In the heart of Italy, a groundbreaking study is unfolding that could revolutionize the way we approach durum wheat cultivation and, by extension, the energy sector. Researchers, led by Monica Marra from the Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection at the National Research Council in Turin and the University of Bari Aldo Moro, have been delving into the genetic secrets of durum wheat landraces to combat two notorious soil-borne viruses: Soil-borne Cereal Mosaic Virus (SBCMV) and Wheat Spindle Streak Mosaic Virus (WSSMV). These viruses, transmitted by the persistent soil-inhabiting vector Polymyxa graminis, have been wreaking havoc on durum wheat crops across Europe, leading to significant yield losses and economic strain.
The challenge is immense. Polymyxa graminis’ resting spores can survive in infested soil for decades, making eradication nearly impossible with current methods. “The economic and environmental costs of existing control measures are prohibitive,” Marra explains. “That’s why developing resistant wheat varieties is not just a scientific pursuit; it’s a necessity for sustainable agriculture and food security.”
To tackle this issue, Marra and her team screened over 200 durum wheat genotypes, primarily landraces, from the Global Durum Wheat Panel germplasm collection. The experiment was meticulously designed: genotypes were sown in pots containing soil infested with P. graminis carrying SBCMV and WSSMV, and monitored through the winter. In early spring, the researchers assessed viral symptomatology and determined viral loads in leaf tissues using qRT-PCR analysis.
The results were revealing. While WSSMV infected all genotypes, SBCMV showed a wide range of viral loads among them. This diversity is a beacon of hope. “We identified 23 genotypes with low viral loads of both viruses and reduced symptoms,” Marra notes. “These could be game-changers for breeders working on new resistant durum wheat varieties.”
But the story doesn’t end with identification. The team also conducted a pilot Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) to pinpoint genomic regions and candidate genes associated with resistance to SBCMV and WSSMV. This genetic roadmap could accelerate the development of resistant wheat varieties, offering a sustainable solution to a longstanding problem.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Durum wheat is a staple in many regions, and its cultivation supports local economies and food security. Resistant varieties could stabilize yields, reduce the need for costly and environmentally harmful pesticides, and ensure a steady supply of this vital crop. Moreover, the methods and findings from this study could be applied to other crops, further bolstering agricultural resilience and sustainability.
As the research published in the journal ‘Current Plant Biology’ (translated from Italian) continues to unfold, it promises to shape the future of durum wheat cultivation and beyond. The journey from lab to field is long, but with each step, the vision of resilient, sustainable agriculture comes into clearer focus. The work of Marra and her team is not just about combating viruses; it’s about securing our food future, one resistant genotype at a time.