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Significant yield losses in major cereal-growing regions around the world have been linked to cereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera spp.). Identifying and deploying natural sources of resistance is of utmost importance due to increasing concerns associated with chemical methods over the years. We screened 141 diverse wheat genotypes collected from pan-Indian wheat cultivation states for nematode resistance over two years, alongside two resistant (Raj MR1, W7984 (M6)) and two susceptible (WH147, Opata M85) checks. We performed genome-wide association analysis using four single-locus models (GLM, MLM, CMLM, and ECMLM) and three multi-locus models (Blink, FarmCPU, and MLMM). Single locus models identified nine significant MTAs (−log10 (P) > 3.0) on chromosomes 2A, 3B, and 4B whereas, multi-locus models identified 11 significant MTAs on chromosomes 1B, 2A, 3B, 3D and 4B. Single and multi-locus models identified nine common significant MTAs. Candidate gene analysis identified 33 genes like F-box-like domain superfamily, Cytochrome P450 superfamily, Leucine-rich repeat, cysteine-containing subtype Zinc finger RING/FYVE/PHD-type, etc., having a putative role in disease resistance. Such genetic resources can help to reduce the impact of this disease on wheat production. Additionally, these results can be used to design new strategies for controlling the spread of H. avenae, such as the development of resistant varieties or the use of resistant cultivars. Finally, the obtained results can also be used to identify new sources of resistance to this pathogen and develop novel control methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resistance to cereal cyst nematode (Heterodera avenae Woll.) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was studied using 114 doubled haploid lines from a novel ITMI mapping population. These lines were screened for nematode infestation in a controlled environment for two years. QTL-mapping analyses were performed across two years (Y1 and Y2) as well as combining two years (CY) data. On the 114 lines that were screened, a total of 2,736 data points (genotype, batch or years, and replication combinations) were acquired. For QTL analysis, 12,093 markers (11,678 SNPs and 415 SSRs markers) were used, after filtering the genotypic data, for the QTL mapping. Composite interval mapping, using Haley-Knott regression (hk) method in R/QTL, was used for QTL analysis. In total, 19 QTLs were detected out of which 13 were novel and six were found to be colocalized or nearby to previously reported Cre genes, QTLs or MTAs for H. avenae or H. filipjevi. Nine QTLs were detected across all three groups (Y1, Y2 and CY) including a significant QTL "QCcn.ha-2D" on chromosome 2D that explains 23% of the variance. This QTL colocalized with a previously identified Cre3 locus. Novel QTL, QCcn.ha-2A, detected in the present study could be the possible unreported homeoloci to QCcn.ha-2D, QCcn.ha-2B.1 and QCcn.ha-2B.2. Six significant digenic epistatic interactions were also observed. In addition, 26 candidate genes were also identified including genes known for their involvement in PPNs (plant parasitic nematodes) resistance in different plant species. In-silico expression of putative candidate genes showed differential expression in roots during specific developmental stages. Results obtained in the present study are useful for wheat breeding to generate resistant genetic resources against H. avenae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]