Due to the global warming and dynamic changes in pathogenic virulence, leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina has greatly expanded its epidermic region and become a severe threat to global wheat production. Genetic bases of wheat resistance to leaf rust mainly rely on the leaf rust resistance (Lr) gene or quantitative trait locus (QLr). Although these genetic loci have been insensitively studied during the last two decades, an updated overview of Lr/QLr in a genome-wide level is urgently needed. This review summarized recent progresses of genetic studies of wheat resistance to leaf rust. Wheat germplasms with great potentials for genetic improvement in resistance to leaf rust were highlighted. Key information about the genetic loci carrying Lr/QLr was summarized. A genome-wide chromosome distribution map for all of the Lr/QLr was generated based on the released wheat reference genome. In conclusion, this review has provided valuable sources for both wheat breeders and researchers to understand the genetics of resistance to leaf rust in wheat.

Fusarium crown rot (FCR), primarily caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum, has emerged as a new threat to wheat production and quality in North China. Genetic enhancement of wheat resistance to FCR remains the most effective approach for disease control. In this study, we phenotyped 435 Chinese wheat cultivars through FCR inoculation at the seedling stage in a greenhouse. Our findings revealed that only approximately 10.8% of the wheat germplasms displayed moderate or high resistance to FCR. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) using high-density 660K SNP led to the discovery of a novel quantitative trait locus on the long arm of chromosome 3B, designated as Qfcr.hebau-3BL. A total of 12 significantly associated SNPs were closely clustered within a 1.05 Mb physical interval. SNP-based molecular markers were developed to facilitate the practical application of Qfcr.hebau-3BL. Among the five candidate FCR resistance genes within the Qfcr.hebau-3BL, we focused on TraesCS3B02G307700, which encodes a protein kinase, due to its expression pattern. Functional validation revealed two transcripts, TaSTK1.1 and TaSTK1.2, with opposing roles in plant resistance to fungal disease. These findings provide insights into the genetic basis of FCR resistance in wheat and offer valuable resources for breeding resistant varieties.

Agrostis stolonifera L., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, is an important cool-season turfgrass used in landscaping and sports fields. However, creeping bentgrass is prone to various diseases, including dollar spot, brown patch, and bacterial yellowing, during its maintenance, leading to significant degradation in turf quality, esthetics, and greening functions, resulting in substantial losses in turfgrass production and management. On the other hand, extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures, drought, and salinity have also caused a decline in the quality of creeping bentgrass. Moreover, creeping bentgrass has a moderately sized genome and is easy to genetically transform, making it an ideal model system for studying grass stress biology. This article provides an overview of the major diseases and stressors in the management of creeping bentgrass and proposes future research directions for the disease resistance and stress tolerance of creeping bentgrass.

Due to the global warming and dynamic changes in pathogenic virulence, leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina has greatly expanded its epidermic region and become a severe threat to global wheat production. Genetic bases of wheat resistance to leaf rust mainly relies on the leaf rust resistance (Lr) gene or quantitative trait locus (QLr). Although these genetic loci have been insensitively studied during the last two decades, an updated overview of Lr/QLr in a genome-wide level is urgently needed. This review summarized recent progresses in genetic studies of wheat resistance to leaf rust. Wheat germplasms with great potentials in genetic improvement of resistance to leaf rust were highlighted. Key information about the genetic loci carrying Lr/QLr were summarized. A genome-wide chromosome distribution map for all the Lr/QLr was generated based on the released wheat reference genome. In conclusion, this review has provided valuable sources for both wheat breeders and researchers to understand the genetics of resistance to leaf rust in wheat.