The fungal disease Fusarium head blight (FHB) is on the rise as a result of climate change-induced increasingly humid conditions in the course of the wheat growing season, but a key discovery by University of Adelaide researchers could reduce its economic toll. might help.
While some wheat varieties are immune to FHB due to the motion of the TaHRC gene on the locus, how this gene functions in wheat cells was not known until now.
Collaborating with Nanjing Agricultural University, the University of Adelaide research team has shown that TaHRC acts within the nucleus of wheat cells, and may increase or decrease plant sensitivity to FHB.
“There are two types of THRC that have opposing effects on the condensation of a specific protein complex within the nucleus,” says Dr. Xiaojuan Yang from the university's School of Agriculture, Food and Wine.
“When condensed, the complex confers sensitivity to FHB, whereas when dispersed, it confers resistance to FHB.
“We are the first to demonstrate the function of protein complex condensation in response to a major crop fungal disease, providing insight into the mechanism of action of protein complexes in cereal defense responses.”
FHB has caused significant damage to the Australian wheat industry lately, with as much as 100% lack of crop yields within the 2022 season.
The disease has been on the rise globally for the reason that Seventies, but climate change has increased its prevalence.
“Australia's reputation for producing high-quality wheat is built on fortunate weather conditions during flowering and grain filling, which generally coincide with the dry season, which is replaced by the wet season,” says Dr Yang. “Helps prevent many diseases caused by overgrowth fungi,” says Dr. Yang.
“However, against a backdrop of climate change, a wet spring in 2022 led to an outbreak of Fusarium head blight in eastern Australia.”
All Australian durum wheat cultivars are highly prone to FHB, nevertheless it is unclear what level of resistance exists in bread-wheat cultivars.
Dr Yang hopes this ground-breaking discovery, published in , will combat the growing spread of FHB and supply reassurance to Australian growers.
“Our findings offer exciting possibilities for developing new and improved forms of Fusarium head blight resistance,” says Dr. Yang.
“By understanding the underlying mechanisms beyond Fhb1, we will innovate breeding strategies to diversify sources of resistance.
“Our research opens the door to the development of more resilient and sustainable wheat varieties for future agriculture, and may shed light on other diseases caused by Fusarium, such as crown rot.”