Genome-Wide Analysis of Type-III Polyketide Synthases in Wheat and Possible Roles in Wheat Sheath-Blight Resistance.

The enzymes in the chalcone synthase family, also known as type-III polyketide synthases (PKSs), play important roles in the biosynthesis of various plant secondary metabolites and plant adaptation to environmental stresses. There have been few detailed reports regarding the gene and tissue expression profiles of the PKS (TaPKS) family members in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, 81 candidate TaPKS genes were identified in the wheat genome, which were designated as TaPKS1-81. Phylogenetic analysis divided the TaPKS genes into two groups. TaPKS gene family expansion mainly occurred via tandem duplication and fragment duplication. In addition, we analyzed the physical and chemical properties, gene structures, and cis-acting elements of TaPKS gene family members. RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of TaPKS genes was tissue-specific, and their expression levels differed before and after infection with Rhizoctonia cerealis. The expression levels of four TaPKS genes were also analyzed via qRT-PCR after treatment with methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and ethylene. In the present study, we systematically identified and analyzed TaPKS gene family members in wheat, and our findings may facilitate the cloning of candidate genes associated with resistance to sheath blight in wheat.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of resistant and susceptible wheat in response to Rhizoctonia cerealis.

BACKGROUND: Sheath blight is an important disease caused by Rhizoctonia cerealis that affects wheat yields worldwide. No wheat varieties have been identified with high resistance or immunity to sheath blight. Understanding the sheath blight resistance mechanism is essential for controlling this disease. In this study, we investigated the response of wheat to Rhizoctonia cerealis infection by analyzing the cytological changes and transcriptomes of common wheat 7182 with moderate sensitivity to sheath blight and H83 with moderate resistance. RESULTS: The cytological observation showed that the growth of Rhizoctonia cerealis on the surface and its expansion inside the leaf sheath tissue were more rapid in the susceptible material. According to the transcriptome sequencing results, a total of 88685 genes were identified in both materials, including 20156 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 12087 was upregulated genes and 8069 was downregulated genes. At 36 h post-inoculation, compared with the uninfected control, 11498 DEGs were identified in resistant materials, with 5064 downregulated genes and 6434 upregulated genes, and 13058 genes were detected in susceptible materials, with 6759 downregulated genes and 6299 upregulated genes. At 72 h post-inoculation, compared with the uninfected control, 6578 DEGs were detected in resistant materials, with 2991 downregulated genes and 3587 upregulated genes, and 7324 genes were detected in susceptible materials, with 4119 downregulated genes and 3205 upregulated genes. Functional annotation and enrichment analysis showed that the main pathways enriched for the DEGs included biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, and plant-pathogen interaction. In particular, phenylpropane biosynthesis pathway is specifically activated in resistant variety H83 after infection. Many DEGs also belonged to the MYB, AP2, NAC, and WRKY transcription factor families. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, we suggest that the normal functioning of plant signaling pathways and differences in the expression of key genes and transcription factors in some important metabolic pathways may be important for defending wheat against sheath blight. These findings may facilitate further exploration of the sheath blight resistance mechanism in wheat and the cloning of related genes.

Population dynamics of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), in northern China: the effects of migration, cropping patterns and climate.

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is the most widely distributed pest of Brassica vegetables. Control of P. xylostella has relied on insecticides and it has developed resistance to most insecticides. Although research has clarified the resistance status of P. xylostella and the mechanisms of its resistance in northern China, little work has been conducted on long-term population dynamics in the key vegetable-growing areas of the region. RESULTS: We reviewed and summarized the history of P. xylostella field management practices in northern China (Haidian, Changping, Xuanhua and Zhangbei). Moths were caught in pheromone traps throughout the cropping season and P. xylostella phenology and the general trends in abundance were analysed using DYMEX modelling software. The initial input in the spring determined population size in all years. The seasonal phenology and variation in abundance in most years and sites were simulated, suggesting that the suitable climate creates the conditions for population outbreaks, and growers' actual management level (spraying and crop hygiene) influenced population abundance. CONCLUSION: Based on climate and using the timing of the initial peak in pheromone trap captures as a biofix, the timing of emergence of the next generation can be forecast, and more effective scouting and regional management strategies against this pest can be developed. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Residual toxicity and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole on Plutella xylostella (lepidoptera: plutellidae).

BACKGROUND: The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.), is the most important pest of cruciferous vegetables in the world. Chlorantraniliprole is a novel anthranilic diamide insecticide registered for the control of lepidopteran pests. The dose response, residual toxicity and sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole applied for 48 h at LC10 (0.02 mg L(-1) ) and LC25 (0.06 mg L(-1) ) on P. xylostella were investigated. RESULTS: Leaf-dip bioassays showed that chlorantraniliprole had a high level of toxicity against larvae of P. xylostella, and the 48 h LC50 values were 0.23 and 0.25 mg L(-1) for a susceptible and field strain respectively. Chlorantraniliprole also had a long-lasting effect when the larvae were exposed to chlorantraniliprole field sprayed on radish seedlings. Sublethal effects of chlorantraniliprole were indicated by reduced pupation, pupal weight and adult emergence rates. There was also an increase in the duration of female preoviposition period, decreased fecundity and egg hatch and decreased survival rates of the offspring. The mean values of the net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)), finite rate of increase (λ) were significantly lower in the treatment than in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that chlorantraniliprole is effective against P. xylostella. The sublethal concentrations of chlorantraniliprole may reduce the population growth of P. xylostella by decreasing its survival and reproduction, and by delaying its development.