Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 9, 2026

Purification of High Molecular Weight Genomic DNA from Powdery Mildew for Long-Read Sequencing
06:56

Purification of High Molecular Weight Genomic DNA from Powdery Mildew for Long-Read Sequencing

Published on: March 31, 2017

The wheat powdery mildew genome shows the unique evolution of an obligate biotroph

Thomas Wicker1, Simone Oberhaensli, Francis Parlange

  • 1Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. wicker@botinst.uzh.ch

Nature Genetics
|July 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Wheat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) adapted readily to new hosts due to its diverse genetic makeup. This study sequenced its genome, revealing ancient haplogroups and many candidate effector genes.

Area of Science:

  • Genomics
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Wheat powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f.sp. tritici) is a significant fungal pathogen.
  • Its evolutionary history and adaptation mechanisms remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the evolutionary history and genetic diversity of wheat powdery mildew.
  • To identify candidate effector genes and understand adaptation to wheat.

Main Methods:

  • Draft genome sequencing of wheat powdery mildew.
  • Resequencing of three additional isolates.
  • Comparative genomics with barley powdery mildew.

Main Results:

  • Identified 602 candidate effector genes, many under positive selection.
  • Characterized genetic diversity, suggesting mosaic genomes from ancient haplogroups.
  • Found no significant loss of genetic diversity upon wheat domestication.

Conclusions:

  • Wheat powdery mildew's adaptation to new hosts is facilitated by a diverse genetic pool.
  • Ancient haplogroups pre-dating wheat domestication contributed to pathogen variation.
  • The pathogen possesses substantial genetic potential for adaptation and variation.

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