QTL mapping Fusarium head blight resistance and deoxynivalenol accumulation in the Kansas wheat variety 'Everest'

Authors: LEMES DA SILVA, CRISTIANO - Kansas State University; FRITZ, ALLAN - Kansas State University; CLINESMITH, MARSHALL - Kansas State University; POLAND, JESSE - Kansas State University; Dowell, Floyd; PEIRIS, KAMARANGA - Kansas State University

Submitted to: Molecular Breeding
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/28/2018
Publication Date: 2/18/2019
Citation: Lemes da Silva, C., Fritz, A., Clinesmith, M., Poland, J., Dowell, F.E., Peiris, K. 2019. QTL mapping Fusarium head blight resistance and deoxynivalenol accumulation in the Kansas wheat variety 'Everest'. Molecular Breeding. 39:35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-0937-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-0937-z

Interpretive Summary: Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces grain yield and accumulates mycotoxins in wheat kernels and flour and thus compromise the end-use quality. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with components of FHB resistance were mapped in the Kansas wheat variety Everest. Deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) were estimated using a single-kernel near-infrared system (SKNIR). Four QTLs from Everest were identified, indicating that this variety is a source of native FHB resistance. QTL grouping analysis showed that individuals containing multiple QTL were significantly more resistant, indicating that QTL pyramiding enhance FHB resistance. A 36% reduction in DON content was observed in DH lines carrying all mapped QTLs for DON accumulation. Further validation of the QTLs mapped here will allow breeding programs to increase FHB resistance in other genetic backgrounds. This is the first study that identified QTLs associated with low DON accumulation in multiple years of field experiment using the SKNIR technology, supporting the use of this methodology in future genetics and breeding studies.

Technical Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) reduces grain yield and accumulates mycotoxins in wheat kernels and flour and thus compromise the end-use quality. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with components of FHB resistance were mapped in the Kansas wheat variety Everest. A doubled haploid (DH) population with 176 lines was developed from a cross between Everest and WB-Cedar, which are moderately resistant and moderately susceptible to FHB, respectively. Two years of field evaluations were conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) were estimated using a single-kernel near-infrared system (SKNIR). Four QTLs from Everest were identified on 1BS, 3DS, 4BL, and 5AS, indicating that this variety is a source of native FHB resistance conditioned by multiple loci. A large-effect QTL (Qksu-fhbE-5AS) from Everest explained up to 13% of the DON variation in the two year experiment average. A single QTL from WB-Cedar, Qksu.fhbC-1AS, was identified contributing FHB resistance. QTL grouping analysis showed that individuals containing multiple QTL were significantly more resistant, indicating that QTL pyramiding enhance FHB resistance. A 36% reduction in DON content was observed in DH lines carrying all mapped QTLs for DON accumulation. Further validation of the QTLs mapped here will allow breeding programs to increase FHB resistance in other genetic backgrounds. This is the first study that identified QTLs associated with low DON accumulation in multiple years of field experiment using the SKNIR technology, supporting the use of this methodology in future genetics and breeding studies.