Integration of genetic and genomics resources in einkorn wheat enables precision mapping of important traits.

Einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum) is an ancient grain crop and a close relative of the diploid progenitor (T. urartu) of polyploid wheat. It is the only diploid wheat species having both domesticated and wild forms and therefore provides an excellent system to identify domestication genes and genes for traits of interest to utilize in wheat improvement. Here, we leverage genomic advancements for einkorn wheat using an einkorn reference genome assembly combined with skim-sequencing of a large genetic population of 812 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from a cross between a wild and a domesticated T. monococcum accession. We identify 15,919 crossover breakpoints delimited to a median and average interval of 114 Kbp and 219 Kbp, respectively. This high-resolution mapping resource enables us to perform fine-scale mapping of one qualitative (red coleoptile) and one quantitative (spikelet number per spike) trait, resulting in the identification of small physical intervals (400 Kb to 700 Kb) with a limited number of candidate genes. Furthermore, an important domestication locus for brittle rachis is also identified on chromosome 7A. This resource presents an exciting route to perform trait discovery in diploid wheat for agronomically important traits and their further deployment in einkorn as well as tetraploid pasta wheat and hexaploid bread wheat cultivars.

Screening of an Ethyl Methane Sulfonate Mutagenized Population of a Wheat Cultivar Susceptible to Fusarium Head Blight Identifies Resistant Variants.

Fusarium head blight (FHB) primarily caused by Fusarium graminearum is a key disease of small grains. Diseased spikes show symptoms of premature bleaching shortly after infection and have aborted or shriveled seeds, resulting in reduced yields. The fungus also deteriorates quality and safety of the grain because of production of mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), which can result in grain being docked or rejected at the point of sale. Genetic host resistance to FHB is quantitative, and no complete genetic resistance against this devastating disease is available. Alternative approaches to develop new sources of FHB resistance are needed. In this study, we performed extensive forward genetic screening of the M4 generation of an ethyl methane sulfonate-induced mutagenized population of cultivar Jagger to isolate variants with FHB resistance. In field testing, 74 mutant lines were found to have resistance against FHB spread, and 30 of these lines also had low DON content. Subsequent testing over 2 years in controlled greenhouse conditions revealed 10 M6 lines showing significantly lower FHB spread. Seven and 6 of those 10 lines also had reduced DON content and fewer Fusarium-damaged kernels, respectively. Future endeavors will include identification of the mutations that led to resistance in these variants.

"We Weren't Raised that Way": Using Stigma Management Communication Theory to Understand How Families Manage the Stigma of Substance Abuse.

While people who abuse substances experience widespread health and social consequences stemming from their substance use, these consequences also extend to their family through stigmatization. Such stigma has implications for families' mental and physical health, as well as their overall quality of life. This study seeks to fill a gap in research surrounding the stigma experienced by families with a history of substance abuse by investigating how affected family members experience and communicatively manage stigma messages relating to their family member's substance abuse. Fifteen people whose families include a person who uses substances (PWUS) participated in semi-structured interviews where they were prompted to discuss how they experience and respond to this stigma. An iterative approach to data analysis revealed four overarching themes: (a) stigma experiences, (b) accept application of stigma to self/PWUS and accept public perception of stigma, (c) accept application stigma to self/PWUS but challenge public perception of stigma, and (d) challenge public perception of stigma and challenge application of stigma to self/PWUS. Findings from this study can extend our understanding of stigma management communication and inform practical interventions that target families dealing with substance use issues.

Informational Sources, Social Media Use, and Race in Flint, Michigan's Water Crisis.

Safe, clean water is necessary for health and wellbeing. Water issues affect minority and vulnerable populations at disproportionate rates, including the poor and racial and ethnic minorities. An investigation of the relationships of race, social media use, and informational sources during the municipal water crisis in Flint, Michigan reflects an instrumental view of communication and uses and gratifications theory in this study. Data from 208 Flint residents in 2016 indicated that African American respondents favored interpersonal networks and resources and were more likely than other racial groups to obtain current information about the water crisis via Instagram. Preferred channels and sources to receive additional crisis information varied on the basis of race.