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Updated: Aug 11, 2026
06:56
Purification of High Molecular Weight Genomic DNA from Powdery Mildew for Long-Read Sequencing
Published on: March 31, 2017
Global Population Structure and Dynamics of Wheat Powdery Mildew
Tim Kloppe1, Rebecca B Whetten2, Ignazio Carbone1,3
1Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Molecular Ecology
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Global wheat powdery mildew fungus (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) populations show distinct genetic structures. Older Eurasian populations are diverse, while newer ones in former colonies have lower diversity, impacting pathogen migration and adaptation.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Population Genetics
- Mycology
Background:
- Global pest and pathogen movement is linked to human activities, including crop trade.
- Wheat powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, is a rapidly adapting, globally distributed phytopathogen.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the population genetic structure, diversity, and migratory potential of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici.
- To understand the historical origins and dispersal patterns of wheat powdery mildew globally.
Main Methods:
- Reduced-representation sequencing of 653 Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici isolates from 16 countries across 6 continents.
- Phylogenetic inference, clustering, population differentiation analyses, and gene-flow estimation using an isolation-with-migration model.
Main Results:
- The global population is divided into diverse Eurasian populations and less diverse populations founded in former European colonies.
- Brazilian strains are phylogenetically distinct from those in historically British-colonized regions.
- Limited natural migration of virulent isolates into former colonies, but significant gene flow within Eurasia potentially aids adaptation.
Conclusions:
- Human migration and agricultural trade have shaped the global genetic landscape of wheat powdery mildew.
- Understanding population structure is crucial for managing pathogen spread and adaptation to new resistance strategies.
Keywords:
Triticum aestivumBlumeria graminis f. sp. triticiglobal migrationphylogenetic inferencepopulation structurewheatMore Related Videos
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