Researchers at the Center for Crop and Disease Management (CCDM), in Austria, have created a new method to detect resistance to fungicides. The technique makes it possible to identify multiple mutations, known and new, in a single test.
The research received co-investment from Curtin University and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC). Using a portable DNA sequencing device called MinION from Oxford Nanopore Technologies, CCDM researchers were able to quickly and accurately detect fungicide resistance mutations, including unknown mutations that might otherwise go undetected by traditional methods.
CCDM researcher and lead author Katherine Zulak explained that traditional techniques for identifying mutations in pathogens involve laborious and time-consuming processes. These techniques are limited to screening for previously known mutations.
"Barley net spot has two forms, the spot form and the net form, each with its own set of different mutations," Zulak said.
"Additionally, the target gene we were investigating may have mutations in two different regions, each with its own set of mutations. So each time we needed to investigate a sample for fungicide resistance, we needed to perform tests for each of these possible mutations. ."
To simplify this complex process, researchers used MinION to sequence fungicide target genes and provide a comprehensive map of all possible mutations, including those that had not been previously identified. During the development of this method, they encountered a newly discovered variation of a known mutation, which might otherwise have gone undetected with traditional methods.
Katherine Zulak said more research and development is needed before detecting fungicide resistance in the field becomes a reality. However, data from sequenced target genes can contribute to a national resource that can be continually used by future researchers.
"The fungicide resistance landscape is always changing, and this technology simplifies our resistance detection process and ensures we have the ability to detect new mutations as they emerge, putting us in a better position to tackle this problem as it evolves." ."
"As we sequence regions within the pathogen's genome, we are not only collecting data for current research, but also creating a resource for future studies. This genetic information can be stored in national databases, providing a point of reference for researchers in subsequent projects and ensuring that future efforts build on existing knowledge.”
Mark Gibberd, director of the CCDM, highlighted the center's commitment to seeking new tools and resources that can accelerate and enhance the industry's ability to combat this problem.
“Innovation is at the core of our research center, and this project is an excellent example of our ability to draw inspiration from diverse fields to address the most significant disease challenges in the grain industry.”
"Research in Australia represents just a small fraction of global research investment. Through CCDM's international partnerships, co-investments and collaborations, we are able to harness the results of global research and development to bring world-class innovations and solutions to benefit agriculture Australian."
More information can be found at doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56801-z
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