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Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungi Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum, is a worldwide disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The Chinese cultivar Ning 7840 is one [...]

Abstract: Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease in the wheat growing regions of the world. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) on the short arm of chromosome 3B controls [...]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a devastating disease in wheat production worldwide. Identifying resistance genes and understanding the genetic basis of resistance to FHB are prerequisites to developing cultivars that can avoid losses from FHB. This investigation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed in a recombinant inbred (RI) population derived from a cross between the FHB-moderately susceptible cv. Patterson and the FHB-resistant line Fundulea 201R (F201R). Bulk DNAs from the 11 most resistant and 12 most susceptible lines of the phenotypic distribution of the RI population, together with the parental lines, were screened with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Regional QTL mapping identified four interval regions, located on chromosomes 1B, 3A, 3D, and 5A, that conferred resistance to FHB. The QTLs located on chromosomes 1B and 3A, contributed by F201R, had large effects and were consistently expressed in three environments. The four QTLs together accounted for 32.7% of the phenotypic variation, or 43.0% of the genotypic variation. The QTL on chromosome 3A is located in the same region as a QTL that was detected in wild tetraploid wheat T. dicoccoides (Koern. ex Asch. & Graebner) Aarons. The possibility that the FHB resistance QTLs of F201R and that of T. dicoccoides on chromosome 3A have the same origin is discussed., WHEAT IS A STAPLE FOOD CROP in the USA and worldwide. In the past decade, there have been epidemics of FHB in many areas where the flowering period coincides with [...]

Abstract Background Genomic discovery in oat and its application to oat improvement have been hindered by a lack of genetic markers common to different genetic maps, and by the difficulty of conducting whole-genome analysis using high-throughput markers. This study was intended to develop, characterize, and apply a large set of oat genetic markers based on Diversity Array Technology (DArT). Results Approximately 19,000 genomic clones were isolated from complexity-reduced genomic representations of pooled DNA samples from 60 oat varieties of global origin. These were screened on three discovery arrays, with more than 2000 polymorphic markers being identified for use in this study, and approximately 2700 potentially polymorphic markers being identified for use in future studies. DNA sequence was obtained for 2573 clones and assembled into a non-redundant set of 1770 contigs and singletons. Of these, 705 showed highly significant (Expectation < 10E-10) BLAST similarity to gene sequences in public databases. Based on marker scores in 80 recombinant inbred lines, 1010 new DArT markers were used to saturate and improve the 'Kanota' × 'Ogle' genetic map. DArT markers provided map coverage approximately equivalent to existing markers. After binning markers from similar clones, as well as those with 99% scoring similarity, a set of 1295 non-redundant markers was used to analyze genetic diversity in 182 accessions of cultivated oat of worldwide origin. Results of this analysis confirmed that major clusters of oat diversity are related to spring vs. winter type, and to the presence of major breeding programs within geographical regions. Secondary clusters revealed groups that were often related to known pedigree structure. Conclusion These markers will provide a solid basis for future efforts in genomic discovery, comparative mapping, and the generation of an oat consensus map. They will also provide new opportunities for directed breeding of superior oat varieties, and guidance in the maintenance of oat genetic diversity.

Hessian fly is among the major pests of wheat (Triticum spp.) around the world. We evaluated 18 tetraploid (4X) or durum accessions [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.) van Slageren], which were sourced from the USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Collection. Two of the most virulent strains of Hessian fly, vH9 and Biotype L, were used to assess the reaction of germplasm to larval attack. A susceptible hexaploid wheat accession (CItr 17790, also known as 'Len') and a resistant tetraploid wheat accession (PI 134942, which is a donor of resistance gene H33), were included as controls during the test. We confirmed previously reported resistant germplasm and identified two novel germplasm accessions that exhibited a clear resistance against vH9 and Biotype L infestation. The data showed that Trigo 87 (Reg. no. GP‐1046, PI 519832, a durum accession from Lebanon) and Iumillo (Reg. no. GP‐1047, PI 519716, a durum accession from India) are both resistant to vH9 infestation. In addition, Trigo 87 is also resistant to Biotype L infestation, while the resistance of Iumillo to Biotype L was inconclusive. These wheat lines can be used directly in durum breeding programs. Moreover, the resistance genes can be transferred to hexaploid wheat backgrounds for use especially in the eastern and southeastern United States, where few options for resistance are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most damaging wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) diseases in humid and semihumid regions around the world. Breeding efforts have focused on resistance mechanisms that limit the spread once a spike is infected--type II resistance. But resistance to initial infection, type I resistance, is an important trait that could be combined with other modes of resistance. The objective of this project was to identify and map the locations of previously unknown quantitative trait loci (QTL) that reduce the incidence of initial infection. A mapping population of 198 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was evaluated for type I resistance in both the field and greenhouse. A two-enzyme genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach was applied to construct a 1883-cM linkage map yielding single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Composite interval mapping analysis detected a QTL on chromosome 1AS under greenhouse conditions and three other QTL on chromosomes 1BL, 2BL, and 3AS in field environments. Each QTL explained between 7.44 and 12.20% of the total phenotypic variation. Sixteen RILs were identified with markers for all three QTL on chromosomes 1BL, 2BL, and 3AS exhibiting significantly improved type I resistance (a mean of 33.06% improvement) over RILs with none of the three markers in field experiments. Our results also confirmed that types I and II FHB resistance were controlled by different loci in the wheat RIL population and could be used in combination to provide multiple layers of defense for cultivar development through marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB), Fusarium head blight (FHB) and stem rust (SR), caused by the fungi Parastagonospora (synonym Stagonospora) nodorum, Fusarium graminearum and Puccinia graminis, respectively, signiicantly reduce yield and quality of wheat. Three resistance factors, QSng.sfr-3BS, Fhb1 and Sr2, conferring resistance, respectively, to SNB, FHB and SR, each from a unique donor line, were mapped previously to the short arm of wheat chromosome 3B. Based on published reports, our hypothesis was that Sr2 is the most distal, Fhb1 the most proximal and QSng.sfr-3BS is in between Sr2 and Fhb1 on wheat chromosome arm 3BS. Results: To test this hypothesis, 1600 F2 plants from crosses between parental lines Arina, Alsen and Ocoroni86, conferring resistance genes QSng.sfr-3BS, Fhb1 and Sr2, respectively, were genotyped and phenotyped for SNB along with the parental lines. Five closely linked single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to make the genetic map and determine the gene order. Conclusions: The results indicate that QSng.sfr-3BS is located between the other two resistance genes on chromosome 3BS. Knowing the positional order of these resistance genes will aid in developing a wheat line with all three genes in coupling, which has the potential to provide broad-spectrum resistance preventing grain yield and quality losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hessian fly populations adapt to overcome newly deployed resistance genes within a few years of release. Although more than 34 genes have been identified that confer resistance against Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] attack in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), only five genes currently provide resistance against fly populations in the southeastern United States. But even these genes are not 100% effective, leaving Georgia and North and South Carolina with between one and three effective genes for cultivar development. With the goal of providing much needed resistance for this region in a wheat line suitable for use with marker-assisted selection, we identified a durum wheat line that confers resistance to Hessian fly populations from Maryland, Delaware, North and South Carolina, and Georgia in 100% of the plants tested. Resistance from this tetraploid durum line, PI 134942, was introgressed into hexaploid common wheat to generate the line 97211. Segregating populations of F2:3 families were constructed with the durum donor and with the common wheat recipient to identify resistance genes and provide flanking markers. Although the resistance of the durum donor appeared to involve more than one gene, one partially dominant but very effective gene, H33, was successfully transferred and identified in the hexaploid recipient. This gene was mapped to the short arm of wheat chromosome 3A and is flanked by single sequence repeat markers xgwm218 and hbg284. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlike most documented plant-insect interactions, Hessian fly-resistance [Mayetiola destructor (Say)] in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is initiated by a gene-for-gene recognition event in which plants carrying a specific R gene recognize salivary effectors encoded by a corresponding larval avirulence gene. However, dual infestation resulting from oviposition by virulent insects from 5 d before to 3 d after oviposition by avirulent insects on the same host plant, lead to systemic induced susceptibility, obviation of resistance, and ultimately the survival of both virulent and genetically avirulent progeny to adulthood. Simultaneous oviposition allowed greater survival of avirulent progeny than ovipositions separated by larger intervals. Because of the induction of plant resistance, hatch of avirulent larvae before virulent was more detrimental to rate of development than hatch of virulent before avirulent larvae. Obviation of resistance was not localized to the leaf being attacked by the virulent larvae, but also functioned across spatial distance into younger leaves. This research suggests that virulent Hessian fly larvae directly suppress the defense response of wheat, thus providing a refuge for avirulent genotypes, preserving diversity in field populations and increasing durability of deployed resistance genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Genomic discovery in oat and its application to oat improvement have been hindered by a lack of genetic markers common to different genetic maps, and by the difficulty of conducting whole-genome analysis using high-throughput markers. This study was intended to develop, characterize, and apply a large set of oat genetic markers based on Diversity Array Technology (DArT). Results: Approximately 19,000 genomic clones were isolated from complexity-reduced genomic representations of pooled DNA samples from 60 oat varieties of global origin. These were screened on three discovery arrays, with more than 2000 polymorphic markers being identified for use in this study, and approximately 2700 potentially polymorphic markers being identified for use in future studies. DNA sequence was obtained for 2573 clones and assembled into a non-redundant set of 1770 contigs and singletons. Of these, 705 showed highly significant (Expectation < 10E-10) BLAST similarity to gene sequences in public databases. Based on marker scores in 80 recombinant inbred lines, 1010 new DArT markers were used to saturate and improve the 'Kanota' x 'Ogle' genetic map. DArT markers provided map coverage approximately equivalent to existing markers. After binning markers from similar clones, as well as those with 99% scoring similarity, a set of 1295 non-redundant markers was used to analyze genetic diversity in 182 accessions of cultivated oat of worldwide origin. Results of this analysis confirmed that major clusters of oat diversity are related to spring vs. winter type, and to the presence of major breeding programs within geographical regions. Secondary clusters revealed groups that were often related to known pedigree structure. Conclusion: These markers will provide a solid basis for future efforts in genomic discovery, comparative mapping, and the generation of an oat consensus map. They will also provide new opportunities for directed breeding of superior oat varieties, and guidance in the maintenance of oat genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hessian fly [ Mayetiola destructor (Say)] is one of the major insect pests of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) worldwide. Hessian fly (Hf)-resistance genes H16 and H17 were reported to condition resistance to Hf biotype L that is prevalent in many wheat-growing areas of eastern USA, and both of them were previously assigned to wheat chromosome 5A by their linkage to H9. The objectives in this study were to (1) map H16 and H17 independent of their linkage with H9 and (2) identify DNA markers that co-segregate with H16 or H17, and that are useful for selection of these genes in segregating populations and to combine these genes with other Hf-resistance genes in wheat cultivars. Contrary to previously reported locations, H16 and H17 did not show linkage with the molecular markers on chromosome 5A. Instead, both of them are linked with the molecular markers on the short arm of chromosome 1A (1AS). The simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker Xpsp2999 and EST-derived SSR (eSSR) marker Xwem6b are two flanking markers that are linked to H16 at genetic distances of 3.7 and 5.5 cM, respectively. Similarly, H17 is located between markers Xpsp2999 and Xwem6b at genetic distances of 6.2 and 5.1 cM, respectively. Five other SSR and eSSR markers including Xcfa2153, Xbarc263, Xwem3a, Xwmc329, and Xwmc24 were also linked to H16 and H17 at close genetic distances. These closely linked molecular markers should be useful for pyramiding H16 and H17 with other Hessian fly resistance genes in a single wheat genotype. In addition, using Chinese Spring deletion line bin mapping we positioned all of the linked markers and the Hf-resistance genes ( H16 and H17) to the distal 14% of chromosome 1AS, where Hf-resistance genes H9, H10, and H11 are located. Our results together with previous studies suggest that Hf-resistance genes H9, H10, H11, H16, and H17 along with the pathogen resistance genes Pm3 and Lr10 appear to occupy a resistance gene cluster in the distal region of chromosome 1AS in wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungi Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium culmorum, is a worldwide disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The Chinese cultivar Ning 7840 is one of a few wheat cultivars with resistance to FHB. GeneCalling™, an open-architecture mRNA-profiling technology, was used to identify differentially expressed genes induced or suppressed in spikes of Ning 7840 after infection by F. graminearum. One hundred and twenty-five cDNA fragments representing transcripts differentially expressed in wheat spikes were identified. Based on BLASTN and BLASTX analyses, putative functions were assigned to some of the genes: 28 were assigned functions in primary metabolism and photosynthesis, 7 were involved in defense response, 14 were involved in gene expression and regulation, 24 encoded proteins associated with structure and protein synthesis, 42 lacked homology to sequences in the database, and 3 were similar to cloned multidrug resistance or disease resistance proteins. Of particular interest in this study were genes associated with resistance and defense against pathogen infection. Real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR indicated that of 51 genes tested, 19 showed 2-fold or greater induction or suppression in infected Ning 7840 in comparison with the water-treated control. The remaining 32 genes were not significantly induced or suppressed in infected Ning 7840 compared with the control. Subsequently, these 19 induced or suppressed genes were examined in the wheat line KS24-1, containing FHB resistance derived from Lophopyrum elongatum, and Len, an FHB-susceptible wheat cultivar. The temporal expression of some of these sequences encoding resistance proteins or defense-related proteins showed FHB (resistance specific) induction, suggesting that these genes play a role in protection against toxic compounds in plant–fungus interactions. On the basis of comprehensive expression profiling of various biotic or abiotic stress response genes revealed by quantitative PCR in this study and other supporting data, we hypothesized that the plant–pathogen interactions may be highly integrated into a network of diverse biosynthetic pathways. La fusariose de l’épi, causée par les champignons Fusarium graminearum et Fusarium culmorum, est une maladie répandue mondialement chez le blé (Triticumaestivum L.). Le cultivar chinois Ning 7840 est l’un des rares cultivars de blé montrant une résistance à la fusariose. La technologie GeneCalling™, une technologie transcriptomique à architecture ouverte, a été employée pour identifier des gènes induits ou réprimés chez des épis du blé Ning 7840 suite à l’infection par le F. graminearum. Cent vingt-cinq fragments de cDNA individuels représentant des transcrits exprimés de manière différentielle dans les épis ont été identifiés. Sur la base d’analyses BLASTN et BLASTX, des fonctions possibles ont été assignées à certains des gènes : 28 sont postulés avoir une fonction dans le métabolisme primaire ou la photosynthèse, 7 seraient impliqués dans les réactions de défense, 14 dans l’expression ou la régulation de l’expression génique, 24 codent pour des protéines associées à la synthèse ou à la structure des protéines, 42 ne présentaient pas d’homologie aux séquences contenues dans la banque de séquences et 3 sont semblables à des protéines de résistance à plusieurs drogues ou de résistance aux maladies. Les gènes associés à la résistance ou aux réactions de défense contre les pathogènes présentaient un intérêt particulier dans le cadre de ce travail. Des amplifications RT-PCR en temps réel ont indiqué que des 51 gènes testés, 19 montraient une induction ou répression de deux fois ou plus chez le cultivar Ning 7840 par rapport au témoin inoculé avec de l’eau. Les autres 32 gènes n’étaient pas induits ou réprimés de manière significative chez Ning 7840 par rapport au témoin. Subséquemment, les 19 gènes induits ou réprimés ont été examinés chez le blé KS24-1, lequel possède une résistance à la fusariose provenant du Lophopyrum elongatum, et Len, un cultivar sensible. L’expression de certaines de ces séquences codant pour des protéines de défense ou impliquées dans la défense affichaient une induction (spécifique à la résistance) face à la fusariose, ce qui suggère que ces gènes joueraient un rôle dans la protection contre les composés toxiques produits lors des interactions plante–champignon. Sur la base d’une analyse exhaustive des profils d’expression de divers gènes impliqués dans la réponse aux stress biotiques ou abiotiques, les auteurs proposent que les interactions plante–pathogène seraient intimement intégrées à un réseau formé de plusieurs sentiers biosynthétiques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gene-for-gene interaction triggering resistance of wheat against first-instar Hessian fly larvae utilizes specialized defence response genes not previously identified in other interactions with pests or pathogens. We characterized the expression of Hfr-3, a novel gene encoding a lectin-like protein with 68–70% identity to the wheat germ agglutinins. Within each of the four predicted chitin-binding hevein domains, the HFR-3 translated protein sequence contained five conserved saccharide-binding amino acids. Quantification of Hfr-3 mRNA levels confirmed a rapid response and gradual increase, up to 3000-fold above the uninfested control in the incompatible interaction 3 days after egg hatch. Hfr-3 mRNA abundance was influenced by the number of larvae per plant, suggesting that resistance is localized rather than systemic. In addition, Hfr-3 was responsive to another sucking insect, the bird cherry-oat aphid, but not to fall armyworm attack, wounding or exogenous application of methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid or abscisic acid. Western blot analysis demonstrated that HFR-3 protein increased in parallel to mRNA levels in crown tissues during incompatible interactions. HFR-3 protein was detected in both virulent and avirulent larvae, indicating ingestion. Anti-nutritional proteins, such as lectins, may be responsible for the apparent starvation of avirulent first-instar Hessian fly larvae during the initial few days of incompatible interactions with resistant wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a devastating disease in wheat production worldwide. Identifying resistance genes and understanding the genetic basis of resistance to FHB are prerequisites to developing cultivars that can avoid losses from FHB. This investigation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) was performed in a recombinant inbred (RI) population derived from a cross between the FHB-moderately susceptible cv. Patterson and the FHB-resistant line Fundulea 201R (F201R). Bulk DNAs from the 11 most resistant and 12 most susceptible lines of the phenotypic distribution of the RI population, together with the parental lines, were screened with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Regional QTL mapping identified four interval regions, located on chromosomes 1B, 3A, 3D, and 5A, that conferred resistance to FHB. The QTLs located on chromosomes 1B and 3A, contributed by F201R, had large effects and were consistently expressed in three environments. The four QTLs together accounted for 32.7% of the phenotypic variation, or 43.0% of the genotypic variation. The QTL on chromosome 3A is located in the same region as a QTL that was detected in wild tetraploid wheat T. dicoccoides (Koern. ex Asch. & Graebner) Aarons. The possibility that the FHB resistance QTLs of F201R and that of T. dicoccoides on chromosome 3A have the same origin is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A sequence encoding a putative type-1 lipid transfer protein from wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) was identified through ‘GeneCalling’, an mRNA profiling technology. The mRNA for the Hfr-LTP (Hessian fly-responsive lipid transfer protein) gene decreased in abundance (196-fold) in susceptible wheat plants over the first eight days of attack by virulent Hessian fly larvae (Mayetiola destructor Say). Hfr-LTP encodes a putative protein containing eight cysteine residues that are conserved among plant LTPs and are responsible for correct protein folding through formation of disulfide bridges. Twelve hydrophobic amino acids in addition to arginine, glycine, proline, serine, threonine and tyrosine, plus an LTP signature sequence were present in conserved positions. A highly conserved signal peptide sequence was also present. Although attack by one virulent larva was sufficient to cause a decrease in Hfr-LTP mRNA abundance, higher infestation levels led to near silencing of the gene. Hfr-LTP transcript levels were not affected by other biotic factors (feeding by bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi L., and fall armyworm larvae, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith) or abiotic factors tested (mechanical wounding or treatment with abscisic acid, methyl jasmonate, or salicylic acid). Comparison to a previously described Hessian fly-responsive wheat LTP gene, TaLTP3, confirmed an initial increase in TaLTP3 mRNA in resistant plants. However, when quantified through eight days after egg hatch, responsiveness to infestation level and a marked decrease in susceptible plant TaLTP3 mRNA abundance were detected, as was seen for Hfr-LTP. Possible functions of LTP gene products in wheat–Hessian fly interactions are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Six hundred thirty five oat ( L.) lines and 4561 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci were used to evaluate population structure, linkage disequilibrium (LD), and genotype-phenotype association with heading date. The first five principal components (PCs) accounted for 25.3% of genetic variation. Neither the eigenvalues of the first 25 PCs nor the cross-validation errors from = 1 to 20 model-based analyses suggested a structured population. However, the PC and = 2 model-based analyses supported clustering of lines on spring oat vs. southern United States origin, accounting for 16% of genetic variation ( < 0.0001). Single-locus -statistic () in the highest 1% of the distribution suggested linkage groups that may be differentiated between the two population subgroups. Population structure and kinship-corrected LD of = 0.10 was observed at an average pairwise distance of 0.44 cM (0.71 and 2.64 cM within spring and southern oat, respectively). On most linkage groups LD decay was slower within southern lines than within the spring lines. A notable exception was found on linkage group Mrg28, where LD decay was substantially slower in the spring subpopulation. It is speculated that this may be caused by a heterogeneous translocation event on this chromosome. Association with heading date was most consistent across location-years on linkage groups Mrg02, Mrg12, Mrg13, and Mrg24., (Copyright © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.)

A physically anchored consensus map is foundational to modern genomics research; however, construction of such a map in oat (Avena sativa L., 2n = 6x = 42) has been hindered by the size and complexity of the genome, the scarcity of robust molecular markers, and the lack of aneuploid stocks. Resources developed in this study include a modified SNP discovery method for complex genomes, a diverse set of oat SNP markers, and a novel chromosome-deficient SNP anchoring strategy. These resources were applied to build the first complete, physically-anchored consensus map of hexaploid oat. Approximately 11,000 high-confidence in silico SNPs were discovered based on nine million inter-varietal sequence reads of genomic and cDNA origin. GoldenGate genotyping of 3,072 SNP assays yielded 1,311 robust markers, of which 985 were mapped in 390 recombinant-inbred lines from six bi-parental mapping populations ranging in size from 49 to 97 progeny. The consensus map included 985 SNPs and 68 previously-published markers, resolving 21 linkage groups with a total map distance of 1,838.8 cM. Consensus linkage groups were assigned to 21 chromosomes using SNP deletion analysis of chromosome-deficient monosomic hybrid stocks. Alignments with sequenced genomes of rice and Brachypodium provide evidence for extensive conservation of genomic regions, and renewed encouragement for orthology-based genomic discovery in this important hexaploid species. These results also provide a framework for high-resolution genetic analysis in oat, and a model for marker development and map construction in other species with complex genomes and limited resources.

Genetic similarities between plant interactions with microbial pathogens and wheat interactions with Hessian fly larvae prompted us to investigate defense and counterdefense mechanisms. Plant oxidative burst, a rapid increase in the levels of active oxygen species (AOS) within the initial 24 h of an interaction with pathogens, commonly is associated with defenses that are triggered by gene-for-gene recognition events similar to those involving wheat and Hessian fly larvae. RNAs encoded by Hessian fly superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) genes, involved in detoxification of AOS, increased in first-instar larvae during both compatible and incompatible interactions. However, mRNA levels of a wheat NADPH oxidase (NOX) gene that generates superoxide (O2-) did not increase. In addition, inhibiting wheat NOX enzyme with diphenyleneiodonium did not result in increased survival of avirulent larvae. However, nitro blue tetrazolium staining indicated that basal levels of O2- are present in both uninfested and infested wheat tissue. mRNA encoded by wheat genes involved in detoxification of the cellular environment, SOD, CAT, and glutathione-S-transferase did not increase in abundance. Histochemical staining with 3,3-diaminobenzidine revealed no increases in wheat hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) during infestation that were correlated with the changes in larval SOD and CAT mRNA. However, treatment with 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin demonstrated the presence of basal levels of H2O2 in the elongation zone of both infested and uninfested plants. The accumulation of a wheat flavanone 3-hydroxylase mRNA did show some parallels with larval gene mRNA profiles. These results suggested that larvae encounter stresses imposed by mechanisms other than an oxidative burst in wheat seedlings.