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Transformation of fungal isolates with avirulence genes provides tools for identification of corresponding resistance genes in the host plant

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Abstract

The identification and characterisation of resistance genes in breeding lines and commercial cultivars is often required for the development of disease control strategies such as rotation, stacking or spatial deployment of resistance genes. Sets of differential fungal isolates can be used to identify resistance genes present in breeding lines and cultivars, however, interpretation of results can be hindered by the presence of novel (previously uncharacterised) resistance genes or the stacking of multiple resistance genes. In this study, we generate a set of Leptosphaeria maculans differential addition isolates by transforming isolates with single avirulence genes (AvrLm1 or AvrLm4-7). These transformants have been screened against cultivars with unidentified resistance genes to confirm the presence of the corresponding resistance genes. This is a novel approach of identifying resistance genes on the basis of the response of host plants to inoculation with fungal isolates transformed with the corresponding avirulence genes.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Grains Research and Development Corporation for funding and Australian canola breeders for providing seed of advanced breeding lines and cultivars.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Botany, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Angela P. Van de Wouw, Candace E. Elliott & Barbara J. Howlett

Authors
  1. Angela P. Van de Wouw
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  2. Candace E. Elliott
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  3. Barbara J. Howlett
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Correspondence to Angela P. Van de Wouw.

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Van de Wouw, A.P., Elliott, C.E. & Howlett, B.J. Transformation of fungal isolates with avirulence genes provides tools for identification of corresponding resistance genes in the host plant. Eur J Plant Pathol 140, 875–882 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-014-0505-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-014-0505-7

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