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Purpose: Wheat is an important cereal crop that is cultivated in different parts of the world. The biotic stresses are the major concerns in wheat-growing nations and are responsible for production loss globally. The change in climate dynamics makes the pathogen more virulent in foothills and tropical regions. There is growing concern about FHB in major wheat-growing nations, and until now, there has been no known potential source of resistance identified in wheat germplasm. The plant pathogen interaction activates the cascade of pathways, genes, TFs, and resistance genes. Pathogenesis-related genes' role in disease resistance is functionally validated in different plant systems. Similarly, Genomewide association Studies (GWAS) and Genomic selection (GS) are promising tools and have led to the discovery of resistance genes, genomic regions, and novel markers. Fusarium graminearum produces deoxynivalenol (DON) mycotoxins in wheat kernels, affecting wheat productivity globally. Modern technology now allows for detecting and managing DON toxin to reduce the risk to humans and animals. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the roles played by GWAS and Genomic selection (GS) in the identification of new genes, genetic variants, molecular markers and DON toxin management strategies. Methods: The review offers a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the function of Fusarium graminearum virulence factors in Durum wheat. The role of GWAS and GS for Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) resistance has been well described. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the various statistical models that are used in GWAS and GS. In this review, we look at how different detection methods have been used to analyze and manage DON toxin exposure. Results: This review highlights the role of virulent genes in Fusarium disease establishment. The role of genome-based selection offers the identification of novel QTLs in resistant wheat germplasm. The role of GWAS and GS selection has minimized the use of population development through breeding technology. Here, we also emphasized the function of recent technological developments in minimizing the impact of DON toxins and their implications for food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vitro pollen germination protocol for Triticale, the man-made cereal, has been reported. Triticale pollen may be classified as recalcitrant pollen as it is difficult to germinate on artificial medium. Using this pollen germination medium (PGM), viability and pollen vigour of triticale lines may be tested within 10–15 min. PGM used for triticale consisted of 19% maltose, 15% polyethylene glycol 4000, 60 mgl−1 boric acid, 20 mgl−1 calcium nitrate, 80 mgl−1 potassium nitrate, 160 mgl−1 magnesium sulphate and 1% agar. This PGM has been altered slightly which supported pollen germination of other genotypes. This complex medium contains many inorganic salts but in low concentration. The PGM showed > 93% pollen germination with intact pollen tubes at 17 ± 1 °C and pH 6.8. During the flowering period, a pollen sterility of less than 10% was recorded. Triticale pollen was viable more than 1.45 h which is much longer time as compared to wheat. This tool would be useful in triticale breeding especially in wide crosses with wheat or rye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is an important disease of wheat and Lr24 gene confers resistance to all known pathotypes of P. triticina in India. Transcripts associated with the Lr24 mediated resistance were identified through transcriptome sequencing and further expression analysis of differentially regulated genes was performed using qPCR technique. De novo transcriptome assembly showed 66,415 and 68,688 transcripts in resistant and susceptible genotypes, respectively. The study revealed that 5873 genes unique to resistant; 6782 genes unique to susceptible, while 10,841 genes were common to both. Gene Ontology distribution statistics showed 1030 and 1068 CDS in biological processes; 1234 and 1326 CDS in cellular processes; 1321 and 1352 CDS in molecular functions, respectively. A total of 659 genes were found to be differentially expressed, of which 349 were upregulated and 310 were downregulated in resistant genotype. Pathway analysis of transcripts appeared in resistant genotype revealed that 279 transcripts had homology with genes involved in signal transduction, 18 transcripts in membrane transport, one transcript in signaling molecules. Real-time PCR study showed that most of the up-regulated defense related genes expressed in early hours indicating that a cascade of defense starts early in Lr24 mediated resistance, which successfully inhibited pathogen establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During survey and field collection of crop genetic resources in Sikkim and Darjeeling area of Eastern Himalaya, the authors came across the cultivation of "nakima" at homestead as well as field level for its inflorescence being cooked as vegetable. Though past reports refer to it as Tupistra nutans Wall., a critical study revealed its correct identity as T. clarkei Hook.f., an endemic species of Eastern Himalaya and adjoining Meghalaya. Its preference over other vegetables by the local tribal people was noted during market survey in Sikkim and adjoining areas of West Bengal. Apart from being preferred and easy-to-cultivate, higher nutritive and therapeutical values indicate its potential for popularization. Detailed information on botany, ecology, cultivation and utilization of this species is provided. Collecting diverse germplasm, identifying elite types, and developing standard cultivation practices would aid in popularizing the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]