Genome-wide association study of host resistance to Hessian fly in barley

Authors: KARKI, MANILA - North Dakota State University; Chu, Chenggen; Anderson, Kirk; Nandety, Raja Sekhar; Fiedler, Jason; Schachterle, Jeffrey; BRUGGEMAN, ROBERT - Washington State University; LIU, ZHAOHUI - North Dakota State University; Yang, Shengming

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2023
Publication Date: 11/1/2023
Citation: Karki, M., Chu, C.N., Anderson, K.M., Nandety, R.S., Fiedler, J.D., Schachterle, J.K., Bruggeman, R., Liu, Z., Yang, S. 2023. Genome-wide association study of host resistance to Hessian fly in barley. Phytopathology. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-06-23-0192-R.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-06-23-0192-R

Interpretive Summary: The Hessian fly (HF) is one of the most devastating pests of wheat. Although wheat is the most preferred host, this continuously evolving pest has been emerging as a threat to barley production. There have been reports of severe HF attack in barley fields in several States of the US. The threat of HF on barley production may continue to escalate if timely studies are not carried out to develop control measures. However, characterization and identification of genetic resistance to HF has not been conducted in barley. In the present study, we used the genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify barley resistance genes to Hessian fly. Two significant resistance genes were detected on a specific barley chromosome, and genetic markers were developed to indicate the presence and absence of those resistance genes on barley plant. Therefore, our study provided the critical tools for breeders to develop HF-resistant barley variety and laid a foundation for geneticists to understand the HF resistance mechanism in barley.

Technical Abstract: The Hessian fly (HF), Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), is one of the most devastating pests of cereals including wheat, barley, and rye. Although wheat is the most preferred host for HF, this continuously evolving pest has been emerging as a threat to barley production. However, characterization and identification of genetic resistance to HF has not been conducted in barley. In the present study, we used the genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify barley resistance loci to HF using a set of 5643 high-quality markers. A geographically diverse set of 234 barley lines were selected from the World Barley Core Collection (BCC) and screened for responses to HF infestation. Of the tested lines, ~80% were highly susceptible, indicating a significant vulnerability to HF in barley germplasm. A total of twenty-nine accessions were identified as potential resistance resources against the HF. Based on the mixed linear model to analyze the population structure, two marker-trait associations were identified both on chromosome 4H. The resistance loci and associated markers will facilitate barley improvement and development for breeders. In addition, our results are also fundamental for genetic studies to understand HF resistance mechanism in barley.