better effect. The findings of the study can be beneficial for wheat YR resistance breeding in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River.

To clarify the function of UDP-glycosyltransferase 7（TaUGT7） in resistance to Fusarium head blight（FHB） in wheat, homologous analysis was conducted using DNAMAN 6.0 software, and the expression patterns of TaUGT7 in wheat spikelets were analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR（qRT-PCR） in response to Fusarium graminearum and deoxynivalenol（DON）. The TaUGT7-eGFP was delivered into onion epidermal cells via gene gun bombardment to determine its subcellular localization. TaUGT7 gene was overexpressed in wheat variety Fielder using the Agrobacterium-mediated method to investigate its role in resistance to FHB. The results showed that TaUGT7 shared a low similarity with those UGT proteins previously reported to contribute to FHB resistance at the amino acid level.TaUGT7 was distributed throughout cells including cell membrane and nuclei. Eight independent transgenic overexpression lines were obtained, all of which were up-regulated in different degrees by qRTPCR detection. In compared with the wild-type control, the proportion of symptomatic spikelets decreased significantly in the overexpression lines TaUGT7-395 and TaUGT7-457. Transcript of TaUGT7was induced after F. graminearum or DON inoculation, and TaUGT7 overexpression in wheat showed improved resistance to Fusarium spread.

The vacuolar processing enzyme gene TaVPE3cB is identified as a candidate gene for a QTL of wheat pith-thickness on chromosome 3B by BSR-seq and differential expression analyses. The high pith-thickness (PT) of the wheat stem could greatly enhance stem mechanical strength, especially the basal internodes which support the heavier upper part, such as upper stems, leaves and spikes. A QTL for PT in wheat was previously discovered on 3BL in a double haploid population of ‘Westonia’ × ‘Kauz’. Here, a bulked segregant RNA-seq analysis was applied to identify candidate genes and develop associated SNP markers for PT. In this study, we aimed at screening differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and SNPs in the 3BL QTL interval. Sixteen DEGs were obtained based on BSR-seq and differential expression analyses. Twenty-four high-probability SNPs in eight genes were identified by comparing the allelic polymorphism in mRNA sequences between the high PT and low PT samples. Among them, six genes were confirmed to be associated with PT by qRT-PCR and sequencing. A putative vacuolar processing enzyme gene TaVPE3cB was screened out as a potential PT candidate gene in Australian wheat ‘Westonia’. A robust SNP marker associated with TaVPE3cB was developed, which can assist in the introgression of TaVPE3cB.b in wheat breeding programs. In addition, we also discussed the function of other DEGs which may be related to pith development and programmed cell death (PCD). A five-level hierarchical regulation mechanism of stem pith PCD in wheat was proposed.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD) is one of the world's most extensively cultivated crops, furnishing vital nutrients and energy for human consumption. Wheat seeds are the primary sustenance source. Given the mounting global population and dwindling arable land, enhancing wheat grain yield remains a concern for mankind. A pivotal agronomic trait influencing grain yield is grain weight, which is predominantly contingent on seed size and endosperm components and is regulated by complex and precise molecular networks. Endogenous factors, such as transcriptional and post-translational regulators, exert pivotal influence over seed development. Notably, starch is the main storage component of wheat endosperm, and the starch synthesis-related genes exert an important effect on grain weight. Prior reviews on wheat grain traits have mostly focused on the regulation of grain size, and the contents of such reviews are almost entirely written based on the regulatory network of rice seed size. Although many regulatory mechanisms for various traits are similar in rice and wheat, there are lots of differences in wheat due to its vast and intricate genome. An all-encompassing panorama of the grain weight regulatory network has not yet been comprehensive. This review summarizes the catalog of reported genes, discusses the emerging molecular mechanisms, and delves into regulatory networks to foster a more holistic understanding of the intricate regulation of wheat seed weight.

宁麦35系江苏省农业科学院粮食作物研究所采用宁麦8号、扬麦11、宁麦13和镇麦9号4个亲本配制杂交组合,后代采用集团选择育成的小麦新品种.该品种在长江中下游(江苏省农科院科企)小麦联合体区域试验和生产试验中,平均产量比对照扬麦20分别增产4.61％和3.82％.熟期较对照扬麦20略早,有效穗数466.0万穗/hm2,穗粒数38.7粒,千粒重45.0g.中抗赤霉病,品质属中强筋.相关和通径分析表明,有效穗数对产量的影响最大,其次是穗粒数,千粒重对产量的作用相对较小.宁麦35的高产栽培技术途径应是在保证足够穗数的基础上增加穗粒数,并兼顾提高千粒重.

The quality of wheat primarily depends on its storage protein quality, especially in regards to gluten content and high-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS). The number of HMW-GS alleles is limited in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), whereas it is abundant in wheat relatives. Therefore, HMW-GS alleles from wheat relatives could provide a potential for improving quality in wheat breeding. Thinopyrum elongatum (EE) is one of the relatives of wheat. The E genome is closely related to the ABD genome in wheat; therefore, Th. elongatum is often used as an excellent exogenous gene donor for wheat genetic improvement. In this study, the high-molecular glutenin subunit gene was cloned and sequenced from Th. elongatum. A specific molecular marker for identifying the Glu-1Ey subunit gene was developed and applied to detected wheat-Th. elongatum alien introgression lines. Quality analysis indicated that the substitution and addition lines containing Th. elongatum alleles significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain protein content by 3.76% to 5.11%, wet-gluten content by 6.55% to 8.73%, flour 8-MW by 0.25% to 6.35%, and bread volume value by 33.77 mL to 246.50 mL, in comparing it with Chinese Spring. The GMP content and lactic acid SRC showed significant positive correlations with flour processing quality and might be used as indicators for wheat quality. The results were expected to provide a novel route for improving processing quality in wheat quality breeding.

为了研究小麦拔节期渍害对小麦籽粒和加工品质的影响,通过试验池淹水的方式,设置对照和渍水2周、3周3个水平的试验,研究了拔节期渍害对籽粒的容重、千粒质量、蛋白质含量、粒径和硬度,面粉的蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、降落数值、SDS沉淀值和SRC,以及面团的揉混仪参数、粉质仪参数和拉伸仪参数等小麦品质相关性状的影响.结果表明:拔节期渍水2周,渍害对籽粒蛋白质含量、面粉蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量和蔗糖SRC值及面团的峰值时间、峰值面积、形成时间、稳定时间、粉质仪分数、拉伸能量、延伸度和拉伸比无显著影响;拔节期渍水2周以上,小麦的容重、千粒质量、籽粒蛋白含量、粒径和籽粒硬度指数显著降低,面粉蛋白质含量、湿面筋含量、降落数值、SDS沉淀值和4种SRC值显著降低,面团的峰值面积和延伸度显著降低,面团阻力增加,面团的其他流变学特性影响不显著,饼干直径显著减小.可见,渍害2周以上对小麦品质相关性状有显著影响,并影响饼干品质等相关指标.