Award details

Horticulture: Development of Fusarium wilt resistance in celery and understanding of pathogen virulence factors to underpin UK and EU biosecurity

Reference	BB/X011828/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor John Clarkson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Dr Sascha Jenkins, Dr Graham Teakle
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	School of Life Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	46,177
Status	Current
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/06/2023
End date	30/11/2023
Duration	6 months

Abstract

This project will identify new sources of plant resistance to Fusarium wilt of celery caused by the newly emerged race 4 of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. apii (Foa) within a celery diversity set provided by Tozer Seeds using a rapid artificially inoculated plant bioassay in the glasshouse. As Foa4 affects coriander, the response of selected coriander varieties will also be assessed. Existing genome sequence data and SNP profiles for each celery accession will be subjected to genome wide association studies (GWAS) to identify SNPs linked to resistance, and genome sequence in the region of significant associations explored for candidate resistance genes. This will allow future development of molecular markers for accelerated breeding of resistant celery cultivars. Genome sequencing of several isolates of the most significant races of Foa (race 2 and race 4) and an Fo isolate from coriander will allow comparison with existing Foa genomes to assess synteny and gene complement of conserved core chromosomes and variable accessory chromosomes which harbour genes involved in host / race specific virulence. Effector gene profiling using an existing pipeline will identify key differences in virulence gene complement between Foa races and all other sequenced Fo f.spp. while also providing targets for development of race specific RT-PCR diagnostics. These can then be used in a biosecurity context to detect the pathogen in the field and in imported plants and seeds. Overall, the project will provide the first important steps for breeding celery cultivars resistant to Fusarium wilt as well as a rapid specific test for Foa4 and other races. These outcomes will therefore benefit celery breeders, producers and consumers as well as plant health agencies by mitigating the biosecurity risk of the pathogen.

Summary

The Fusarium oxysporum (Fo) fungal species complex includes more than 100 different pathogenic formae speciales (f.spp.) adapted to specific hosts, including important crops such as celery, lettuce, tomato and herbs such as coriander. Fo pathogens continue to spread globally with some responsible for major pandemics, most notably Fo f.sp. cubense causing Panama disease on banana. The impact of Fo pathogens is often substantial with complete crop loss not unusual, and this has been exacerbated by an absence of biosecurity measures and the lack of foresight in developing and deploying plant resistance in advance of new Fo f.spp. and races arriving from other regions. Fo f.sp. apii (Foa) causes Fusarium wilt of celery and is the most important and significant disease affecting production. Infection occurs through the roots and is initiated by long-lived spores in the soil. The plant's vascular system becomes invaded leading to stunting, yellowing and wilting. Control of Foa is very challenging with high losses as fungicides and rotations are ineffective; hence the development of plant resistance is a priority. However, like some other Fo f.spp., new Foa races have evolved which overcome resistance. Four races of Foa exist with the recently emerged race 4 the most damaging in the absence of resistance in commercial celery. Furthermore, unlike other Foa races, Foa4 can also cause disease on coriander. There is therefore an urgent need to develop high level resistance to this disease in celery and assess impact on coriander in the UK. Currently Foa mainly affects celery production in the USA and China but there is a very high risk of the pathogen spreading to major crop and seed production areas in Europe such as Spain, Italy and the UK where conditions are already suitable, but which will become more conducive with climate change. Celery is a major crop worldwide and is an important part of a healthy diet as it is high in fibre, minerals and vitamins. The biggest producers of celery are the USA and Spain but there is also substantial production in the UK. Significantly, UK-based Gs Growers who are the biggest producer of celery in Europe grow a large proportion of their crop in Spain for all year-round supply. The crop is also critical for project partner Tozer Seeds as they are one of the major celery breeders and seed suppliers worldwide. It is therefore very important that celery crops in Europe and the UK are protected against future arrival of Foa4. The main aim of this project is to address the challenge of Fusarium wilt by identifying new sources of resistance to Foa4 in a diverse set of celery types from Tozer Seeds. In addition, we will also assess the response of selected commercial coriander lines to the pathogen. As the genomes of the celery diversity set have just been sequenced, we will also identify parts of the genome and variations in gene sequences associated with this resistance in order to develop DNA markers. These can significantly speed up breeding new varieties as resistance is easily identified by DNA analysis without the need for a plant test. Lastly, we will also carry out genome sequencing of Foa isolates from different races as well as an isolate of Fo from coriander to identify gene candidates involved in pathogenicity. This will highlight differences between Foa races but also allow specific diagnostic targets to be identified for development of rapid DNA-based tests for the pathogen. These could then be employed as a biosecurity measure for detection of Foa4 outbreaks in the field or the presence of the pathogen in imported celery plants or seed. Overall, the project will provide the first important steps for breeding celery cultivars resistant to Fusarium wilt as well as a rapid specific test for Foa4 and other races. These outcomes will therefore benefit celery breeders, producers and consumers as well as plant health agencies by mitigating the biosecurity risk of the pathogen.

Committee	Not funded via Committee
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	Crop pest and diseases partnerships [2022]
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

Associated awards:

BB/X011836/1 Horticulture: Development of Fusarium wilt resistance in celery and understanding of pathogen virulence factors to underpin UK and EU biosecurity

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