Sunflower Resistance to Broomrape (Orobanche cumana) Is Controlled by Specific QTLs for Different Parasitism Stages

Abstract

Orobanche cumana (sunflower broomrape) is an obligatory and non-photosynthetic root parasitic plant that specifically infects the sunflower. It is located in Europe and in Asia, where it can cause yield losses of over 80%. More aggressive races have evolved, mainly around the Black Sea, and broomrape can rapidly spread to new areas. Breeding for resistance seems to be the most efficient and sustainable approach to control broomrape infestation. In our study, we used a population of 101 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), derived from a cross between the two lines HA89 and LR1 (a line derived from an interspecific cross with Helianthus debilis). Rhizotrons, pots and field experiments were used to characterize all RILs for their resistance to O. cumana race F parasitism at three post vascular connection life stages: (i) early attachment of the parasite to the sunflower roots, (ii) young tubercle and (iii) shoot emergence. In addition, RIL resistance to race G at young tubercle development stage was evaluated in pots. The entire population was genotyped, and QTLs were mapped. Different QTLs were identified for each race (F from Spain and G from Turkey) and for the three stages of broomrape development. The results indicate that there are several quantitative resistance mechanisms controlling the infection by O. cumana that can be used in sunflower breeding.

A Two-Year Simulated Crop Rotation Confirmed the Differential Infestation of Broomrape Species in China Is Associated with Crop-Based Biostimulants

“…Current findings support the reported allelopathic influence of rice on the seed germination of sunflower broomrape and clover broomrape [27]. The sunflower and Egyptian broomrape seeds may contain receptors specifically designed to receive biochemical signals and respond to it depending on the perception [31,32]. Chemical interaction may not entirely be entitled to demonstrate this situation as the possible contribution of certain physical factors, such as seed coat structure, which can alter the reception and perception of a certain biochemical or stimulus.…”

Characterization of post‐haustorial resistance to sunflower broomrape

“…Post‐haustorial mechanisms operate after vascular connections between broomrape and its sunflower host have been established and nodules are visible (Pérez de Luque et al., 2009). Necrosis and subsequent death of broomrape nodules at several stages of development have been reported in sunflower line LR1 (Labrousse et al., 2001; Louarn et al., 2016; Zélicourt et al., 2007). Louarn et al.…”

The genetics underlying natural variation of plant–plant interactions, a beloved but forgotten member of the family of biotic interactions

“…This procedure allowed the authors to detect genes with consistent differential expression over the three growing seasons, thus uncovering genes underlying general soybean responses to weed presence. Four of the five remaining studies reported phenotyping experiments in both controlled and field conditions (Schmidt and Baldwin, 2006;Fondevilla et al, 2010;Horvath et al, 2015;Louarn et al, 2016). While controlled and field conditions are complementary, natural selection acts in nature, where the neighbor plants and associated cues are numerous and complex.…”