Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (69 Views)
Powdery mildew is a prevalent fungal disease that can cause severe yield losses in wheat, potentially reducing productivity by 50–100% under high infection pressure. Genetic resistance offers an effective and environmentally sustainable control strategy. However, the pathogen’s rapid evolution and diversity of physiological races often render existing resistance genes ineffective. Therefore, identifying novel and durable resistance sources is essential. This study evaluated 23 native Iranian wheat genotypes, primarily from central regions and sourced from the National Plant Gene Bank, for resistance to powdery mildew at both seedling and adult stages. Evaluations were conducted under greenhouse and field conditions. Field trials were performed over three cropping seasons at the Araqi Mahalle Station (Gorgan) using a randomized complete block design under natural infection conditions. Disease progression, severity, and the coefficient of infection were recorded. Greenhouse assays involved inoculation with four distinct pathotypes. Descriptive statistics were applied to assess field data, and correlation analysis examined year-to-year relationships based on the infection coefficient. Combined ANOVA and AMMI analyses evaluated genotype × year interactions. Results revealed significant effects of genotype, environment (year), and their interaction. The AMMI model showed that the first principal component (IPCA1) explained 89% of the interaction variance. Genotype KC2173 exhibited broad-spectrum and durable resistance in both seedling and adult stages. Genotypes KC1510, KC1534, and KC1797 showed adult plant resistance. Seven distinct resistance-susceptibility patterns were observed across genotypes in response to the pathotypes. Based on the virulence profiles of the pathotypes, resistance gene candidates were inferred in several genotypes. Notably, KC1507 demonstrated durable field resistance and is likely to harbor novel resistance genes.
This study highlights the potential of these Iranian genotypes as valuable resistance sources, suitable for incorporation into wheat breeding programs targeting durable powdery mildew resistance.
This study highlights the potential of these Iranian genotypes as valuable resistance sources, suitable for incorporation into wheat breeding programs targeting durable powdery mildew resistance.
Article number: 4
Keywords: Key words: Genetic Resources, Gene Bank, Resistance Resources, Adult Plant Resistance, Seedling Resistance
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