Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by Zymoseptoria tritici, is a major foliar disease affecting wheat. Since the early 2000s, genetic studies have identified 23 resistance genes (Stb genes) and numerous resistance QTLs in bread wheat. However, research on elite French varieties has been limited, according to a press release.
To address this, INRAE’s GDEC and BIOGER units partnered with French wheat breeders and ARVALIS (via the BreedWheat consortium) to analyze 285 elite French bread wheat varieties. Field and controlled-condition tests using multiple Z. tritici strains assessed resistance levels, followed by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) that identified 57 resistance QTLs — 40 effective under controlled conditions. Findings indicate at least 11 of the 23 known Stb genes are present in French varieties, along with newly identified resistance genes.
This research lays a foundation for a broader meta-analysis in the FSOV DURABLÉ project (2019–2023), aiding the development of more resistant wheat varieties.
More information on the ANR Breedwheat project: https://www.franceagrimer.fr/content/download/50194/document/Breedwheat_brochure%20FR-4pages%281%29.pdf
More information on the FSOV DivR project: https://www.fsov.org/des-outils-moleculaires-pour-la-selection-de-resistances-diversifiees-et-efficaces-contre-la-septoriose-du-ble
Reference: Thauvin, JN., Gélisse, S., Cambon, F. et al. The genetic architecture of resistance to septoria tritici blotch in French wheat cultivars. BMC Plant Biol 24, 1212 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-05898-5
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