Publications by authors named "Jim G Menzies"

Research into ergot alkaloid production in major cereal cash crops is crucial for furthering our understanding of the potential toxicological impacts of upon Canadian agriculture and to ensure consumer safety. An untargeted metabolomics approach profiling extracts of sclerotia from four different grain crops separated the strains into two distinct metabolomic classes based on ergot alkaloid content. Variances in alkaloid profiles were correlated to genetic differences within the gene of the ergot alkaloid biosynthetic gene cluster from previously published genomes and from newly sequenced, long-read genome assemblies of Canadian strains.

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Ergot fungi ( spp.) are infamous for producing sclerotia containing a wide spectrum of ergot alkaloids (EA) toxic to humans and animals, making them nefarious villains in the agricultural and food industries, but also treasures for pharmaceuticals. In addition to three classes of EAs, several species also produce paspaline-derived indole diterpenes (IDT) that cause ataxia and staggers in livestock.

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The ergot diseases of agricultural and nonagricultural grasses are caused by the infection of spp. (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) on florets, producing dark spur-like sclerotia on spikes that are toxic to humans and animals, leading to detrimental impacts on agriculture and economy due to the downgrading of cereal grains, import-export barriers, reduced yield, and ecological concerns. At least seven phylogenetic lineages (phylogenetic species) were identified within the premolecular concept of s.

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Four ergot species (, and ) were recognized based on analyses of DNA sequences from multiple loci, including two housekeeping genes, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (), and translation elongation factor 1-α (), and a single-copy ergot alkaloid synthesis gene () encoding chanoclavine I synthase oxidoreductase. Morphological features, ergot alkaloid production, and pathogenicity on five common cereal crops of each species were evaluated and presented in taxonomic descriptions. A synoptic key was also provided for identification.

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Background: The genetics of resistance to loose smut of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) caused by the fungus Ustilago tritici (Pers.) Rostr.

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Article Synopsis
  • Crown rust, a major disease affecting oats caused by the fungus f. sp. Eriks., leads to significant yield losses and is controlled in part by a gene-for-gene interaction that oat breeders utilize.
  • The study aimed to map a specific resistance gene in two independent oat populations and identify SNP markers to predict its presence in breeding material.
  • Results showed the resistance gene mapped to linkage group Mrg11 with specific SNP markers, allowing for the development of PCR assays to accurately predict resistance status and improve oat breeding programs through marker-assisted selection.
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Four QTL for ergot resistance (causal pathogen Claviceps purpurea) have been identified in the durum wheat cultivar Greenshank. Claviceps purpurea is a pathogen of grasses that infects flowers, replacing the seed with an ergot sclerotium. Ergot presents a significant problem to rye, barley and wheat, in particular hybrid seed production systems.

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SNP loci linked to the crown rust resistance gene Pc98 were identified by linkage analysis and KASP assays were developed for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs. Crown rust is among the most damaging diseases of oat and is caused by Puccinia coronata var. avenae f.

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Article Synopsis
  • * Pg13 is crucial for stem rust resistance in North American oat cultivars and will aid in routine selection practices like gene pyramiding and backcrosses.
  • * High-density linkage maps and genome-wide associations confirmed Pg13's location at approximately 67.7 cM on linkage group Mrg18, coinciding with specific translocation breakpoints and other resistance genes, with reliable KASP assays created for breeding use.
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The ergot disease of cereals has become increasingly important in agricultural areas of Canada since 1999. Generally, this disease is considered to be caused by , but the taxonomy of from these areas has not been well studied. The objectives of this study were (i) to determine the phylogenetic lineages (phylogenetic species) present in agricultural areas of Canada and (ii) to develop a molecular assay that can separate the lineages on crops from other lineages.

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This genome announcement includes draft genomes from including , and cf. The draft genomes of and all three important eucalyptus pathogens, are presented. The insect associate is also described.

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Molecular mapping of crown rust resistance genes is important to effectively utilize these genes and improve breeding efficiency through marker-assisted selection. is a major race-specific crown rust resistance gene initially identified in the wild hexaploid oat in the early 1970s. This gene was transferred to cultivated oat () and has been used as a differential for identification of crown rust races since 1974.

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Genetic analysis and genome mapping of a major seedling oat crown rust resistance gene, designated PcKM, are described. The chromosomal location of the PcKM gene was identified and linked markers were validated. Crown rust (Puccinia coronata Corda f.

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Article Synopsis
  • Crown rust, caused by the fungus Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, is a major disease affecting oats worldwide, and the oat line MN841801 shows effective adult plant resistance (APR) against it for over 30 years.
  • The study examines the genetic basis of this resistance using three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations and identifies a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) on oat chromosome 14D, called QPc.crc-14D, which accounts for up to 76% of the observed APR.
  • This research marks the first identification of a significant APR QTL in oats, establishing QPc.crc-14D as a promising target for marker-assisted breeding and map-based
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