By Andi Anderson
A recent study published in Nature has advanced our understanding of wheat genetics, potentially paving the way for breakthroughs in disease resistance and crop resilience. The research involved a global team, including Michigan State University (MSU) wheat geneticist Eric Olson, an associate professor in MSU's Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences.
This research, led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia, explored the genetics of Tausch’s goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii), a wild wheat relative and key contributor to modern bread wheat's D genome.
Tausch’s goatgrass, known as a "genetic reservoir," contributes essential genes for improving modern wheat. By mapping its genome, the researchers identified 46 unique genome assemblies, which could help wheat breeders introduce beneficial traits like disease resistance, climate resilience, and increased yield potential into modern wheat varieties.
Modern bread wheat, which comprises three genomes (A, B, and D), originated from the natural hybridization of these genomes around 8,000 to 11,000 years ago.
However, this hybridization process limited wheat's genetic diversity, which can make it more susceptible to diseases and less adaptable to changing climates. By revisiting Tausch’s goatgrass and other wild relatives, scientists aim to enrich modern wheat’s genetic resources.
Olson and his team made a significant discovery during the project, identifying and differentiating a disease resistance gene originally found during Olson’s doctoral studies.
“Our team cloned a disease resistance gene that I first mapped during my Ph.D. work at Kansas State University,” said Olson. “This research enabled us to isolate the gene sequence, making it possible to transfer it into modern wheat varieties.”
The MSU Wheat Breeding and Genetics Program is already benefiting from these findings, as Olson and his team can now better target specific genes associated with desirable traits, such as heat and drought tolerance.
Though these resilience traits were not the focus of this particular study, the research lays the groundwork for incorporating these characteristics into future wheat breeding.
This work highlights the potential of using genetic insights from ancient wheat relatives to strengthen modern wheat crops, enhancing disease resistance, climate adaptability, and productivity for future agricultural challenges.
Photo Credit: michigan-state-university-msu
Categories: Michigan, Education