Key Wheat Genes Confer Resistance Against Powdery Mildew

A study led by Prof. LIU Zhiyong from the Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology (IGDB) at the Chinese Academy of Sciences identifies a wheat nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich repeat (NLR) gene pair that confers resistance against wheat powdery mildew disease.

Wheat powdery mildew is a disease caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), which affects wheat crops worldwide resulting in yield losses of up to 40%. Farmers often rely on fungicides to manage the disease, but excessive use can lead to environmental concerns and resistance issues. This necessitates the development of resistant wheat varieties to reduce pesticide use and reliance.

Scientists discovered that two wheat genes, RXL and Pm5e, work together as an NLR pair to mediate resistance against powdery mildew. The CC domain of Pm5e can interact to regulate or suppress an excessive immune response triggered by the CC domain of RXL. The reviewers said that this study not only reveals the function and evolution of what seems to be the first NLR pair in wheat but also identifies valuable new resistance genes.

For more information, read the article from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.