Biology subjects

Rubiales, D.

Publications and source records attributed to Rubiales, D..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Comparative transcriptomics of Lathyrus sativus reveals accession-specific resistance responses against Erysiphe pisi

Lathyrus sativus (grass pea) is a valuable crop for sustainable agriculture, offering both dietary benefits and desirable agronomic traits. However, its yield stability is limited by different diseases such as powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe pisi. Frequent fungal resistance to pesticides and growing environmental concerns highlight the need for research investment to develop resistant crop varieties. Four L. sativus accessions, exhibiting varying levels of resistance to E. pisi (resistant, partially resistant, partially susceptible, and susceptible), were analysed using dual RNA-seq to identify key defence mechanisms and effector genes involved in this plant-pathogen interaction. The dual transcriptomic analysis highlighted a host biphasic response, characterised by an initial burst of gene expression, followed by a quiescent phase, and a second wave of intense gene expression at 72 hours after inoculation. Common L. sativus defence mechanisms, including antifungal protein expression, cell wall reinforcement, reactive oxygen species-mediated defence were activated by all accessions compared to susceptible accession. Unique responses in the resistant accession integrate early reinforcement of structural barriers with sustained chemical defences and stress responses. Overall, the partially resistant accession exhibited a front-loaded defence response, focused on biotic stimuli and interspecies interactions at early infection stages. In contrast, partial susceptible accessions exhibited a weaker baseline defence system, with a slower and less robust response specifically targeting pathogen infection. We identified potential E. pisi effectors, including genes involved in cell wall hydrolysis, nutrient acquisition, and virulence, with a higher diversity of effectors identified in the susceptible accession. This study identifies novel targets within the complex defence mechanisms of the Lathyrus sativus-Erysiphe pisi interaction that will support to future breeding programs aimed at enhancing resistance to E. pisi in L. sativus and other related species.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2024

Genome-Wide association study uncovers pea candidate genes and pathways involved in rust resistance

Pea is an important temperate legume crop providing plant-based proteins for food and feed worldwide. Pea yield can be limited by a number of biotic stresses, among which, rust represents a major limiting factor. Some efforts have been made to assess the natural variation in pea resistance, but its efficient exploitation in breeding is limited since the resistance loci identified so far are scarce and their responsible gene(s) unknown. To overcome this knowledge gap, a comprehensive Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) on pea rust, caused by Uromyces pisi, has been performed to uncover genetic loci associated with resistance. Utilizing a diverse collection of 320 pea accessions, we evaluated phenotypic responses to two rust isolates using both traditional methods and advanced image-based phenotyping. We detected 95 significant trait-marker associations using a set of 26,045 DArT-seq polymorphic markers. Our in-silico analysis identified 62 candidate genes putatively involved in rust resistance, grouped into different functional categories such as gene expression regulation, vesicle trafficking, cell wall biosynthesis, and hormonal signalling. This research highlights the potential of GWAS to identify resistance sources, molecular markers associated with resistance and candidate genes against pea rust, offering new targets for precision breeding. By integrating our findings with current breeding programs, we can facilitate the development of pea varieties with improved resistance to rust, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and food security. This study sets the stage for future functional genomic analyses and the application of genomic selection approaches to enhance disease resistance in peas. Key messageCandidate genes and metabolic pathways controlling resistance to rust disease in pea have been proposed through GWAS using 26,045 DArTseq polymorphic markers and phenotypic data from field and controlled conditions.

plant biology↗

bioRxiv2020

Understanding photothermal interactions will help expand production range and increase genetic diversity of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

O_LILentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is cultivated under a wide range of environmental conditions, which led to diverse phenological adaptations and resulted in a decrease in genetic variability within breeding programs due to reluctance in using genotypes from other environments. C_LIO_LIWe phenotyped 324 genotypes across nine locations over three years to assess their phenological response to the environment of major lentil production regions and to predict days from sowing to flowering (DTF) using a photothermal model. C_LIO_LIDTF was highly influenced by the environment and is sufficient to explain adaptation. We were able to predict DTF reliably in most environments using a simple photothermal model, however, in certain site-years, results suggest there may be additional environmental factors at play. Hierarchical clustering of principal components revealed the presence of eight groups based on the responses of DTF to contrasting environments. These groups are associated with the coefficients of the photothermal model and revealed differences in temperature and photoperiod sensitivity. C_LIO_LIExpanding genetic diversity is critical to the success of a breeding program; understanding adaptation will facilitate the use of exotic germplasm. Future climate change scenarios will result in increase temperature and/or shifts in production areas, we can use the photothermal model to identify genotypes most likely to succeed in these new environments. C_LI

plant biology↗