Mapping the genetic diversity of Aegilops longissima using a multi-tiered approach and its use for the development of rust-resistant and salt-tolerant wheat

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Nadia Kamal; Martin Mascher, Ph.D., since 10/2025
• Subject Area: Plant Breeding and Plant Pathology ; Plant Genetics and Genomics ; Plant Physiology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 560945069

Mapping the genetic diversity of Aegilops longissima using a multi-tiered approach and its use for the development of rust-resistant and salt-tolerant wheat Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), plays a pivotal role in the global food system, providing close to 20% of human consumed proteins and calories. While Global wheat production has been stable with a slight annual increase for many years, current wheat production faces increasing threats from climate change, pathogens, and pests. These challenges, exacerbated by a rapidly growing global population, pose a significant risk to global food security. Efforts to diversify and intensify wheat breeding are therefore essential, particularly development of diseases and climate resilient wheat varieties, to ensure sustainable wheat production that will meet current and future needs. Our project relies on a well-developed diversity panel and other resources, and on a preliminary work showing a proof of concept of the main approaches, including identification and partial characterization of candidate genes. In the proposed study we aim at enriching the genomic and genetic resources for Ae. longissima, a D genome lineage wheat relative that contains many desirable traits, and use them for identification and study of genes that improve salt tolerance and confer resistance to rust pathogens, two of the most limiting factors of wheat production. Towards achieving this goal, we will apply a multi-tiered approach that includes the following work packages: (1) Development of robust genomic resources for Ae. longissima. The main resources will include the construction of a high-quality Ae. longissima pangenome, Ae. longissima diversity panel of 270 accessions, and genome- wide gene expression data, (2) Use the genomic resources to address basic questions related to Ae. longissima diversity and evolution, (3) Use the genetic and genomic resources to identify and isolate novel genes and metabolites that contribute to resistance to wheat rusts and improve plant performance under salt-stress. The main approach to achieve this objective is a combined screen that includes phenotyping coupled with expression analysis, metabolomic analysis, and identification of associated genes and metabolites by GWAS, (4) In-depth study of selected genes and metabolites that contribute to rust and salt-stress resistance. The specific aim of this objective is to gain insight on the way by which the identified genes contribute to plant resistance and to study their mode of action. We expect that our research will lead to better understanding of the genetic diversity and evolution of Ae. longissima, identification of candidate genes and metabolites that confer salt tolerance and rust resistance in wheat, advance understanding of the molecular and physiological bases of salt tolerance, and provide a new set of tools and genetic resources for wheat improvement.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Israel
• Partner Organisation: The Israel Science Foundation
• Cooperation Partners: Dr. Nir Sade, Ph.D.; Professor Dr. Amir Sharon, Ph.D.
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Dr. Raz Avni, until 10/2025