ZURICH,2025-06-16 06:28:00
Asian wheat Varieties Hold Key to Rust Resistance
Researchers have discovered genes in Asian wheat varieties that could protect global bread wheat production from the devastating yellow rust fungus.
- Customary wheat varieties from Asia contain genes that resist yellow rust.
- Yellow rust is a major threat to global wheat production, affecting about 88% of bread wheat.
- These resistant genes could be transferred to commercial wheat varieties.
What’s the link between Asian wheat varieties and combating the yellow rust fungus? An international team of researchers from the University of Zurich (UZH) has found that traditional wheat varieties from Asia possess specific genomic regions that provide resistance to yellow rust, a destructive fungal disease. These findings could be crucial in protecting global wheat yields.
Yellow rust, also known as stripe rust, is caused by the fungus *Puccinia striiformis f. sp.tritici*. This plant disease is a meaningful threat, impacting around 88% of global bread wheat production. New strategies are urgently needed to combat this pervasive threat to wheat crops.
“If such genes can be transferred to commercial wheat varieties, they could be significant in combating yellow rust,” said kentaro Shimizu, professor at the UZH Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, who led the study.
The Value of Genetic Diversity
For decades, wheat breeding has prioritized high-yielding varieties, which has narrowed the crop’s genetic base. This focus has made modern wheat varieties more susceptible to pests, diseases, and climate extremes. Traditional wheat varieties, however, cultivated and preserved by farmers across diverse regions, maintain broader genetic diversity.
katharina jung, during her PhD in Enrico Shimizu’s research group, investigated yellow rust resistance in wheat, collaborating with the International Maize and Wheat Advancement center (CIMMYT) in Mexico and Kyoto University in Japan. She screened both traditional and modern wheat varieties from Japan, China, Nepal, and Pakistan. Field trials were conducted in Switzerland and Mexico to identify rust-resistant plants.
Jung pinpointed two previously uncharacterized genomic regions that contribute to yellow rust resistance. One region was found in a traditional variety from Nepal, while the other appeared across traditional lines from Nepal, Pakistan, and China in the southern Himalayan region.
The Himalayan Connection
These discoveries highlight the importance of traditional wheat varieties as a source of genetic traits that can strengthen global wheat production.”interestingly, the southern Himalayan area is believed to be the origin of the yellow rust pathogen itself. Taken together with our findings,we hypothesize that traditional varieties from this area might harbor unique and stable resistances to yellow rust,” said Jung. She suggests a more targeted search in this area could provide long-lasting protection against various pathogen strains.
Conserving genetic diversity and traditional varieties is critical for combating diseases and ensuring future food security. Farmers have cultivated these varieties for generations, demonstrating their value.
“Traditional varieties must be preserved both in gene banks and in farmers’ fields before they are lost forever. Their use and benefit-sharing shoudl be done in close collaboration with local communities, as their knowledge and practice have paved the way to the genetic diversity we observe today,” said Jung.
Collaboration with Kyoto university
The wheat varieties provided by Kyoto University were essential for this project. Kentaro Shimizu emphasized the value of such collaborations in scientific progress. The UZH Global Funding Scheme supported the project, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between UZH and Kyoto University, which was formalized into a Strategic Partnership in 2020.
Beyond rust Resistance: the Broader Value of Wheat Diversity
The recent discovery of yellow rust resistance genes in Asian wheat varieties is a pivotal step in protecting global wheat production. But the benefits of exploring and preserving the genetic diversity within wheat extend far beyond combating this specific fungal threat. By examining different wheat varieties, we can uncover a wealth of traits that can definitely help future-proof this vital crop.
Wheat, as a staple food for billions, faces numerous challenges, including evolving pests, changing climate conditions, and the pressure to increase yields. The emphasis on high-yielding varieties over the past decades, while successful in the short term, has inadvertently narrowed the genetic base of commercial wheat [[3]]. This makes modern wheat more vulnerable.
Traditional or heirloom varieties, cultivated for generations in diverse environments, offer a crucial reservoir of genetic traits that can address these challenges. These varieties carry genes for resistance to various diseases and pests, tolerance to drought and heat, and improved nutritional profiles.
The Power of Wheat Diversity: A Deeper Dive
The focus on yellow rust resistance is a clear presentation. Though, the broader benefits of wheat diversity also include:
- Enhanced disease Resistance: Besides yellow rust, a vast array of other diseases can cripple wheat crops. Traditional varieties frequently enough possess natural defenses against these diseases.
- Climate Resilience: With climate change intensifying, wheat needs to adapt to more extreme weather. Some varieties show greater tolerance to drought, heat, and flooding compared to conventional types.
- Nutritional Enhancement: Certain wheat varieties contain higher levels of essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Thier inclusion can promote global health.
- Improved Yield Stability: Maintaining diverse varieties helps to stabilize yields from year to year. A single variety that thrives in one season might fail in another.A diversified approach increases overall resilience.
What specific benefits do traditional wheat varieties offer? Traditional wheat varieties can provide genetic resources for disease resistance, climate resilience, and improved nutritional content. They can also boost the overall yield stability of the crop.
The process of uncovering the hidden potential within these varieties involves elegant techniques. This includes:
- Gene Mapping: Researchers use genetic tools to pinpoint specific genes responsible for desired traits and identify their locations within the wheat genome.
- Phenotyping: This involves rigorously testing different wheat varieties to measure their performance under varied conditions,such as drought,disease pressure,and different soil conditions.
- Marker-Assisted Selection: Scientists employ genetic markers to quickly screen and choose plants during breeding programs. This speeds up their progress.
How can we help protect wheat crops from disease? By identifying and incorporating disease-resistant genes from traditional wheat varieties into commercial strains, wheat crops will become more robust. This approach reduces the threat of devastating fungal diseases.
Case Study: Einkorn Wheat
Einkorn is an ancient wheat variety. It offers a compelling example of the value found in traditional varieties. Einkorn, which is one of the earliest cultivated wheat species, is high in protein and antioxidants. It also contains a different gluten profile than modern wheat [[1]].
As the global population expands, the need for lasting agriculture becomes more pressing.Preserving wheat diversity is a crucial component. It’s also essential for food security and public health.
Frequently asked Questions
Why is genetic diversity so critically important for wheat crops?
Genetic diversity helps wheat adapt to changing environments, increases resistance to diseases and pests, and offers different nutritional profiles.
How can farmers and consumers contribute to wheat diversity?
Farmers can grow diverse varieties, while consumers can support organizations that promote seed preservation and seek out heirloom wheat products.
What are some challenges in preserving wheat diversity?
Challenges include the loss of traditional varieties,the pressure to prioritize yield over diversity,and the time and resources needed to explore and breed with diverse wheat.
what role do gene banks play in wheat conservation?
gene banks store and preserve seeds of various wheat varieties, making them available to researchers and breeders. They are vital for conservation.
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