Yiqun Weng

The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Ardmore, OK, USA

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Publications (18)109.29 Total impact

  • Source
    Article: A 1,681-locus consensus genetic map of cultivated cucumber including 67 NB-LRR resistance gene homolog and ten gene loci.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Cucumber is an important vegetable crop that is susceptible to many pathogens, but no disease resistance (R) genes have been cloned. The availability of whole genome sequences provides an excellent opportunity for systematic identification and characterization of the nucleotide binding and leucine-rich repeat (NB-LRR) type R gene homolog (RGH) sequences in the genome. Cucumber has a very narrow genetic base making it difficult to construct high-density genetic maps. Development of a consensus map by synthesizing information from multiple segregating populations is a method of choice to increase marker density. As such, the objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize NB-LRR type RGHs, and to develop a high-density, integrated cucumber genetic-physical map anchored with RGH loci. RESULTS: From the Gy14 draft genome, 70 NB-containing RGHs were identified and characterized. Most RGHs were in clusters with uneven distribution across seven chromosomes. In silico analysis indicated that all 70 RGHs had EST support for gene expression. Phylogenetic analysis classified 58 RGHs into two clades: CNL and TNL. Comparative analysis revealed high-degree sequence homology and synteny in chromosomal locations of these RGH members between the cucumber and melon genomes.Fifty-four molecular markers were developed to delimit 67 of the 70 RGHs, which were integrated into a genetic map through linkage analysis. A 1,681-locus cucumber consensus map including 10 gene loci and spanning 730.0 cM in seven linkage groups was developed by integrating three component maps with a bin-mapping strategy. Physically, 308 scaffolds with 193.2 Mbp total DNA sequences were anchored onto this consensus map that covered 52.6% of the 367 Mbp cucumber genome. CONCLUSIONS: Cucumber contains relatively few NB-LRR RGHs that are clustered and unevenly distributed in the genome. All RGHs seem to be transcribed and shared significant sequence homology and synteny with the melon genome suggesting conservation of these RGHs in the Cucumis lineage. The 1,681-locus consensus genetic-physical map developed and the RGHs identified and characterized herein are valuable genomics resources that may have many applications such as quantitative trait loci identification, map-based gene cloning, association mapping, marker-assisted selection, as well as assembly of a more complete cucumber genome.
    BMC Plant Biology 03/2013; 13(1):53. · 3.45 Impact Factor
  • Article: A linkage map of cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) with 248 microsatellite marker loci and seven genes for horticulturally important traits
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    ABSTRACT: A genetic map was developed with microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers and 148 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between two cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) inbred lines 9110Gt and 9930, which was also segregating for seven horticulturally important traits including bitterfree foliage (bi), gynoecious sex expression (F), uniform immature fruit color (u), glossy fruit skin (d), heavy netting of mature fruit (H), no fruit ribbing (fr), and virescent leaf (v-1). Linkage analysis placed 248 microsatellite loci into seven linkage groups spanning 711.9cM with a mean marker interval of 2.8cM. Based on shared markers with an early cucumber genetic map, the 7 linkage groups could be assigned to seven cucumber chromosomes. The four fruit epidermal feature-related genes, u, d, H and fr were found to be tightly linked loci in Chromosome 5, and the other three (F, bi and v-1) were placed in different locations of Chromosome 6. It was the first time to map the four genes H, fr, bi and v-1 with molecular markers. In addition, this is the first report of the inheritance of fruit ribbing in cucumber, which was controlled by a single, dominant gene designated as Fr. Mapping information from this study opens the way for marker-assisted selection and map-based cloning of these horticulturally important genes in cucumber. KeywordsCucumber– Cucumis sativus –Molecular markers–Microsatellite–SSR–Fruit quality
    Euphytica 05/2012; 182(2):167-176. · 1.55 Impact Factor
  • Article: Chromosome rearrangements during domestication of cucumber as revealed by high-density genetic mapping and draft genome assembly.
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    ABSTRACT: Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. is the only taxon with 2n = 2x = 14 chromosomes in the genus Cucumis. It consists of two cross-compatible botanical varieties: the cultivated C. sativus var. sativus and the wild C. sativus var. hardwickii. There is no consensus on the evolutionary relationship between the two taxa. Whole-genome sequencing of the cucumber genome provides a new opportunity to advance our understanding of chromosome evolution and the domestication history of cucumber. In this study, a high-density genetic map for cultivated cucumber was developed that contained 735 marker loci in seven linkage groups spanning 707.8 cM. Integration of genetic and physical maps resulted in a chromosome-level draft genome assembly comprising 193 Mbp, or 53% of the 367 Mbp cucumber genome. Strategically selected markers from the genetic map and draft genome assembly were employed to screen for fosmid clones for use as probes in comparative fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of pachytene chromosomes to investigate genetic differentiation between wild and cultivated cucumbers. Significant differences in the amount and distribution of heterochromatins, as well as chromosomal rearrangements, were uncovered between the two taxa. In particular, six inversions, five paracentric and one pericentric, were revealed in chromosomes 4, 5 and 7. Comparison of the order of fosmid loci on chromosome 7 of cultivated and wild cucumbers, and the syntenic melon chromosome I suggested that the paracentric inversion in this chromosome occurred during domestication of cucumber. The results support the sub-species status of these two cucumber taxa, and suggest that C. sativus var. hardwickii is the progenitor of cultivated cucumber.
    The Plant Journal 04/2012; 71(6):895-906. · 6.16 Impact Factor
  • Article: Fine genetic mapping of greenbug aphid-resistance gene Gb3 in Aegilops tauschii.
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    ABSTRACT: The greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), is an important aphid pest of small grain crops especially wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, genomes AABBDD) in many parts of the world. The greenbug-resistance gene Gb3 originated from Aegilops tauschii Coss. (2n = 2x = 14, genome D(t)D(t)) has shown consistent and durable resistance against prevailing greenbug biotypes in wheat fields. We previously mapped Gb3 in a recombination-rich, telomeric bin of wheat chromosome arm 7DL. In this study, high-resolution genetic mapping was carried out using an F(2:3) segregating population derived from two Ae. tauschii accessions, the resistant PI 268210 (original donor of Gb3 in the hexaploid wheat germplasm line 'Largo') and susceptible AL8/78. Molecular markers were developed by exploring bin-mapped wheat RFLPs, SSRs, ESTs and the Ae. tauschii physical map (BAC contigs). Wheat EST and Ae. tauschii BAC end sequences located in the deletion bin 7DL3-0.82-1.00 were used to design STS (sequence tagged site) or CAPS (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence) markers. Forty-five PCR-based markers were developed and mapped to the chromosomal region spanning the Gb3 locus. The greenbug-resistance gene Gb3 now was delimited in an interval of 1.1 cM by two molecular markers (HI067J6-R and HI009B3-R). This localized high-resolution genetic map with markers closely linked to Gb3 lays a solid foundation for map based cloning of Gb3 and marker-assisted selection of this gene in wheat breeding.
    Theoretical and Applied Genetics 02/2012; 124(3):555-64. · 3.30 Impact Factor
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    Article: Syntenic relationships between cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and melon (C. melo L.) chromosomes as revealed by comparative genetic mapping.
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    ABSTRACT: Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. (2n = 2 × = 14) and melon, C. melo L. (2n = 2 × = 24) are two important vegetable species in the genus Cucumis (family Cucurbitaceae). Both species have an Asian origin that diverged approximately nine million years ago. Cucumber is believed to have evolved from melon through chromosome fusion, but the details of this process are largely unknown. In this study, comparative genetic mapping between cucumber and melon was conducted to examine syntenic relationships of their chromosomes. Using two melon mapping populations, 154 and 127 cucumber SSR markers were added onto previously reported F(2)- and RIL-based genetic maps, respectively. A consensus melon linkage map was developed through map integration, which contained 401 co-dominant markers in 12 linkage groups including 199 markers derived from the cucumber genome. Syntenic relationships between melon and cucumber chromosomes were inferred based on associations between markers on the consensus melon map and cucumber draft genome scaffolds. It was determined that cucumber Chromosome 7 was syntenic to melon Chromosome I. Cucumber Chromosomes 2 and 6 each contained genomic regions that were syntenic with melon chromosomes III+V+XI and III+VIII+XI, respectively. Likewise, cucumber Chromosomes 1, 3, 4, and 5 each was syntenic with genomic regions of two melon chromosomes previously designated as II+XII, IV+VI, VII+VIII, and IX+X, respectively. However, the marker orders in several syntenic blocks on these consensus linkage maps were not co-linear suggesting that more complicated structural changes beyond simple chromosome fusion events have occurred during the evolution of cucumber. Comparative mapping conducted herein supported the hypothesis that cucumber chromosomes may be the result of chromosome fusion from a 24-chromosome progenitor species. Except for a possible inversion, cucumber Chromosome 7 has largely remained intact in the past nine million years since its divergence from melon. Meanwhile, many structural changes may have occurred during the evolution of the remaining six cucumber chromosomes. Further characterization of the genomic nature of Cucumis species closely related to cucumber and melon might provide a better understanding of the evolutionary history leading to modern cucumber.
    BMC Genomics 08/2011; 12:396. · 4.07 Impact Factor
  • Article: Fine genetic mapping of cp: a recessive gene for compact (dwarf) plant architecture in cucumber, Cucumis sativus L.
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    ABSTRACT: The compact (dwarf) plant architecture is an important trait in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) breeding that has the potential to be used in once-over mechanical harvest of cucumber production. Compact growth habit is controlled by a simply inherited recessive gene cp. With 150 F(2:3) families derived from two inbred cucumber lines, PI 308915 (compact vining) and PI 249561 (regular vining), we conducted genome-wide molecular mapping with microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers. A framework genetic map was constructed consisting of 187 SSR loci in seven linkage groups (chromosomes) covering 527.5 cM. Linkage analysis placed cp at the distal half of the long arm of cucumber Chromosome 4. Molecular markers cosegregating with the cp locus were identified through whole genome scaffold-based chromosome walking. Fine genetic mapping with 1,269 F(2) plants delimited the cp locus to a 220 kb genomic DNA region. Annotation and function prediction of genes in this region identified a homolog of the cytokinin oxidase (CKX) gene, which may be a potential candidate of compact gene. Alignment of the CKX gene homologs from both parental lines revealed a 3-bp deletion in the first exon of PI 308915, which can serve as a marker for marker-assisted selection of the compact phenotype. This work also provides a solid foundation for map-based cloning of the compact gene and understanding the molecular mechanisms of the dwarfing in cucumber.
    Theoretical and Applied Genetics 07/2011; 123(6):973-83. · 3.30 Impact Factor
  • Article: Fine genetic mapping localizes cucumber scab resistance gene Ccu into an R gene cluster.
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    ABSTRACT: Scab, caused by Cladosporium cucumerinum, is an important disease of cucumber, Cucumis sativus. In this study, we conducted fine genetic mapping of the single dominant scab resistance gene, Ccu, with 148 F(9) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) and 1,944 F(2) plants derived from the resistant cucumber inbred line 9110Gt and the susceptible line 9930, whose draft genome sequence is now available. A framework linkage map was first constructed with simple sequence repeat markers placing Ccu into the terminal 670 kb region of cucumber Chromosome 2. The 9110Gt genome was sequenced at 5× genome coverage with the Solexa next-generation sequencing technology. Sequence analysis of the assembled 9110Gt contigs and the Ccu region of the 9930 genome identified three insertion/deletion (Indel) markers, Indel01, Indel02, and Indel03 that were closely linked with the Ccu locus. On the high-resolution map developed with the F(2) population, the two closest flanking markers, Indel01 and Indel02, were 0.14 and 0.15 cM away from the target gene Ccu, respectively, and the physical distance between the two markers was approximately 140 kb. Detailed annotation of the 180 kb region harboring the Ccu locus identified a cluster of six resistance gene analogs (RGAs) that belong to the nucleotide binding site (NBS) type R genes. Four RGAs were in the region delimited by markers Indel01 and Indel02, and thus were possible candidates of Ccu. Comparative DNA analysis of this cucumber Ccu gene region with a melon (C. melo) bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clone revealed a high degree of micro-synteny and conservation of the RGA tandem repeats in this region.
    Theoretical and Applied Genetics 03/2011; 122(4):795-803. · 3.30 Impact Factor
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    Article: BAC libraries from wheat chromosome 7D: efficient tool for positional cloning of aphid resistance genes.
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    ABSTRACT: Positional cloning in bread wheat is a tedious task due to its huge genome size and hexaploid character. BAC libraries represent an essential tool for positional cloning. However, wheat BAC libraries comprise more than million clones, which makes their screening very laborious. Here, we present a targeted approach based on chromosome-specific BAC libraries. Such libraries were constructed from flow-sorted arms of wheat chromosome 7D. A library from the short arm (7DS) consisting of 49,152 clones with 113 kb insert size represented 12.1 arm equivalents whereas a library from the long arm (7DL) comprised 50,304 clones of 116 kb providing 14.9x arm coverage. The 7DS library was PCR screened with markers linked to Russian wheat aphid resistance gene DnCI2401, the 7DL library was screened by hybridization with a probe linked to greenbug resistance gene Gb3. The small number of clones combined with high coverage made the screening highly efficient and cost effective.
    Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology 01/2011; 2011:302543. · 2.44 Impact Factor
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    Article: Genome-wide characterization of simple sequence repeats in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).
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    ABSTRACT: Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Until very recently, cucumber genetic and genomic resources, especially molecular markers, have been very limited, impeding progress of cucumber breeding efforts. Microsatellites are short tandemly repeated DNA sequences, which are frequently favored as genetic markers due to their high level of polymorphism and codominant inheritance. Data from previously characterized genomes has shown that these repeats vary in frequency, motif sequence, and genomic location across taxa. During the last year, the genomes of two cucumber genotypes were sequenced including the Chinese fresh market type inbred line '9930' and the North American pickling type inbred line 'Gy14'. These sequences provide a powerful tool for developing markers in a large scale. In this study, we surveyed and characterized the distribution and frequency of perfect microsatellites in 203 Mbp assembled Gy14 DNA sequences, representing 55% of its nuclear genome, and in cucumber EST sequences. Similar analyses were performed in genomic and EST data from seven other plant species, and the results were compared with those of cucumber. A total of 112,073 perfect repeats were detected in the Gy14 cucumber genome sequence, accounting for 0.9% of the assembled Gy14 genome, with an overall density of 551.9 SSRs/Mbp. While tetranucleotides were the most frequent microsatellites in genomic DNA sequence, dinucleotide repeats, which had more repeat units than any other SSR type, had the highest cumulative sequence length. Coding regions (ESTs) of the cucumber genome had fewer microsatellites compared to its genomic sequence, with trinucleotides predominating in EST sequences. AAG was the most frequent repeat in cucumber ESTs. Overall, AT-rich motifs prevailed in both genomic and EST data. Compared to the other species examined, cucumber genomic sequence had the highest density of SSRs (although comparable to the density of poplar, grapevine and rice), and was richest in AT dinucleotides. Using an electronic PCR strategy, we investigated the polymorphism between 9930 and Gy14 at 1,006 SSR loci, and found unexpectedly high degree of polymorphism (48.3%) between the two genotypes. The level of polymorphism seems to be positively associated with the number of repeat units in the microsatellite. The in silico PCR results were validated empirically in 660 of the 1,006 SSR loci. In addition, primer sequences for more than 83,000 newly-discovered cucumber microsatellites, and their exact positions in the Gy14 genome assembly were made publicly available. The cucumber genome is rich in microsatellites; AT and AAG are the most abundant repeat motifs in genomic and EST sequences of cucumber, respectively. Considering all the species investigated, some commonalities were noted, especially within the monocot and dicot groups, although the distribution of motifs and the frequency of certain repeats were characteristic of the species examined. The large number of SSR markers developed from this study should be a significant contribution to the cucurbit research community.
    BMC Genomics 10/2010; 11:569. · 4.07 Impact Factor
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    Article: Biotypic diversity in greenbug (Hemiptera: Aphididae): microsatellite-based regional divergence and host-adapted differentiation.
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    ABSTRACT: Nineteen isolates of the cereal aphid pest greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), were collected from wheat, Triticum aestivum L.; barley, Hordeum vulgare L.; or noncultivated grass hosts in five locations from Colorado and Wyoming. Parthenogenetic colonies were established. Biotypic profiles of the 19 isolates were determined based on their abilities to damage a set of host plant differentials, and 13 new biotypes were identified. Genetic diversity among the 19 isolates and five previously designated greenbug biotypes (E, G, H, I, and K) was examined with 31 cross-species transferable microsatellite (simple sequence repeat) markers. Neighbor-joining clustering analysis of marker data revealed host-adapted genetic divergence as well as regional differentiation of greenbug populations. Host associated biotypic variation seems to be more obvious in "agricultural biotypes," whereas isolates collected from noncultivated grasses tend to show more geographic divergence. It seems that the biotype sharing the most similar biotypic profiles and the same geographic region with current prevailing one may have the greatest potential to become the new prevailing biotype. Close monitoring of greenbug population dynamics especially biotypic variation on both crop plants and noncultivated grasses in small grain production areas may be a useful strategy for detecting potentially new prevailing virulent biotypes of the greenbug.
    Journal of Economic Entomology 08/2010; 103(4):1454-63. · 1.70 Impact Factor
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    Article: Genome sequencing and analysis of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon
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    ABSTRACT: Three subfamilies of grasses, the Ehrhartoideae, Panicoideae and Pooideae, provide the bulk of human nutrition and are poised to become major sources of renewable energy. Here we describe the genome sequence of the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), which is, to our knowledge, the first member of the Pooideae subfamily to be sequenced. Comparison of the Brachypodium, rice and sorghum genomes shows a precise history of genome evolution across a broad diversity of the grasses, and establishes a template for analysis of the large genomes of economically important pooid grasses such as wheat. The high-quality genome sequence, coupled with ease of cultivation and transformation, small size and rapid life cycle, will help Brachypodium reach its potential as an important model system for developing new energy and food crops.
    Nature 02/2010; 463(7282):763-768. · 36.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Genome sequencing and analysis of the model grass Brachypodium distachyon.
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Three subfamilies of grasses, the Ehrhartoideae, Panicoideae and Pooideae, provide the bulk of human nutrition and are poised to become major sources of renewable energy. Here we describe the genome sequence of the wild grass Brachypodium distachyon (Brachypodium), which is, to our knowledge, the first member of the Pooideae subfamily to be sequenced. Comparison of the Brachypodium, rice and sorghum genomes shows a precise history of genome evolution across a broad diversity of the grasses, and establishes a template for analysis of the large genomes of economically important pooid grasses such as wheat. The high-quality genome sequence, coupled with ease of cultivation and transformation, small size and rapid life cycle, will help Brachypodium reach its potential as an important model system for developing new energy and food crops.
    Nature 02/2010; 463(7282):763-768. · 36.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Genome-wide characterization of simple sequence repeats in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.)
    [show abstract] [hide abstract]
    ABSTRACT: Abstract Background Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L. is an important vegetable crop worldwide. Until very recently, cucumber genetic and genomic resources, especially molecular markers, have been very limited, impeding progress of cucumber breeding efforts. Microsatellites are short tandemly repeated DNA sequences, which are frequently favored as genetic markers due to their high level of polymorphism and codominant inheritance. Data from previously characterized genomes has shown that these repeats vary in frequency, motif sequence, and genomic location across taxa. During the last year, the genomes of two cucumber genotypes were sequenced including the Chinese fresh market type inbred line '9930' and the North American pickling type inbred line 'Gy14'. These sequences provide a powerful tool for developing markers in a large scale. In this study, we surveyed and characterized the distribution and frequency of perfect microsatellites in 203 Mbp assembled Gy14 DNA sequences, representing 55% of its nuclear genome, and in cucumber EST sequences. Similar analyses were performed in genomic and EST data from seven other plant species, and the results were compared with those of cucumber. Results A total of 112,073 perfect repeats were detected in the Gy14 cucumber genome sequence, accounting for 0.9% of the assembled Gy14 genome, with an overall density of 551.9 SSRs/Mbp. While tetranucleotides were the most frequent microsatellites in genomic DNA sequence, dinucleotide repeats, which had more repeat units than any other SSR type, had the highest cumulative sequence length. Coding regions (ESTs) of the cucumber genome had fewer microsatellites compared to its genomic sequence, with trinucleotides predominating in EST sequences. AAG was the most frequent repeat in cucumber ESTs. Overall, AT-rich motifs prevailed in both genomic and EST data. Compared to the other species examined, cucumber genomic sequence had the highest density of SSRs (although comparable to the density of poplar, grapevine and rice), and was richest in AT dinucleotides. Using an electronic PCR strategy, we investigated the polymorphism between 9930 and Gy14 at 1,006 SSR loci, and found unexpectedly high degree of polymorphism (48.3%) between the two genotypes. The level of polymorphism seems to be positively associated with the number of repeat units in the microsatellite. The in silico PCR results were validated empirically in 660 of the 1,006 SSR loci. In addition, primer sequences for more than 83,000 newly-discovered cucumber microsatellites, and their exact positions in the Gy14 genome assembly were made publicly available. Conclusions The cucumber genome is rich in microsatellites; AT and AAG are the most abundant repeat motifs in genomic and EST sequences of cucumber, respectively. Considering all the species investigated, some commonalities were noted, especially within the monocot and dicot groups, although the distribution of motifs and the frequency of certain repeats were characteristic of the species examined. The large number of SSR markers developed from this study should be a significant contribution to the cucurbit research community.
    BMC Genomics. 01/2010;
  • Article: Aphid feeding response and microsatellite-based genetic diversity among diploid Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv accessions
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    ABSTRACT: False brome grass, Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv, has been proposed as a new model species to bridge rice and temperate cereal crops for genomics research. However, much basic information for this species is still lacking. In this study, six diploid B. distachyon (2n = 2x = 10) accessions (Bd1-1, Bd2-3, Bd3-1, Bd18-1, Bd21 and BD29) were evaluated for their response to infestation by two cereal aphid pests of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.): the greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rondani, and the Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia Mordvilko. Through database mining of B. distachyon expressed sequence tag (EST) and genomic DNA sequences, 160 EST- and 21 genomic microsatellite markers were developed and used to evaluate genetic diversity among the B. distachyon accessions. All six accessions were resistant to RWA biotype RWA1 but showed distinct responses to feeding by greenbug biotypes C and E, as well as RWA2 RWAs. Although microsatellite-based genetic diversity among different accessions was generally low, Bd1-1 and BD29 were the most diverged from the other four lines. The genetic divergence was correlated with geographical distances between the Brachypodium accessions. Comparison of simple sequence repeat polymorphisms in three inbred lines (Bd2-3, Bd3-1 and Bd18-1) with their respective original parental lines revealed no effect of inbreeding on genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that Aegilops tauschii (Coss.) Schmal., the D genome donor of common wheat, was closer to B. distachyon than to rice. The greenbug - B. distachyon system seems to be a model of choice for plant–aphid interaction studies in the grass genome.
    Plant Genetic Resources 03/2009; 7(01):72 - 79.
  • Article: Spatial and temporal distribution of induced resistance to greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) herbivory in preconditioned resistant and susceptible near isogenic plants of wheat.
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    ABSTRACT: Interactions between biotype E greenbugs, Schizaphis graminum (Rodani), and two near isogenic lines of the greenbug resistance gene Gb3 of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., were examined for 62 d after infestation. By comparing aphid performance and host responses on control and greenbug-preconditioned plants, we demonstrated that systemic resistance to greenbug herbivory was inducible in the resistant genotype with varying intensities and effectiveness in different parts of the plants. Preconditioning of susceptible plants resulted in modification of within-plant aphid distribution and reduction of cumulative greenbug densities, but it showed no effect on reducing greenbug feeding damage to host plant. Preconditioning of resistant plants altered greenbug population dynamics by reducing the size and buffering the fluctuation of the aphid population. Preconditioning in the first (oldest) leaf of the resistant plant had no phenotypically detectable effect in the stem and induced susceptibility locally in the first leaf within the first 2 d after infestation. The preconditioning-induced resistance reduced greenbug density, delayed aphid density peaks and extended the life of younger leaves in resistant plants. Expression of induced resistance was spatially and temporally dynamic within the plant, which occurred more rapidly, was longer in duration, and stronger in intensity in younger leaves. Host resistance gene-mediated induced resistance was effective in lowering greenbug performance and reducing damage from greenbug herbivory in host plants. Results from this study supported the optimal defense theory regarding within-plant defense allocation.
    Journal of Economic Entomology 07/2005; 98(3):1024-31. · 1.70 Impact Factor
  • Article: Phenotypic mechanisms of host resistance against greenbug (Homoptera: Aphididae) revealed by near isogenic lines of wheat.
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    ABSTRACT: Interactions between biotype E greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), and wheat, Triticum aestivum L., were investigated using resistant and susceptible near isogenic lines of the greenbug resistance gene Gb3. In an antixenosis test, the greenbugs preferred susceptible plants to resistant ones when free choice of hosts was allowed. Aphid feeding resulted in quick and severe damage to susceptible plants, which seemed to follow a general pattern spatially and was affected by the position where the greenbugs were initially placed. Symptom of damage in resistant plants resembled senescence. Within-plant distribution of aphids after infestation was clearly different between the two genotypes. Significantly more greenbugs fed on the first (oldest) leaf than on the stem in resistant plants, but this preference was reversed in the susceptible one. After reaching its peak, aphid population on the susceptible plants dropped quickly. All susceptible plants were dead in 10-14 d after infestation due to greenbug feeding. Aphid population dynamics on resistant plants exhibited a multipeak curve. After the first peak, the greenbug population declined slowly. More than 70% of resistant plants were killed 47 d after infestation. Performance of both biotype E and I greenbugs on several Gb3-related wheat germplasm lines were also examined. It seems that the preference-on-stem that was characteristic of biotype E greenbugs on the susceptible plants was aphid biotype- and host genotype-dependent. Results from this study suggested that antixenosis, antibiosis, and tolerance in the resistant plants of wheat might all contribute to resistance against greenbug feeding.
    Journal of Economic Entomology 05/2004; 97(2):654-60. · 1.70 Impact Factor
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    Article: BAC Libraries from Wheat Chromosome 7D: Efficient Tool for Positional Cloning of Aphid Resistance Genes.
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    Article: An Extended Intervarietal Microsatellite Linkage Map of Cucumber, Cucumis sativus L.
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    ABSTRACT: A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two cultivated cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. sativus L., 2n = 2x = 14) lines, Gy7 (synonym G421) and H-19, was previously used to map yield and fruit quality components. However, the map consisted mainly of dominant markers (i.e., random amplified polymorphic DNAs or amplified fragment length polymorphisms) limiting its use in plant improvement and map-based gene cloning. We report here a moderately saturated genetic map derived from this RIL population that incorporates codominant microsatellite [simple sequence repeat (SSR)] markers and two architectural traits, little leaf (ll) and determinate (de), growth habit. Of 821 cucumber genomic SSR primer pairs evaluated for map construction, 140 (17.0%) were polymorphic between the mapping parents. In combination with 42 previously mapped sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) and SSR makers, these polymorphic markers were used to construct a linkage map with 46 RILs and 176 mapped loci spanning 400 cM across seven linkage groups (LG). The numbers of loci mapped on LG 1 through 7 were 11, 6, 35, 18, 46, 45, and 15, respectively. The ll locus was flanked by SSR02355 and SSR03940 (4.2 and 3.6 cM from ll, respectively), and de was flanked by CSWCTT14b and SSR13251 (1.4 and 4.2 cM from the de, respectively). The SSR markers linked with the de and ll genes were mapped to Chromosome 6. No recombination suppression was detected among the mapped loci examined. This Gy7 x H-19 RIL-based genetic map shared 94 marker loci with a previously reported RIL-based linkage map derived from a wide cross between C. sativus var. sativus line Gy14 and C. sativus var. hardwickii Alef. R. PI 183967. Comparative mapping supported previous findings that genomic differences (likely chromosomal rearrangements) exist between Gy14 and PI 183967.

Institutions

  • 2012
    • The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
      Ardmore, OK, USA
    • Northeast Agricultural University
      Harbin, Heilongjiang Sheng, China
  • 2010–2012
    • University of Wisconsin - Madison
      • Department of Horticulture
      Madison, MS, USA
    • United States Department of Agriculture
      Fort Collins, CO, USA
  • 2011
    • Northwest A & F University
      • College of Horticulture
      Yangling, Shaanxi Sheng, China
  • 2004–2005
    • Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center
      Baton Rouge, LA, USA