The research is led by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and is a co-investment of the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), with the aim of creating robust resistance packages for plant breeders.
The latest details on the decade-long research project were outlined at the GRDC 2024 Grains Research Updates held in Perth today.
DPIRD research scientist Manisha Shankar said the identified genes were stacked in various combinations using fixed-line genetic techniques adapted to the western, southern and northern regions of Australia.
"The most promising lines are making their way through commercial wheat breeding programs with the hope that within the next five years new wheat varieties with resistance to yellow spot will be developed," Dr Shankar said.
โA second goal of the project was to generate parental populations enriched for yellow spot resistance by developing a multiparental advanced generation between crosses, or MAGIC, population and maximizing genetic recombination.
"Eleven MAGIC lines were identified as having very high levels of resistance and are crucial genetic reserves for future breeding."
In Australia, yellow spot is estimated to cause losses totaling $212 million a year.
Dr Shankar said research arising from this project had led to the development of genetic material targeting multiple diseases, including yellow spot, nodorum spot and powdery mildew, and a new collaborative project involving several improvement.
GRDC acting senior manager of genetic technologies Pip Wilson said the project was an important step on the path to providing improved genetic solutions for yellow spot management to Australian producers.
"As significant achievements have already been made in the identification and development of resistant lines, the primary goal of this project was to validate these resistances through trials over multiple years and locations to ensure broad efficacy," said Dr. Wilson. .
โThe project also ensured that resistant lines were ready for adoption by plant breeders.
โOnce commercially available, the new varieties produced as a result of this research will provide Australian growers with access to critical tools for effective and long-lasting management of yellow spot disease.โ
For more information on this research and other Grains Research Update articles and presentations, visit https://grdc.com.au/events/past-events.
