Research Progress on Marker-Assisted Selection Pyramiding Breeding of Disease Resistance Genes in Wheat

Introduction

Wheat is a fundamental global food crop, yet its productivity is frequently threatened by various diseases such as powdery mildew, rust, and Fusarium head blight. As climate conditions shift and pathogens evolve, single-resistance-gene wheat varieties are losing effectiveness. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) pyramiding breeding has emerged as a vital technique to enhance disease resistance by integrating multiple resistance genes into wheat varieties.

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Advancements in MAS Pyramiding for Disease Resistance

Powdery Mildew Resistance

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, poses a severe threat to wheat yield and quality. Currently, 68 resistance genes (Pm) have been identified. Research has demonstrated that pyramiding multiple Pm genes—such as Pm4b, Pm2, and Pm13—can significantly improve wheat’s resistance to powdery mildew.

Rust Resistance

Wheat rust, including stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici), leaf rust (Puccinia triticina), and stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici), remains a major concern for global wheat production. Studies have shown that combining genes like Yr15 and Yr64 or Lr24 and Lr28 enhances resistance. The American Phytopathological Society emphasizes the importance of integrating diverse resistance strategies to combat wheat rust effectively.

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) Resistance

FHB, caused by Fusarium spp., leads to significant yield losses and quality degradation. To date, only seven major resistance genes (Fhb1–Fhb7) have been identified. Research indicates that pyramiding genes like Fhb1, Fhb4, and Fhb5 can significantly reduce FHB severity.

Strategic Link Placement

For an in-depth analysis of this study, read the full research article at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.jpsp.1001093.

Future Implications and Conclusion

The continuous evolution of wheat pathogens necessitates the development of new, durable resistance strategies. MAS pyramiding breeding, combined with traditional techniques, offers a promising approach to enhancing wheat resilience against diseases. However, most research remains at the experimental stage, highlighting the need for further field validation.

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