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Background: Wheat suffers
from a range of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases globally.
For many diseases, adequate levels of resistance are not available,
or the resistance that is available is multi-genic and thus
complex to transfer into elite varieties. In addition, pathogens
are continually evolving so it is critical to identify novel
sources of resistance to maintain adequate resistance in wheat
to these diseases.
A range of candidate genes and genomic resources
for development of biotic stress resistance in crops are available.
As a member of the Australian CRC for Molecular Plant Breeding
(MPBCRC) CIMMYT works with:
Cereal Candidate Genes: Selected
candidate genes, including thaumatin-like protein (TLP), chitinase
and glucanase from barley for biotic stress tolerance. These
candidates have been transgenically expressed in wheat. In
addition, factors that act upon the conidia from Rhynchosporium
secalis to suppress their germination upon the leaf surface
of barley have been isolated (i.e. SIF, spore inhibiting factor)
and identified. Candidate genes in barley expressed in response
to infection with R. secalis are being isolated and
characterised.
Objectives:
- Obtain candidates in appropriate constructs
for testing in transgenic wheat
- Develop sufficient numbers of events
for each gene construct using the super transformable MPB
Bobwhite-26 variety
- Screen the transformants with a range
of pathogens to determine the level of resistance
- For effective genes, develop Agrobacterium-based
transgenics for further field testing and product development
Target Germplasm: MPB Bobwhite-26,
MPB Bobwhite-56, other wheat varieties
Gene(s): Various candidate
genes as outlined above.
Partner(s): Department
of Primary Industries (DPI), Australia
Status: Initial gene constructs
are being produced.
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