Artificial inoculation method for assessing wheat resistance to root rot pathogens

Overview

This research focuses on developing a reliable artificial inoculation method to assess winter wheat resistance to root rot pathogens, primarily Fusarium spp. and Bipolaris sorokiniana. Plant resistance is recognized as the key factor in reducing disease development, yet natural infection levels are often insufficient for dependable resistance evaluation. An effective artificial inoculation protocol would enable more accurate screening of wheat varieties and support evaluation of seed treatment efficiency.

The work builds on a proven track record in complex artificial inoculation of winter wheat with septoria leaf blotch (Septoria tritici), brown rust (Puccinia recondita f. sp. tritici), powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici), and eye spot (Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides). Between 2009 and 2011, 303 winter wheat samples from three collections of different origin were tested, resulting in the identification of 11 sources with complex resistance to multiple foliar diseases.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Development of greenhouse-based inoculation protocols for wheat seedlings using root rot pathogens
• Testing multiple inoculation methods to determine the most effective approach for achieving reliable disease severity levels
• Reducing pathogen competition on inoculated plants to obtain consistent and measurable infection levels
• Application of findings to support evaluation of seed treatment efficiency

Target pathogens:

• Fusarium spp. (primary root rot pathogens)
• Bipolaris sorokiniana (common root rot pathogen)

Expected outcomes:

• Standardized protocol for artificial root rot inoculation
• Reliable assessment of genetic resistance in winter wheat varieties
• Identification of new resistance sources for breeding programs

Technology readiness level

The research team has validated complex artificial inoculation methods for four foliar wheat diseases and successfully screened over 300 wheat samples from multiple collections. The next phase involves a one-year greenhouse study to test and optimize inoculation methods for root rot pathogens. The project is currently seeking partnership support in equipment and funding for key personnel to carry out the planned validation work.