MAGIC-RESIST - Identification and mapping of effective resistances against rust diseases and Fusarium in the MAGIC-WHEAT population WM-800.

The major goal of MAGIC-RESIST is to significantly enhance pathogen resistance of winter wheat breeding programs through the detection of quantitative resistant genotypes based on newly established multi- and hyperspectral imaging methods in the field. Selected resistant wheat genotypes, identified through spectral imaging, can be directly included into the breeding programs of the collaborating wheat breeding companies, KWS, RAGT 2n, Secobra and Syngenta. The major goal can be subdivided into three objectives:

1. Reliable identification of quantitative resistant genotypes in the multiparental MAGIC WHEAT population WM-800 and in nearly isogenic lines (NILs) under field conditions in 2019 and 2020 in Quedlinburg and Halle. Differentiation of resistant, quantitatively resistant and susceptible genotypes against the major wheat diseases leaf rust (Puccina triticina), stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) and Fusarium in WM-800 and NILs using spectral imaging systems.
   
2. Mapping of QTLs controlling pathogen resistance in WM-800 and NILs through GWAS based on common scoring strategies, multi- and hyperspectral imaging.
   
3. Incorporation of valuable pathogen resistant genotypes from WM-800 into the breeding programs of associated wheat breeding companies.