NORTH-EAST scientists believe they have found a way to stop the spread of Septoria leaf blotch (STB) – the most devastating threat to wheat yields in Europe.
Researchers at Durham University, working with Newcastle University and Rothamsted Research, have found a way that could potentially stop it spreading.
A key feature of STB is the long symptomless growth of the fungus. This can affect the plant’s cells before it becomes visible and eventually destroys the leaves.
The researchers found that a wheat protein, TaR1, was key to it to maintaining the symptomless growth. By manipulating the TaR1 protein levels – either by conventional breeding or genetic modification in plants grown in the laboratory – they could make the symptoms show earlier, which stops its spread and allows more effective control.
The findings are published in the journal New Phytologist.
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