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Significant difference in pathogenicity between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates in the wheat pathogen Mycosphaerella
Jiasui Zhan1, Stefano F F Torriani, Bruce A McDonald
1Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee DD2 5DA, Scotland, UK. j.zhan@scri.ac.uk
Abstract:
Five Mycosphaerella graminicola populations from four geographic regions (Australia, Israel, Switzerland, and the USA) were assayed for neutral RFLP markers and mating type idiomorphs. On average, 25-30 genetically distinct isolates were selected from each population and their pathogenicity was measured on two wheat cultivars in a common garden experiment conducted in a greenhouse. A significant difference in pathogenicity was found between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates. On average, MAT1-1 isolates had 14-22% greater pathogenicity than MAT1-2 isolates. The pattern of higher pathogenicity in MAT1-1 isolates was consistent across four geographical populations and on two wheat cultivars. A uniform and continuous variation in pathogenicity was found among isolates within each mating type, but no genetic differentiation in selectively neutral RFLP loci was found between mating types, consistent with the hypothesis that differences in pathogenicity were not due to the effects of specific pathogenicity genes or non-random genetic backgrounds.
Insights
Mycosphaerella graminicola mating type MAT1-1 isolates showed significantly higher pathogenicity on wheat than MAT1-2 isolates. This finding was consistent across diverse geographic populations, suggesting mating type influences fungal virulence.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Fungal genetics
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Mycosphaerella graminicola is a significant pathogen of wheat.
- Understanding the genetic basis of pathogenicity is crucial for disease management.
- Mating type idiomorphs (MAT1-1 and MAT1-2) are key genetic elements in fungal reproduction and potentially virulence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mating type and pathogenicity in Mycosphaerella graminicola.
- To determine if mating type influences fungal virulence across different geographic populations and wheat cultivars.
Main Methods:
- Assayed five Mycosphaerella graminicola populations from Australia, Israel, Switzerland, and the USA.
- Selected 25-30 genetically distinct isolates per population based on neutral RFLP markers.
- Measured pathogenicity on two wheat cultivars in a controlled greenhouse experiment.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in pathogenicity was observed between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 isolates.
- MAT1-1 isolates exhibited 14-22% greater pathogenicity on average compared to MAT1-2 isolates.
- This higher pathogenicity pattern for MAT1-1 was consistent across all tested geographic populations and wheat cultivars.
Conclusions:
- Mating type MAT1-1 is associated with increased pathogenicity in Mycosphaerella graminicola.
- Pathogenicity differences are likely not due to specific pathogenicity genes or non-random genetic backgrounds, as neutral RFLP loci showed no differentiation between mating types.
- The findings suggest mating type is a significant factor influencing wheat disease severity caused by this pathogen.
