Resistant or Susceptible? How Central European Oat (A. sativa L.) Cultivars React to B. graminis f. sp. avenae Infection.

In accordance with the postulates of integrated plant protection, the use of cultivars with genetically determined resistance is one of the main strategies for preventing losses caused by fungal pathogens. The development of breeding programs aimed at increasing resistance to pathogens should be preceded by a characterization of the resistance of cultivars grown in a given area. This allows us to determine the number of genes used in breeding and their effectiveness. It also allows us to estimate the pressure that the pathogen may exert on varieties with specific resistance genes. The presented work aimed to determine the level of resistance of oat varieties currently cultivated in Central Europe and the number of effective powdery mildew resistance genes currently used in oat breeding programs. The research showed that out of 46 varieties, only 5 were resistant to powdery mildew. Analysis of the infection profiles allowed us to postulate the presence of the Pm7 gene in four of them. In the Merlin variety from the Czech Republic, it was not possible to determine which of the previously described genes determines resistance to powdery mildew. Due to the observed climate changes and the rapid adaptation of pathogens to new environmental conditions, it is crucial to introduce a wider pool of genes that determine the pathogen resistance of cultivars.

Virulence Structure and Genetic Diversity of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae from Different Regions of Europe.

The structure and dynamics of changes in pathogen populations can be analysed by assessing the level of virulence and genetic diversity. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae populations. Diversity and virulence of B. graminis f. sp. avenae was assessed based on 80 single-spore isolates collected in different European countries such as Poland (40 isolates), Germany (10), Finland (10), Czech Republic (10) and Ireland (10) using ISSR (Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats) and SCoT (Start Codon Targeted) markers. This work demonstrated differences in virulence of B. graminis f. sp. avenae isolates sampled from different countries. Molecular analysis showed that both systems were useful for assessing genetic diversity, but ISSR markers were superior and generated more polymorphic products, as well as higher PIC and RP values. UPMGA and PCoA divided the isolates into groups corresponding with their geographical origin. In conclusion, the low level of genetic differentiation of the analysed isolates has suggested that the evolution of B. graminis f. sp. Avenae population is slow, and thus the evolutionary potential of the pathogen is low. This work paves the way for future studies on B. graminis f. sp. Avenae population structure and dynamics based on genetic variability.

Genetic Similarity of Avena sativa L. Varieties as an Example of a Narrow Genetic Pool of Contemporary Cereal Species.

The assessment of the genetic diversity of cultivated varieties is a very important element of breeding programs. This allows the determination of the level of genetic differentiation of cultivated varieties, their genetic distinctiveness, and is also of great importance in the selection of parental components for crossbreeding. The aim of the present study was to determine the level of genetic diversity of oat varieties currently grown in Central Europe based on two marker systems: ISSR and SCoT. The research conducted showed that both these types of markers were suitable for conducting analyses relating to the assessment of genetic diversity. The calculated coefficients showed that the analyzed cultivars were characterized by a high genetic similarity. However, the UPGMA and PCoA analyses clearly indicated the distinctiveness of the breeding programs conducted in Central European countries. The high genetic similarity of the analyzed forms allow us to conclude that it is necessary to expand the genetic pool of oat varieties. Numerous studies show that landraces may be the donor of genetic variation.

Virulence Structure of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae Populations in Poland across 2014-2015.

The purpose of this study was to determine the virulence structure of oat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae, Bga) populations in Poland collected in 2014 and 2015. Powdery mildew isolates were collected from 18 locations in Poland. In total, nine lines and cultivars of oat, with different mildew resistance genes, were used to assess virulence of 180 isolates. The results showed that a significant proportion of the Bga isolates found in Poland were virulent to differentials with Pm1, Pm3, Pm6, and Pm3 + Pm8 genes. In contrast Pm4, Pm5, Pm2, and Pm7 genes were classified as resistant to all pathogen isolates used in the experiment. Based on obtained results we can state that there are differences in virulence pattern and diversity parameters between sites and years, but clear trends are not deducible.

Is Every Wild Species a Rich Source of Disease Resistance? Avena fatua L.-Potential Donor of Resistance to Powdery Mildew.

Identifying effective sources of disease resistance is an important aspect of an effective plant protection strategy. Wild species related to cultivars constitute a rich reservoir of resistance genes. Studies conducted in oat have shown that wild species are donors of resistance genes to crown and stem rust, powdery mildew or fusarium head blight. The aim of the present study was to prove whether A. fatua could be a source of effective resistance genes to powdery mildew. This species is widespread all over the world due to its very good adaptability and can be regarded as a potential source of resistance to fungal diseases, including powdery mildew. The conducted research has shown that A. fatua is a species with a low level of resistance to powdery mildew when compared to other wild species of the genus Avena L. A total of 251 accessions were evaluated, and only 23 were identified as resistant to the individual isolates used in the host-pathogen tests. It follows that resistance to powdery mildew is not common among wild Avena species, and its good environmental adaptation is not associated to resistance to powdery mildew.