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The perennial grain intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, commercial name KernzaTM) has been proposed as a diversification crop for producing forage and grain and providing ecosystem services to farmers. Although a few studies have addressed farmers' interests in the crop, information is lacking about the links between farmers' goals and crop management, i.e., how farmers aim at integrating this crop in their systems. Closing this gap, this paper analyzes for the first time the introduction of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) from a farmer perspective, as a set of decision plans and goals. The overarching orientations of the farm and organization of the production system, referred as strategic decisions, interact with short-term crop management (i.e., tactical decisions) and farmers' goals for IWG. In total, 17 individual semi-structured interviews and 2 collective crop management prototyping workshops in France were used to analyze farmers' rationales as a function of their farm systems, agronomic constraints, and know-how. The study demonstrates that farmers' interests in IWG revolved around multiple ecosystem services and financial returns. Three ideal-types of farms testing IWG emerged from the relationships between existing farming systems and goals for IWG. The strategic and tactical decisions regarding the integration and management of IWG were contingent on the farming systems, the goals for IWG, the farmers' know-how, and their ability to mitigate risks. Implications for the future development of intermediate wheatgrass as a niche innovation are considered based on farmers' points of view. This study provides insights into the ideas and concerns of French farmers regarding IWG and proposes a framework for discussing the introduction of a new crop in a farm system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild species Thinopyrum intermedium (genome JJJSJSStSt) serves as a valuable germplasm resource providing novel diseases resistance and agronomically important genes for wheat improvement. Two wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids, TAI7045 (2n = 56) and 78784 (2n = 56), exhibit high resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew, and their chromosome constitutions have been characterized. With the aim to transfer novel resistance genes from Th. intermedium, the crosses of common wheat line MY11 with TAI7045 and 78784 were produced, and their individual F2-F5 progenies were characterized using sequential non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and molecular markers. We identified a set of wheat-Th. intermedium addition lines, involving the chromosomes 1St-JS, 2St, 2St-JS, 3St, 4J, 4St, 5St, 5J.St, 6JS.J, and 7JS. Above all, the stable wheat-Th. intermedium small segmental translocation lines with chromosomes 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL-4JL and 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL were selected. Combining data from specific marker amplification and resistance evaluation, we mapped the gene(s) for resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust in the 233.56–329.88 Mb region of the long arm of the 4St chromosome from the reference Th. intermedium genome. The new wheat-Th. intermedium introgressions will be used as novel germplasm for breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intermediate wheatgrass [IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey] is a perennial grass, dual‐purpose crop that can provide environmental services. In addition to the grain production, assessing its forage potential is crucial. We developed models for near‐infrared (NIR) spectrometry prediction of the chemical composition and digestibility of IWG across various experimental sites. Among these, a Belgian field was used to compare its dual production in pure stands or in mixture with legumes. Good quality NIR predictions were observed, offering an efficient tool to characterize the forage composition of IWG. Its forage parameters were mainly influenced by the phenological stage with an increase of fiber and a decrease of protein, digestibility, and energy content (NEL) during the growing season. IWG forage at vegetative stages could be used to feed lactating dairy cattle with a NEL of 1625 kcal kg−1 of DM but, its biomass was low averaging 1.8 t of DM ha−1. At grain maturity, biomass was higher (i.e., 5.3 t of DM ha−1), representing 73%–92% of the total biomass production, and could replace straw in high‐starch dairy diets with a NEL averaging 849 kcal kg−1 of DM. Although the mixture of IWG with legumes enhanced some forage parameters, its value as animal feed was not improved. In mixture, we observed a tradeoff between the increase of the forage yield and the reproductive potential of IWG. These insights can inform the on‐going process of breeding and help farmers to design relevant systems to experiment this new crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Due to the environmental consequences of annual‐dominated cropping systems, there is an increasing need to identify agronomic strategies that incorporate perennial crops. One strategy for increasing perennial cover is through the targeted use of annually harvested perennial food and bioproduct crops in buffer strips, which has the potential to create new revenue streams for farmers and substantially mitigate agricultural nutrient pollution from conventional cropping systems. As buffers are typically installed on marginal land, it is critical to understand how landscape position influences the success of perennial crops. The objectives of this study were to determine the relatively early influence of landscape position on the productivity of a variety of perennial crops and their subsequent soil nutrients and soil water storing capabilities. In this experiment, nine perennial (alfalfa, alsike clover, indiangrass, switchgrass, big bluestem, prairie cordgrass, intermediate wheatgrass, high‐diversity polyculture, low‐diversity polyculture) and two annual (corn, soybean) crops were planted across two landscape positions (hillslope and deposition). Plant biomass, plant tissue nitrogen, soil moisture, and soil NO3‐N and NH4‐N were measured and compared at two different locations in Minnesota. Overall, the polyculture mixes, and to some extent intermediate wheatgrass, performed the best with respect to biomass production while also providing ecosystem services across most soil by landscape position combinations tested in this study. However, there were some important findings specific to each soil and landscape position combination, mainly oriented toward biomass production. We also observed temporal patterns in soil moisture and depth‐related patterns in soil N reductions. This study presents an opportunity to optimize the use of perennial crops on marginal agricultural lands for improved environmental and economic benefit.

The wild species Thinopyrum intermedium (genome JJJSJSStSt) serves as a valuable germplasm resource providing novel diseases resistance and agronomically important genes for wheat improvement. Two wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids, TAI7045 (2n = 56) and 78784 (2n = 56), exhibit high resistance to stripe rust and powdery mildew, and their chromosome constitutions have been characterized. With the aim to transfer novel resistance genes from Th. intermedium, the crosses of common wheat line MY11 with TAI7045 and 78784 were produced, and their individual F2-F5 progenies were characterized using sequential non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) and molecular markers. We identified a set of wheat-Th. intermedium addition lines, involving the chromosomes 1St-JS, 2St, 2St-JS, 3St, 4J, 4St, 5St, 5J.St, 6JS.J, and 7JS. Above all, the stable wheat-Th. intermedium small segmental translocation lines with chromosomes 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL-4JL and 4DS.4DL-4StL-4DL were selected. Combining data from specific marker amplification and resistance evaluation, we mapped the gene(s) for resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust in the 233.56–329.88 Mb region of the long arm of the 4St chromosome from the reference Th. intermedium genome. The new wheat-Th. intermedium introgressions will be used as novel germplasm for breeding purposes.

Thinopyrum intermedium (2n=6x=42, StStJrJrJvsJvs) is resistant or tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses, making it suitable for developing perennial crops and forage. Through five cycles of selection, we developed 24 perennial wheatgrass lines, designated 19HSC-Q and 20HSC-Z, by crossing wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids with Th. intermedium. The cold resistance, morphological performance, chromosome composition, and yield components of these perennial lines were investigated from 2019 to 2022. Six lines of 19HSC-Q had higher 1,000-kernel weight, grains per spike, and tiller number than Th. intermedium, as well as surviving -30°C in winter. Lines 19HSC-Q14, 19HSCQ18, and 19HSC-Q20 had the best performances for grain number per spike and 1,000-kernel weight. The 20HSC-Z lines, 20HSC-Z1, 20HSC-Z2, and 20HSC-Z3, were able to survive in the cold winter in Harbin and had been grown for two years. Sequential multicolor GISH analysis revealed that the Jvs subgenome of Th. intermedium were divided into two karyotypes, three pairs of type-I Jvs chromosomes and four pairs of type-II Jvs chromosomes. Both Th. intermedium and the 24 advanced perennial wheatgrass lines had similar chromosome compositions, but the translocations among subgenome chromosomes were detected in some lines with prominent agronomic traits, such as 19HSC-Q11, 19HSC-Q14, 19HSC-Q18, 19HSC-Q20, and the three 20HSC-Z lines. The chromosome aberrations were distinguished into two types: the large fragment translocation with St-Jr, Jvs-St, Jr-IIJvs, and Jvs-Jr and the small fragment introgression of Jr-St, St-IJvs, and Jvs-Jr. These chromosomal variations can be used to further analyze the relationship between the subgenomes and phenotypes of Th. intermedium. The results of this study provide valuable materials for the next selection cycle of cold-resistant perennial wheatgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Kernza® intermediate wheatgrass is a perennial grain and forage crop that can provide several ecosystem services. Major research efforts focused on Kernza have taken place in high latitudes. The goal of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the agronomic performance of Kernza in a low‐latitude region with mild winters. Methods A KS‐cycle 4 Kernza population (A) was planted in spring in Wisconsin, USA, and selected in one cycle for lower vernalization requirements, obtaining a new population (B). These two populations, at three nitrogen (N) fertilization rates, were evaluated in a full factorial, completely randomized field experiment in Uruguay over 2 years. Results The populations were similar in grain yields and flowering time in the 1st year, but population B had 63% lower grain yield in the 2nd year and 20% lower forage yield throughout the experiment. Increasing the N rate to 160 kg ha−1 led to a 63% increase in grain yield and 28% increase in forage yield across populations. Forage yields and nutritive values were similar to those reported in the northern hemisphere. However, grain yields for both the 1st (316 kg ha−1) and 2nd year (41 kg ha−1) were lower due to reduced flowering and weed competition. Conclusions Expansion of Kernza to lower‐latitude regions will require further breeding to improve reproductive performance.

Wheat stripe rust is a destructive disease in many cool and temperate regions around the world. Exploiting novel sources of resistance can provide wheat cultivars with robust and durable resistance to stripe rust. The wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium addition line TAI-14 was proven to carry a stripe rust resistance gene (named as YrT14) on the alien Th. intermedium chromosome. In order to transfer the resistance gene to wheat, wheat-Th. intermedium translocation lines were created by irradiating the pollen of the line TAI-14. We totally obtained 153 wheat-Th. intermedium translocation lines, among which the long alien segmental translocation line Zhongke 78 and the intercalary translocation line Zhongke 15 not only showed good integrated agronomic traits but also were identified as highly resistant to stripe rust in both seedling and adult plant stages. The alien chromatin in Zhongke 15 was identified as an insertion into the satellite of chromosome 6B, a type of translocation never reported before in chromosome engineering. By screening Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) and Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) markers as well as the markers developed from RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data, 14 markers were identified specific for the alien chromosome and a physical map was constructed. Both Zhongke 78 and Zhongke 15 could be used as a novel source of stripe rust resistance for wheat breeding, and the linked marker T14K50 can be used for molecular marker-assisted breeding. Finally, based on the karyotype, reaction to stripe rust, and genome resequencing data of different wheat-Th. intermedium translocation lines, the stripe rust resistance gene YrT14 was located to an 88.1 Mb interval from 636.7 to 724.8 Mb on Th. intermedium chromosome 19 corresponding to 7J or 7Js. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Owing to their excellent resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, JJJsJsStSt) and Th. ponticum (2n = 10x = 70) are both widely utilized in wheat germplasm innovation programs. Disomic substitution lines (DSLs) carrying one pair of alien chromosomes are valuable bridge materials for transmission of novel genes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) karyotype construction and specific molecular marker development. Results Six wheat–Thinopyrum DSLs derived from crosses between Abbondanza nullisomic lines (2n = 40) and two octoploid Trititrigia lines (2n = 8x = 56), were characterized by sequential FISH–genome in situ hybridization (GISH), multicolor GISH (mc-GISH), and an analysis of the wheat 15 K SNP array combined with molecular marker selection. ES-9 (DS2St (2A)) and ES-10 (DS3St (3D)) are wheat–Th. ponticum DSLs, while ES-23 (DS2St (2A)), ES-24 (DS3St (3D)), ES-25(DS2St (2B)), and ES-26 (DS2St (2D)) are wheat–Th. intermedium DSLs. ES-9, ES-23, ES-25 and ES-26 conferred high thousand-kernel weight and stripe rust resistance at adult stages, while ES-10 and ES-24 were highly resistant to stripe rust at all stages. Furthermore, cytological analysis showed that the alien chromosomes belonging to the same homoeologous group (2 or 3) derived from different donors carried the same FISH karyotype and could form a bivalent. Based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), two 2St-chromosome-specific markers (PTH-005 and PTH-013) and two 3St-chromosome-specific markers (PTH-113 and PTH-135) were developed. Conclusions The six wheat–Thinopyrum DSLs conferring stripe rust resistance can be used as bridging parents for transmission of valuable resistance genes. The utility of PTH-113 and PTH-135 in a BC1F2 population showed that the newly developed markers could be useful tools for efficient identification of St chromosomes in a common wheat background.

Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, JJJSJSStSt) has been hybridized extensively with common wheat and proven to be a valuable germplasm source for improving disease resistance and yield potential of wheat. A novel disease-resistant wheat-Th. intermedium double substitution line X479, carrying 1St(1B) and 4St-4JS (4B), was identified using multi-color non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH). With the aim of transferring Thinopyrum-specific chromatin to wheat, a total of 573 plants from F2 and F3 progenies of X479 crossed with wheat cultivar MY11 were developed and characterized using sequential ND-FISH with multiple probes. Fifteen types of wheat-Thinopyrum translocation chromosomes were preferentially transmitted in the progenies, and the homozygous wheat-1St, and wheat-4JSL translocation lines were identified using ND-FISH, Oligo-FISH painting and CENH3 immunostaining. The wheat-4JSL translocation lines exhibited high levels of resistance to stripe rust prevalent races in field screening. The gene for stripe rust resistance was found to be physically located on FL0–0.60 of the 4JSL, using deletion lines and specific DNA markers. The new wheat-Th. intermedium translocation lines can be exploited as useful germplasms for wheat improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheatgrass Thinopyrum intermedium is a source of agronomically valuable traits for common wheat. Partial wheat–wheatgrass amphidiploids and lines with wheatgrass chromosome substitutions are extensively used as intermediates in breeding programs. Line Agis 1 (6Agi2/6D) is present in the cultivar Tulaykovskaya 10 pedigree. Wheatgrass chromosome 6Agi2 carries multiple resistance to fungal diseases in various ecogeographical zones. In this work, we studied the transfer of chromosome 6Agi2 in hybrid populations Saratovskaya 29×Tulaykovskaya 10 (S29×T10) and Tulaykovskaya 10×Saratovskaya 29 (T10×S29). Chromosome 6Agi2 was identified by PCR with chromosome-specific primers and by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). According to molecular data, 6Agi2 was transmitted to nearly half of the plants tested in the F2 and F3 generations. A new breeding line 49-14 (2n = 42) with chromosome pair 6Agi2 was isolated and characterized in T10×S29 F5 by GISH. According to the results of our field experiment in 2020, the line had high productivity traits. The grain weights per plant (10.04±0.93 g) and the number of grains per plant (259.36±22.49) did not differ significantly from the parent varieties. The number of grains per spikelet in the main spike was significantly higher than in S29 (p ≤ 0.001) or T10 (p ≤ 0.05). Plants were characterized by the ability to set 3.77±0.1 grains per spikelet, and this trait varied among individuals from 2.93 to 4.62. The grain protein content was 17.91 %, and the gluten content, 40.55 %. According to the screening for fungal disease resistance carried out in the field in 2018 and 2020, chromosome 6Agi2 makes plants retain immunity to the West Siberian population of brown rust and to dominant races of stem rust. It also provides medium resistant and medium susceptible types of response to yellow rust. The possibility of using lines/varieties of bread wheat with wheatgrass chromosomes 6Agi2 in breeding in order to increase protein content in the grain, to confer resistance to leaf diseases on plants and to create multiflowered forms is discussed.

Thinopyrum intermedium (JJJsJsStSt, 2n = 6x = 42), a member of tertiary gene pool of hexaploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L., AABBDD, 2n = 6x = 42), provides several beneficial genes for wheat improvement. In this study, line CH51 was developed from the BC1F8 progeny of a partial wheat-Th. intermedium amphiploid TAI8335 (2n = 56) and wheat cultivar (cv.) Jintai 170. Somatic metaphase chromosome counting showed that CH51 had stable 42 chromosomes. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis showed that CH51 had 40 wheat chromosomes and two Th. intermedium chromosomes involving translocation between Js- and St-genome chromosomes. Nondenaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) analysis revealed that CH51 lacked a pair of wheat chromosome 6B. Wheat 55K SNP array analysis verified that chromosome 6B had the highest percentage of missing SNP loci in both CH51 and Chinese Spring (CS) nullisomic 6B-tetrasomic 6D (CS-N6BT6D) and had the highest percentage of polymorphic SNP loci between CH51 and cv. Jintai 170. We identified that CH51 was a wheat-Th. intermedium T6StS.6JsL (6B) disomic substitution line. Disease resistance assessment showed that CH51 exhibited high levels of resistance to the prevalent Chinese leaf rust and stripe rust races in the field. Therefore, the newly developed line CH51 can be utilized as a potential germplasm in wheat disease resistance breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Deep roots (i.e. >1 m depth) are important for crops to access water when the topsoil is dry. Root anatomy and hydraulic conductance play important roles in the uptake of soil water, particularly water located deep in the soil. We investigated whether root and xylem anatomy vary as a function of root type, order and length, or with soil depth in roots of two deep-rooted perennial crops: intermediate wheatgrass [ Thinopyrum intermedium (Kernza®)] and alfalfa (Medicago sativa). We linked the expression of these anatomical traits to the plants' capacity to take up water from deep soil layers. Methods Using laser ablation tomography, we compared the roots of the two crops for cortical area, number and size of metaxylem vessels, and their estimated root axial hydraulic conductance (ERAHCe). The deepest roots investigated were located at soil depths of 2.25 and at 3.5 m in the field and in rhizoboxes, respectively. Anatomical differences were characterized along 1-m-long individual roots, among root types and orders, as well as between environmental conditions. Key Results For both crops, a decrease in the number and diameter, or both, of metaxylem vessels along individual root segments and with soil depth in the field resulted in a decrease in ERAHCe. Alfalfa, with a greater number of metaxylem vessels per root throughout the soil profile and, on average, a 4-fold greater ERAHCe, took up more water from the deep soil layers than intermediate wheatgrass. Root anatomical traits were significantly different across root types, classes and growth conditions. Conclusions Root anatomical traits are important tools for the selection of crops with enhanced exploitation of deep soil water. The development and breeding of perennial crops for improved subsoil exploitation will be aided by greater understanding of root phenotypes linked to deep root growth and activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinopyrum intermedium possesses many desirable agronomic traits that make it a valuable genetic source for wheat improvement. The precise identification of individual chromosomes of allohexaploid Th. intermedium is a challenge due to its three sub-genomic constitutions with complex evolutionary ancestries. The non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) using tandem-repeat oligos, including Oligo-B11 and Oligo-pDb12H, effectively distinguished the St, J and JS genomes, while Oligo-FISH painting, based on seven oligonucleotide pools derived from collinear regions between barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was able to identify each linkage group of the Th. intermedium chromosomes. We subsequently established the first karyotype of Th. intermedium with individual chromosome recognition using sequential ND-FISH and Oligo-FISH painting. The chromosome constitutions of 14 wheat–Th. intermedium partial amphiploids and addition lines were characterized. Distinct intergenomic chromosome rearrangements were revealed among Th. intermedium chromosomes in these amphiploids and addition lines. The precisely defined karyotypes of these wheat–Th. intermedium derived lines may be helpful for further study on chromosome evolution, chromatin introgression and wheat breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial grain crops are emerging as a promising addition to sustainable agricultural systems because of their low-input requirements and delivery of ecosystem services. However, adoption of these crops is expected to bring novel management challenges, including those related to plant diseases. In New York, fungal pathogens of annual grains have a significant impact on crop yield and value and are generally controlled through a combination of host resistances, cultural practices and chemical fungicides. Without the availability of crop rotation and soil tillage practices, disease control in perennial grain systems may be problematic, and little is known about perennial grain crop susceptibility to local plant pathogen populations. During 2017 and 2018, ongoing field trials of two perennial grain crops recently introduced in New York, intermediate wheatgrass (IWG; Thinopyrum intermedium) and perennial cereal rye (PCR; Secale cereale), were assessed for the presence of putative fungal pathogens on actively growing plants, overwintered crop residue and harvested grain. A total of nine potential host–pathogen combinations were recorded based on symptomology, pathogen morphology and DNA sequences. Common annual crop pathogens were recovered most frequently, but, at one site, Phyllachora graminis, causal fungus of tar spot and a pathogen not previously reported on crops in New York, was found on IWG. Residue colonization by an important toxigenic pathogen (Fusarium graminearum) was high in both crops, though mycotoxin levels in associated grain were low, indicating either the hosts or environment were unsuitable for disease development. Seed-borne fungal communities differed across crops and locations, and black point, a condition caused by Alternaria and Bipolaris fungi and indicative of compromised grain quality, was prevalent in PCR under some conditions. Growing PCR with intercropped red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) resulted in less Stagonospora colonization of stem residue, and PCR grown with an oat (Avena sativa L.) nurse crop had a reduced incidence of black point. These alternative cultural practices may prove useful for managing disease in perennial grains. Our results suggest that the incorporation of perennial crops into the agricultural landscape will lead to familiar plant disease problems requiring new solutions as well as new problems that may require significant research investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinopyrum intermedium has been used as a resource for improving resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and yield potential in common wheat. Wheat line SN304 was derived from a cross between common wheat cultivar Yannong 15 and Th. intermedium. Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) produced no hybridization signal in SN304 using Th. intermedium genomic DNA as a probe, but fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using oligonucleotides AFA-3, AFA-4, pAs1-1, pAs1-3, pAs1-4, pAs1-6, pSc119.2-1, and (GAA)10 as probes detected hybridization signals on chromosomes 2A, 7A, 2B, 3B, 6B, and 7B in SN304 that differed from Yannong 15. Results of specific markers also indicated that there were Th. intermedium chromatin introgressions on different chromosomes in SN304. In a hydroponic culture experiment, SN304 not only produced more biomass and higher stem and leaf dry weight but also accumulated more phosphorus than Yannong 15 under phosphorus-deficiency stress. Moreover, SN304 produced a lower pH and released more organic acids, especially oxalic acid, than Yannong 15, which suggests that SN304 exudates enabled more absorbance of P than Yannong 15 under comparable conditions. The results indicate that SN304 is a wheat-Th. intermedium introgression line with tolerance to phosphorus-deficiency stress.

Abstract Background Partial amphiploids created by crossing octoploid tritelytrigia(2n = 8× = 56, AABBDDEE) and Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6× = 42, StStJJJSJS) are important intermediates in wheat breeding because of their resistance to major wheat diseases. We examined the chromosome compositions of five wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids using GISH and multicolor-FISH. Results The result revealed that five lines had 10-14 J-genome chromosomes from Th. intermedium and 42 common wheat chromosomes, using the J-genomic DNA from Th. bessarabicum as GISH probe and the oligo probes pAs1-1, pAs1-3, AFA-4, (GAA) 10, and pSc119.2-1 as FISH probe. Five lines resembled their parent octoploid tritelytrigia (2n = 8× = 56, AABBDDEE) but had higher protein contents. Protein contents of two lines HS2-2 and HS2-5 were up to more than 20%. Evaluation of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance revealed that the percent of symptomatic spikelets (PSS) of these lines were below 30%. Lines HS2-2, HS2-4, HS2-5, and HS2-16 were less than 20% of PPS. Line HS2-5 with 14 J-genome chromosomes from Th. intermedium showed the best disease resistance, with PSS values of 10.8% and 16.6% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Conclusions New wheat-Th. intermedium amphiploids with the J-genome chromosomes were identified and can be considered as a valuable source of FHB resistance in wheat breeding.

Background: Owing to their excellent resistance to abiotic and biotic stress, Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, JJJsJsStSt) and Th. ponticum (2n = 10x = 70) are both widely utilized in wheat germplasm innovation programs. Disomic substitution lines (DSLs) carrying one pair of alien chromosomes are valuable bridge materials for transmission of novel genes, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) karyotype construction and specific molecular marker development. Results: Six wheat–Thinopyrum DSLs derived from crosses between Abbondanza nullisomic lines (2n = 40) and two octoploid Trititrigia lines (2n = 8x = 56), were characterized by sequential FISH–genome in situ hybridization (GISH), multicolor GISH (mc-GISH), and an analysis of the wheat 15 K SNP array combined with molecular marker selection. ES-9 (DS2St (2A)) and ES-10 (DS3St (3D)) are wheat–Th. ponticum DSLs, while ES-23 (DS2St (2A)), ES-24 (DS3St (3D)), ES-25(DS2St (2B)), and ES-26 (DS2St (2D)) are wheat–Th. intermedium DSLs. ES-9, ES-23, ES-25 and ES-26 conferred high thousand-kernel weight and stripe rust resistance at adult stages, while ES-10 and ES-24 were highly resistant to stripe rust at all stages. Furthermore, cytological analysis showed that the alien chromosomes belonging to the same homoeologous group (2 or 3) derived from different donors carried the same FISH karyotype and could form a bivalent. Based on specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq), two 2St-chromosome-specific markers (PTH-005 and PTH-013) and two 3St-chromosome-specific markers (PTH-113 and PTH-135) were developed. Conclusions: The six wheat–Thinopyrum DSLs conferring stripe rust resistance can be used as bridging parents for transmission of valuable resistance genes. The utility of PTH-113 and PTH-135 in a BC1F2 population showed that the newly developed markers could be useful tools for efficient identification of St chromosomes in a common wheat background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The biotrophic fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is a crucial factor causing reduction in global wheat production. Wild wheat relatives, for example Thinopyrum intermedium, is one of the wild‐used parents in wheat disease‐resistant breeding. From T. intermedium line, we identified the aspartic protease gene, TiAP1, which is involved in resistance against Bgt. TiAP1 is a secreted protein that accumulates in large amounts at the infection sites of Bgt and extends to the intercellular space. Yeast two‐hybrid, luciferase complementation imaging and bimolecular florescent complimentary analysis showed that TiAP1 interacted with the chitin deacetylase (BgtCDA1) of Bgt. The yeast expression, purification and in vitro test confirmed the chitin deacetylase activity of BgtCDA1. The bombardment and VIGS‐mediated host‐induced gene silencing showed that BgtCDA1 promotes the invasion of Bgt. Transcriptome analysis showed the cell wall xylan metabolism, lignin biosynthesis‐related and defence genes involved in the signal transduction were up‐regulated in the transgenic TiAP1 wheat induced by Bgt. The TiAP1 in wheat may inactivate the deacetylation function of BgtCDA1, cause chitin oligomers expose to wheat chitin receptor, then trigger the wheat immune response to inhibit the growth and penetration of Bgt, and thereby enhance the resistance of wheat to pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, JJJSJSStSt) has been hybridized extensively with common wheat and proven to be a valuable germplasm source for improving disease resistance and yield potential of wheat. A novel disease-resistant wheat-Th. intermedium double substitution line X479, carrying 1St(1B) and 4St-4JS (4B), was identified using multi-color non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH). With the aim of transferring Thinopyrum-specific chromatin to wheat, a total of 573 plants from F2 and F3 progenies of X479 crossed with wheat cultivar MY11 were developed and characterized using sequential ND-FISH with multiple probes. Fifteen types of wheat-Thinopyrum translocation chromosomes were preferentially transmitted in the progenies, and the homozygous wheat-1St, and wheat-4JSL translocation lines were identified using ND-FISH, Oligo-FISH painting and CENH3 immunostaining. The wheat-4JSL translocation lines exhibited high levels of resistance to stripe rust prevalent races in field screening. The gene for stripe rust resistance was found to be physically located on FL0–0.60 of the 4JSL, using deletion lines and specific DNA markers. The new wheat-Th. intermedium translocation lines can be exploited as useful germplasms for wheat improvement.

Thinopyrum intermedium possesses many desirable agronomic traits that make it a valuable genetic source for wheat improvement. The precise identification of individual chromosomes of allohexaploid Th. intermedium is a challenge due to its three sub-genomic constitutions with complex evolutionary ancestries. The non-denaturing fluorescent in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) using tandem-repeat oligos, including Oligo-B11 and Oligo-pDb12H, effectively distinguished the St, J and JS genomes, while Oligo-FISH painting, based on seven oligonucleotide pools derived from collinear regions between barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), was able to identify each linkage group of the Th. intermedium chromosomes. We subsequently established the first karyotype of Th. intermedium with individual chromosome recognition using sequential ND-FISH and Oligo-FISH painting. The chromosome constitutions of 14 wheat–Th. intermedium partial amphiploids and addition lines were characterized. Distinct intergenomic chromosome rearrangements were revealed among Th. intermedium chromosomes in these amphiploids and addition lines. The precisely defined karyotypes of these wheat–Th. intermedium derived lines may be helpful for further study on chromosome evolution, chromatin introgression and wheat breeding programs.

Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, JJJSJSStSt) is one of the important resources for the wheat improvement. So far, a few Th. intermedium (Thi)-specific molecular markers have been reported, but the number is far from enough to meet the need of identifying alien fragments in wheat-Th. intermedium hybrids. In this study, 5,877,409 contigs were assembled using the Th. intermedium genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data. We obtained 5,452 non-redundant contigs containing mapped Thi-GBS markers with less than 20% similarity to the wheat genome and developed 2,019 sequence-tagged site (STS) molecular markers. Among the markers designed, 745 Thi-specific markers with amplification products in Th. intermedium but not in eight wheat landraces were further selected. The distribution of these markers in different homologous groups of Th. intermedium varied from 47 (7/12/28 on 6J/6St/6JS) to 183 (54/62/67 on 7J/7St/7JS). Furthermore, the effectiveness of these Thi-specific markers was verified using wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphidiploids, addition lines, substitution lines, and translocation lines. Markers developed in this study provide a convenient, rapid, reliable, and economical method for identifying Th. intermedium chromosomes in wheat. In addition, this set of Thi-specific markers can also be used to estimate genetic and physical locations of Th. intermedium chromatin in the introgression lines, thus providing valuable information for follow-up studies such as alien gene mining.

Thinopyrum intermedium (2 n = 6 x = 42, JJJSJSStSt) is one of the important resources for the wheat improvement. So far, a few Th. intermedium (Thi)-specific molecular markers have been reported, but the number is far from enough to meet the need of identifying alien fragments in wheat- Th. intermedium hybrids. In this study, 5,877,409 contigs were assembled using the Th. intermedium genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data. We obtained 5,452 non-redundant contigs containing mapped Thi -GBS markers with less than 20% similarity to the wheat genome and developed 2,019 sequence-tagged site (STS) molecular markers. Among the markers designed, 745 Thi -specific markers with amplification products in Th. intermedium but not in eight wheat landraces were further selected. The distribution of these markers in different homologous groups of Th. intermedium varied from 47 (7/12/28 on 6J/6St/6JS) to 183 (54/62/67 on 7J/7St/7JS). Furthermore, the effectiveness of these Thi -specific markers was verified using wheat- Th. intermedium partial amphidiploids, addition lines, substitution lines, and translocation lines. Markers developed in this study provide a convenient, rapid, reliable, and economical method for identifying Th. intermedium chromosomes in wheat. In addition, this set of Thi -specific markers can also be used to estimate genetic and physical locations of Th. intermedium chromatin in the introgression lines, thus providing valuable information for follow-up studies such as alien gene mining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Partial amphiploids created by crossing octoploid tritelytrigia(2n = 8× = 56, AABBDDEE) and Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6× = 42, StStJJJSJS) are important intermediates in wheat breeding because of their resistance to major wheat diseases. We examined the chromosome compositions of five wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploids using GISH and multicolor-FISH. Results: The result revealed that five lines had 10-14 J-genome chromosomes from Th. intermedium and 42 common wheat chromosomes, using the J-genomic DNA from Th. bessarabicum as GISH probe and the oligo probes pAs1-1, pAs1-3, AFA-4, (GAA) 10, and pSc119.2-1 as FISH probe. Five lines resembled their parent octoploid tritelytrigia (2n = 8× = 56, AABBDDEE) but had higher protein contents. Protein contents of two lines HS2-2 and HS2-5 were up to more than 20%. Evaluation of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance revealed that the percent of symptomatic spikelets (PSS) of these lines were below 30%. Lines HS2-2, HS2-4, HS2-5, and HS2-16 were less than 20% of PPS. Line HS2-5 with 14 J-genome chromosomes from Th. intermedium showed the best disease resistance, with PSS values of 10.8% and 16.6% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Conclusions: New wheat-Th. intermedium amphiploids with the J-genome chromosomes were identified and can be considered as a valuable source of FHB resistance in wheat breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial wheat is considered to be a practical way to increase the flexibility and profitability of sustainable agricultural system, as it can be either a forage grass or a grain crop. Four perennial wheat lines SX12-480, SX12-787, SX12-1150, and SX12-1269 were developed from a series of interspecific crosses between common wheat (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 42) or durum wheat (T. turgidum var. durum, 2n = 28) and the intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, 2n = 42). These lines were characterized by the vigorous regrowth for at least 3 years. The one- and 2-year-old plants had higher grain yield potential than the 3-year-old perennial plants. The decline of grain yield was associated with plant age-related effects on yield components. The perennial wheat lines were all resistant to both Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi, the two distinct cereal cyst nematode species that occur in China, except that line SX12-787 exhibited moderate resistance only to H. avenae. The dual-purpose perennial wheat lines were evaluated for quality values of both defoliated grass and harvested grains in the form of amino acid profile, mineral concentration, and contents of protein and fiber. Difference in the quality profile was observed between the perennial lines. These perennial lines had an overall improved quality levels over those of the perennial wheat control Montana-2 (T. turgidum × Th. intermedium) and the annual wheat cultivar Jinchun 9. The amplification profiles of the molecular markers provided molecular evidence for the introgression of alien chromatin. Genomic in situ hybridization detected 16, 14, 14, and 12 Th. intermedium chromosomes in lines SX12-480 (2n = 48), SX12-787 (2n = 56), SX12-1150 (2n = 56), and SX12-1269 (2n = 54), respectively, in addition to either 32 or the complete set of wheat chromosomes. The four perennial wheat-Th. intermedium lines described here provide valuable sources of perennial wheat for the dual-purpose application of both grain and forage.

Cold-hardy perennial wheatgrass plays an important role in the use of barren land for farming, soil and water conservation, variety improvement, and also for increasing grass yield. By crossing octoploid tritelytrigia (2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDEE) with Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, StStJJJSJS), we developed 34 lines of perennial wheatgrass from F1 to F6 generations, which had vigorous regrowth and cold hardiness. The cold-hardy, perennial wheatgrass lines were well-adapted to the cold environment and developed root and rhizomes, with a longevity between 5 and 11 years and a better seed set. Some of them maintained wheat chromosomes beneficial for breeding perennial wheat. Molecular cytogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Th. intermedium chromosomes contributed the most to the synthetic genome of the wheatgrass hybrids and were associated with the perennial growth habit and winter hardiness. They were also preferentially maintained and transmitted to the progenies. Some wheat chromosomes were also transmitted from the F1 to F6 generations, although they were eliminated in each life cycle of the wheatgrass hybrids. The numbers of wheat and Th. intermedium chromosomes affected seed set and perennial growth habit. Seed set increased with the establishment of a more balanced genomic constitution in later generations. The cold-hardy and perennial wheatgrass lines were produced, which can be the starting point of domestication effort aimed at producing well-adapted ground cover plants under extreme environments.

Perennial wheat is considered to be a practical way to increase the flexibility and profitability of sustainable agricultural system, as it can be either a forage grass or a grain crop. Four perennial wheat lines SX12-480, SX12-787, SX12-1150, and SX12-1269 were developed from a series of interspecific crosses between common wheat (Triticum aestivum , 2n = 42) or durum wheat (T. turgidum var. durum , 2n = 28) and the intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium , 2n = 42). These lines were characterized by the vigorous regrowth for at least 3 years. The one- and 2-year-old plants had higher grain yield potential than the 3-year-old perennial plants. The decline of grain yield was associated with plant age-related effects on yield components. The perennial wheat lines were all resistant to both Heterodera avenae and H. filipjevi , the two distinct cereal cyst nematode species that occur in China, except that line SX12-787 exhibited moderate resistance only to H. avenae. The dual-purpose perennial wheat lines were evaluated for quality values of both defoliated grass and harvested grains in the form of amino acid profile, mineral concentration, and contents of protein and fiber. Difference in the quality profile was observed between the perennial lines. These perennial lines had an overall improved quality levels over those of the perennial wheat control Montana-2 (T. turgidum × Th. intermedium) and the annual wheat cultivar Jinchun 9. The amplification profiles of the molecular markers provided molecular evidence for the introgression of alien chromatin. Genomic in situ hybridization detected 16, 14, 14, and 12 Th. intermedium chromosomes in lines SX12-480 (2n = 48), SX12-787 (2n = 56), SX12-1150 (2n = 56), and SX12-1269 (2n = 54), respectively, in addition to either 32 or the complete set of wheat chromosomes. The four perennial wheat- Th. intermedium lines described here provide valuable sources of perennial wheat for the dual-purpose application of both grain and forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-hardy perennial wheatgrass plays an important role in the use of barren land for farming, soil and water conservation, variety improvement, and also for increasing grass yield. By crossing octoploid tritelytrigia (2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDEE) with Thinopyrum intermedium (2n = 6x = 42, StStJJJ S J S ), we developed 34 lines of perennial wheatgrass from F1 to F6 generations, which had vigorous regrowth and cold hardiness. The cold-hardy, perennial wheatgrass lines were well-adapted to the cold environment and developed root and rhizomes, with a longevity between 5 and 11 years and a better seed set. Some of them maintained wheat chromosomes beneficial for breeding perennial wheat. Molecular cytogenetic analysis demonstrated that the Th. intermedium chromosomes contributed the most to the synthetic genome of the wheatgrass hybrids and were associated with the perennial growth habit and winter hardiness. They were also preferentially maintained and transmitted to the progenies. Some wheat chromosomes were also transmitted from the F1 to F6 generations, although they were eliminated in each life cycle of the wheatgrass hybrids. The numbers of wheat and Th. intermedium chromosomes affected seed set and perennial growth habit. Seed set increased with the establishment of a more balanced genomic constitution in later generations. The cold-hardy and perennial wheatgrass lines were produced, which can be the starting point of domestication effort aimed at producing well-adapted ground cover plants under extreme environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of native pinyon-juniper (Pinus monophylla - Juniperus osteosperma) woodlands can decrease shrub and herbaceous cover in the Intermountain West, U.S., affecting habitat quality and biodiversity. Removing pinyon-juniper woodlands in former sagebrush ecosystems to increase understory cover has a long management history, and short- and long-term monitoring reveal different understory plant community responses. We revisited a 500 mm average precipitation site in the sagebrush steppe of western Nevada, 32 years after three types of tree thinning treatments and seeding had occurred in a mature, closed-canopy woodland. We measured vegetation foliar cover and density within plots arranged in a 3-block randomized design. We found significantly lower cover of P. monophylla in treated plots (average of 2–8%), relative to controls (32%). However, P. monophylla seedlings (<0.5 m tall) were detected throughout all plots (average of 86–160 trees/ha in treated plots, 111 in controls). Cover of perennial graminoids and shrubs was higher in all treatments (600–870% higher grass cover and 470–570% higher shrub cover) than controls. Cover of invasive annual species, primarily Bromus tectorum , was highly variable and not significantly different among plots, but B. tectorum had the highest cover of all species in two of the three woodland removal treatment types. Control plots contained significantly larger perennial canopy gaps compared to all treatments (average of 318 cm vs. 104–133 cm), and had significantly more woody litter cover than clear cut plots (average of 14% vs. 3%). These results suggest tree thinning and removal in tree dominated woodlands can increase shrub and perennial grass cover and reduce litter and canopy gaps, especially in conjunction with seeding, but that tree recolonization over the long-term is inevitable. Perennial forbs did not respond well to treatments (<1% average foliar cover in all plots), and seeding or other treatments may be needed to improve their response. Further, if tree seedlings survive, these plots will likely return to tree dominance without additional treatments. • Long-term data show woodland reduction treatments keep P. monophylla cover low. • Clear-cutting led to increased cover of perennial grasses and shrubs post-treatment. • Seeded grasses were among the highest contributors to foliar cover in treated plots. • Forbs remained absent 32 years after woodland reduction treatments. • P. monophylla seedlings were detected in all plots and may need further treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Summary: A shift to perennial grain cultivation offers environmental benefits such as reduced soil erosion and nitrogen leaching. Recently, tremendous agronomic accomplishments have been made in domesticating perennial intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium, IWG). Thirteen IWG breeding populations were evaluated for characteristics relevant to food use, including chemical composition, activity of enzymes responsible for rancidity, content of antioxidants (carotenoids and hydroxycinnamic acids) and in vitro antioxidant activity based on the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and Folin‐Ciocalteu assays. IWG populations had higher insoluble dietary fibre, protein, fat and ash, but less starch than wheat. IWG populations were deficient in high‐molecular weight glutenins yet contained appreciable amounts of gliadins. Some populations exhibited significantly lower lipase activity than wheat, and all had lower lipoxygenase activities. Most IWG populations contained higher levels of antioxidants than wheat. This work provided key phenotypic information for developing IWG lines that combine high fibre, protein and antioxidant contents with minimal rancidity development. Comparison of intermediate wheatgrass wholegrain flour to that of wheat highlights functional challenges (protein profile, lipase activity) as well as potential benefits (fiber and protein contents, lower lipoxygenase activity, rich in bioactives). Future breeding cycles need to be evaluated for these parameters and their influence on food use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thinopyrum intermedium subsp. intermedium (Host) Barkworth & D.R. Dewey is a perennial grass proposed as a dual-use crop for both forage and grain. Being in the nascent stage of domestication, its grain yield potential is still low compared to annual counterparts. The understanding of Th. intermedium development and the resulting grain yield in field is limited along with its response to agronomic management. To identify the interrelations between development traits and their influence on grain yield, various crop measurements were evaluated during four growing seasons in field grown Th. intermedium conducted under various autumn defoliation operations and nitrogen (N) fertilizations. Under sufficient N treatments (i.e., 100 kg N ha−1), grain yield remained constant over the four years of the experiment with a mean of 1 t ha−1 resulting from a constant spike fertility and a spike density level above 400 spikes m−2. However, significant mortality and inhibition of reproductive growth of tillers can occur when number of tillers is too high and/or resources too scarce (e.g., unfertilized plots or water deficiencies). In addition, excessive aboveground production at the beginning of the reproductive phase can be detrimental to the final grain yield through the negative influence of tiller density and aboveground biomass (DM) on the yield per spike. The highest aboveground production was observed during the second year with 1415 tillers m−2 at the beginning of the reproductive phase and 16 t of DM ha−1 at grain harvest. Although grain yield response to N fertilization was positively associated to spike density, excessive aboveground biomass could be enhanced by N fertilization. The fertilization of 50 kg ha−1 in autumn combined with a fertilization of 50 kg ha−1 in early-spring could sustain tiller fertility without hampering grain production. In autumn, plant regrowth was low with the highest value of 1.3 t of DM ha−1 observed in the first year. Autumn defoliation could be used to maintain the yield per spike in case of excessive biomass production by the reduction of the DM and the final tiller density coupled with the increase of the grain weight the next year. Finally, shredding post-harvest crop residues at ground level to promote light penetration at the bases of plants may have a positive influence on the tiller fertility. Therefore, under fertile soil conditions (i.e., deep soils and sufficient N fertilization) combined with an optimal stand establishment (i.e., from 500 to 1000 tillers m−2 at the beginning of the growing season) we demonstrated that grain yield potential can be maintained as the crop ages. In the future, breeding should raise resource allocation to the grain by increasing yield per spike and avoid overproduction of new tillers through tillering or rhizome propagation without compromising the vigor of regrowth and its environmental performance. • Grain yield was constant for four years resulting from constant spike fertility and spike density above 400spikes m-2. • 100 kg of N ha-1 split between autumn and early-spring sustained tiller fertility without hampering grain production. • Early excessive aboveground production was detrimental for the yield per spike and the reproductive growth of tillers. • Autumn defoliation had no impact on grain yield as the reduction of final tiller density was compensated with higher TKW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromosomal translocations in wheat derived from alien species are a valuable source of genetic diversity that have provided increases in resistance to various diseases and improved tolerance to abiotic stresses in wheat. These alien genomic segments can also affect multiple traits, with a concomitant ability to alter yield potential in either a positive or negative fashion. The aim of this work was to characterize the effects on yield of two types of translocations, namely T4-derived translocations from Thinopyrum ponticum, carrying the leaf rust resistance gene Lr19, and the TC14 translocation from Th. intermedium, carrying the barley yellow dwarf virus resistance gene Bdv2, in Australian adapted genetic backgrounds and under Australian conditions. A large range of germplasm was developed by crossing donor sources of the translocations into 24 Australian adapted varieties producing 340 genotypes. Yield trials were conducted in 14 environments to identify effects on yield and yield components. The T4 translocations had a positive effect on yield in one high yielding environment, but negatively affected yield in low-yielding environments. The TC14 translocation was generally benign, however, it was associated with a negative impact on yield and reduced height in two genetic backgrounds. The translocation was also associated with a delayed maturity in several backgrounds. The T4 translocations results were consistent with previously published data, whilst this is the first time that such an investigation has been undertaken on the TC14 translocation. Our data suggests a limited role for each of these translocations in Australia. The T4 translocations may be useful in high yielding environments, such as under irrigation in NSW and in the more productive high rainfall regions of south-eastern Australia. Traits associated with the TC14 translocation, such as BYDV resistance and delayed maturity, would make this translocation useful in BYDV-prone areas that experience a less pronounced terminal drought (e.g., south-eastern Australia).

Aim. Thinopyrum intermedium, a wild wheat relative, for some reasons is on interest for its involvement to the introgressive hybridization with wheat. The basis for the purposeful work in this direction should be the information about the biological and genetic properties of the species, including the mating system. The mating system can be identified based on the genotyping of plants in populations for a polymorphic gene with codominant inheritance. Gene Glu was used as such a codominant gene. Methods. Cytological (determination of the chromosome number in metaphases of mitosis), electrophoresis of glutenin storage proteins, comparative analysis of electrophoretic spectra, and the population genetic methods for calculating the frequencies of genes and genotypes. Results. Plants were hexaploid, with 2n = 42 chromosomes. In a sample of fifty plants, a genetic control of components of the glutenin spectra has been established. They are controlled by three independent genes: Glu-Thi1-2 with four alleles 1-2 (cluster), 1, 2, 0, Glu-Thi1-4 with four alleles 1-4 (cluster), 1, 4, 0, and the three-allele gene Glu-Thi1-3-5. The participation of the three genes in the formation of the electrophoretic spectrum of glutenins is consistent with the hexaploid nature of Thinopyrum intermedium, which follows from the established number of 42 chromosomes. The information about the genetic control of glutenins is the basis for determining the mating system of this species. A simplified three-allele model of genetic control of glutenins' electrophoretic spectra was used for determination of the mating system of Thinopyrum intermedium. Conclusions. Plants of the studied Thinopyrum intermedium population have a mixed mating system and the probability of self-pollination ranging from 0,50 to 0,81, depending on the Glu gene, which is used for determination of heterozygosity of the plants. This biological characteristic is positive for prospective use of this species for wide hybridization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Thinopyrum intermedium, known as intermediate wheatgrass (IWG), is one of several perennial crops available for potential food use. The overall objective of this work was to investigate the chemical, functional, and baking properties of wholegrain flour obtained from the grains of 16 IWG breeding lines. Compared to wholegrain wheat flours, IWG wholegrain flours had higher protein, dietary fiber, and ash, yet were lower in starch content and deficient in high molecular weight glutenins. The ratios of amylose to amylopectin among the wholegrain flours of IWG and wheat were similar, but IWG flours exhibited lower viscosity during heating and cooling. Dough from IWG flour had lower stability, resistance to extension and extensibility compared to dough from wheat flour. While bread from IWG flour had similar specific volume to one of the wheat flours, it had lower rising capability due to weaker gluten network forming ability. Although IWG flour might not be ideal for bread products that require rising properties, results indicated that it could be suitable for other applications. This work provided quality trait information that is useful for plant breeders in their effort toward the development of IWG lines for food use. Highlights • The potential of intermediate wheatgrass (IWG)for food use was investigated. • IWG grains are high in protein and fiber, but low in starch compared to wheat. • IWG proteins are deficient in glutenins, which are needed for dough elasticity. • Paste from IWG flour had lower viscosity during heating/cooling compared to wheat. • IWG whole-grain flour produced weaker dough and low loaf volume compared to wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesized oligonucleotides (oligos) can be used as effective probes similar to plasmid clones for chromosome identification in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, making oligo FISH a simpler and more efficient molecular cytogenetic technique for studying plants. In this study, multiplex oligonucleotide probes, including pSc119.2-1, pAs1-4, (GAA)10, (AAC)6, and pTa71, were combined and used in FISH to identify chromosomes in common wheat, Thinopyrum intermedium, and a wheat - Th. intermedium amphiploid TE256-1. In comparison with general FISH probes, signals generated by the multiplex probes were more abundant, colorful, and characteristic. Combining the results of genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) with FISH, Th. intermedium chromosomes and alien chromosomes in TE256-1 could be classified and identified more precisely, especially the J- and J s-genome chromosomes. Moreover, based on the FISH results using multiplex probes, more structural variations in wheat chromosomes of TE256-1 were detected. The results indicated that multiplex oligo probes would have a wide range of application prospects in the creation and identification of wheat - Th. intermedium germplasms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wheat - Thinopyrum intermedium derived line Z4 has displayed novel and effective stripe rust resistance for over 40 years. This study aimed to precisely identify the chromosome constitution of line Z4 and determine the stripe rust resistance contribution using multicolor fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular marker analysis. The results indicated that the Z4 line (2 n = 44) contained two pairs of non-Robertsonian translocations without the 3A chromosomes of wheat. FISH karyotypes of F3 progenies derived from crosses between Z4 and MY11 indicated that the transmission of the translocated chromosomes appeared normal and the number of wheat chromosomes 3A and 3D frequently varied. The FISH signal distribution of a new repetitive probe, named Oligo-3A1, confirmed the physical breakage points on chromosome 3AL incorporated into translocated chromosomes. PLUG markers revealed the breakage points on chromosomes 3A, 7JS, and 3D invloved in the translocated chromosomes, and they were designated as T3DS-3AS.3AL-7JSS and T3AL-7JSS.7JSL. Stripe rust resistances surveys indicated that the proximal region of 7JSS or 7JSL may confer the resistance at the adult plant stage. The precise characterization of the chromosome complements of wheat - Th. intermedium Z4 and derived progenies has demonstrated the importance of combining cytogenetic and molecular approaches in the genomics era for further wheat genetic manipulation and breeding purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aroma profiles of bread crusts made from intermediate wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium) and whole wheat (Triticum aestivum) flours were compared. Based on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry/olfactometry analysis, twenty-four odorants were identified and further quantified. The concentrations of seventeen compounds were significantly different between intermediate wheatgrass and whole wheat bread crusts, of which sixteen compounds were higher in the whole wheat sample. The aroma profiles of the bread samples were subsequently characterized using sensory descriptive analysis (DA) and indicated that the roasted attribute was perceived at a significantly higher intensity in the whole wheat sample due to a greater amount of Maillard reaction compounds. Alternatively, bran and green notes were perceived at higher intensities in the intermediate wheatgrass sample, however they were not attributed to the presence of specific compounds but rather to a change in the aroma composition. Aroma recombination DA of the whole wheat and intermediate wheatgrass aroma models was similar to the original aroma profiles of the bread samples, demonstrating the sensory relevance of the identified odorants.