Functional genomics

A TILLING population from the highly resistant line CM-82036, harboring two major QTL is under investigation. A BAC contig spanning the Fhb1 locus was established and RNA-Seq allowed identification of candidate genes which will be further investigated. For several of the FHB resistance candidate genes mutant plants have been discovered which will be tested phenotypically and backcrossed to the original line CM-82036. Still transgenic wheat plants are needed for final proof of identification of the Fhb1 gene. The identification of genes underlying the “resistance to initial infection” QTL Qfhs.ifa-5A is very difficult due to low recombination frequency (to be increased by gamma radiation of pollen). Work on establishing a BAC contig for this QTL will be continued. In addition a forward genetics MutMap approach will be pursued (based on exome sequencing of Fusarium resistant and susceptible pools of EMS mutagenized Qfhs.ifa-5A lines). In the last funding period of the SFB the knowledge gained will also be utilized to enhance Fusarium resistance by knowledge based wheat breeding. For instance, promising tetraploid durum wheat lines with Fhb1 introduced in a background will be further backcrossed and characterized. Together with partners (especially LAP3714, F3708, F3715) underlying mechanisms (increased DONdetoxification?) will be investigated.