BR2CSFB - A toolkit for breeding resistance to adult and larval herbivory by the cabbage stem flea beetle
Lead Research Organisation:
John Innes Centre
Department Name: Crop Genetics
Abstract
Although oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus) has traditionally been grown as the most profitable break crop, a loss of controls for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephala), has resulted in UK cropping area declining by 35% between 2012 and 2019. The National Farmers Union (NFU) estimate the removal of neonicotinoid seed treatments has cost farmers ~£94 million/year in lost opportunity and crop loss. Additional costs have been absorbed by the UK crushing industry because of the need to import OSR. Collectively, this poses a serious risk to the viability of the UK OSR industry and current farm crop rotation practices.
With the withdrawal of chemical controls, resistant cultivars are central to supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, unlike plant-pathogen interactions, our understanding of the interactions between host plants and chewing insects is limited. CSFBs are attracted to glucosinolates, chemicals used by Brassica species to deter non-specialist insect pests. Even if B. napus has defence or resistance mechanisms that deter CSFB feeding, the genetic control of such mechanisms and whether they can be exploited to breed for resistance has remained an open question. There are no known examples of resistance in B. napus and little knowledge of resistance mechanisms within our UK crop species. No resistant cultivars are currently available for any insect pest of OSR.
This proposal builds on preliminary data using controlled feeding studies and field trials, which shows that variation for reduced adult CSFB feeding is present within a diverse panel of B. napus. The panel, comprising historical varieties of winter and spring OSR, Chinese OSR, swede and kale, contains genetic diversity which is unlikely to be present in elite cultivars. This has enabled us to identify loci associated with CSFB feeding damage. Controlled larval infestation studies within this population have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB, demonstrating the presence of resistance to CSFB larvae. Together these observations indicate that some varieties of B. napus carry genes which can 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer resistance against larval infestation or reduce larval fecundity. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to both damaging stages of CSFB.
This proposal developed by two research institutes (JIC and Rothamsted Research), seven major plant breeders and the OSR growers' Levy board (AHDB), aims to discover loci associated with adult CSFB feeding and larval resistance in B. napus. In parallel, we aim to develop an understanding of crop adaptations which affect OSR-CSFB interactions. This will be coupled with larval development studies, gene expression analysis and metabolite profiling to further elucidate key mechanisms by which Brassica plants identify and defend themselves against beetle attack. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies in model plants, including candidate genes which underlie two loci implicated in the supporting data. Collectively, this knowledge, combined with germplasm and markers that will be used by participating breeders to integrate resistant alleles into commercial breeding pipelines, will facilitate the introduction of tolerant varieties into the UK OSR market.
With the withdrawal of chemical controls, resistant cultivars are central to supporting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies. However, unlike plant-pathogen interactions, our understanding of the interactions between host plants and chewing insects is limited. CSFBs are attracted to glucosinolates, chemicals used by Brassica species to deter non-specialist insect pests. Even if B. napus has defence or resistance mechanisms that deter CSFB feeding, the genetic control of such mechanisms and whether they can be exploited to breed for resistance has remained an open question. There are no known examples of resistance in B. napus and little knowledge of resistance mechanisms within our UK crop species. No resistant cultivars are currently available for any insect pest of OSR.
This proposal builds on preliminary data using controlled feeding studies and field trials, which shows that variation for reduced adult CSFB feeding is present within a diverse panel of B. napus. The panel, comprising historical varieties of winter and spring OSR, Chinese OSR, swede and kale, contains genetic diversity which is unlikely to be present in elite cultivars. This has enabled us to identify loci associated with CSFB feeding damage. Controlled larval infestation studies within this population have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB, demonstrating the presence of resistance to CSFB larvae. Together these observations indicate that some varieties of B. napus carry genes which can 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer resistance against larval infestation or reduce larval fecundity. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to both damaging stages of CSFB.
This proposal developed by two research institutes (JIC and Rothamsted Research), seven major plant breeders and the OSR growers' Levy board (AHDB), aims to discover loci associated with adult CSFB feeding and larval resistance in B. napus. In parallel, we aim to develop an understanding of crop adaptations which affect OSR-CSFB interactions. This will be coupled with larval development studies, gene expression analysis and metabolite profiling to further elucidate key mechanisms by which Brassica plants identify and defend themselves against beetle attack. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies in model plants, including candidate genes which underlie two loci implicated in the supporting data. Collectively, this knowledge, combined with germplasm and markers that will be used by participating breeders to integrate resistant alleles into commercial breeding pipelines, will facilitate the introduction of tolerant varieties into the UK OSR market.
Technical Summary
Loss of chemical controls for cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB; Psylliodes chrysocephala) and decline in OSR cropping area represent a serious risk to the viability of the UK OSR industry. Integrated pest management strategies offer an alternative to chemical control. Resistant cultivars are central to this approach.
Through controlled feeding studies and field trials we have identified variation for adult CSFB feeding within a DFFS of B. napus. Controlled larval infestation studies have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB. These data indicate that some lines of B. napus carry genes which 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer antibiosis resistance against larval infestation. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to CSFB.
Here we describe a program to identify the genetic variation underlying these resistance traits and develop our understanding of interactions between plants and chewing beetle pests at adult and larval stages. Using Associative Transcriptomics, we have successfully identified variation at two loci associated with increased adult CSFB palatability which contain genes with known functions in plant defence signalling. This approach will be combined with biparental mapping and genome re-sequencing, to identify further loci associated with reduced adult palatability and larval antibiosis resistance. Using transcriptome time course analysis, larval development studies and metabolomic analysis, we will form an understanding of the underlying response of OSR to CSFB and the resulting effects on insect development, allowing us to begin to unravel the mechanisms underlying the observed CSFB resistance. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies. These data will allow us to develop and test hypotheses which can be exploited in collaboration with our breeding partners for genetic plant protection against this key agricultural pest.
Through controlled feeding studies and field trials we have identified variation for adult CSFB feeding within a DFFS of B. napus. Controlled larval infestation studies have also identified variation in the numbers of emerging adult CSFB. These data indicate that some lines of B. napus carry genes which 1) deter adult CSFB feeding and 2) confer antibiosis resistance against larval infestation. If identified, this variation can be exploited to breed OSR resistant to CSFB.
Here we describe a program to identify the genetic variation underlying these resistance traits and develop our understanding of interactions between plants and chewing beetle pests at adult and larval stages. Using Associative Transcriptomics, we have successfully identified variation at two loci associated with increased adult CSFB palatability which contain genes with known functions in plant defence signalling. This approach will be combined with biparental mapping and genome re-sequencing, to identify further loci associated with reduced adult palatability and larval antibiosis resistance. Using transcriptome time course analysis, larval development studies and metabolomic analysis, we will form an understanding of the underlying response of OSR to CSFB and the resulting effects on insect development, allowing us to begin to unravel the mechanisms underlying the observed CSFB resistance. Key genes implicated in resistance and defence responses will be investigated using candidate gene studies. These data will allow us to develop and test hypotheses which can be exploited in collaboration with our breeding partners for genetic plant protection against this key agricultural pest.
Organisations
- John Innes Centre (Lead Research Organisation)
- LS Plant Breeding (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- RAGT Seeds (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Limagrain (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (Project Partner)
- Bayer CropScience Limited (UK) (Project Partner)
- DSV (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- KWS (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
- Elsoms (United Kingdom) (Project Partner)
Description | Nepal, Denmark, Mexico: Resilience to crop pests and disease in a changing climate |
Amount | £30,489 (GBP) |
Funding ID | BB/W018462/1 |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2022 |
End | 03/2025 |
Description | Apex Agronomy meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Meeting with cometcial company about utilising methodology from CSFB work for research |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | BASF commercial discussions |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussion with BAFS about the BR2CSFB project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | BASF potential further work |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussion with future project partners BASF. Potential further work discussed. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | BASF visit |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Visit to JIC by BASF to scope potential for collaboration. Presented BR2CSFB project plus other work from JIC. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | BCPC Pests and Beneficials Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Work on CSFB presneted at the BCPC conference |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | BR2CSFB project consortium dissemination meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation to disseminate results to the BR2CSFB funding consortium. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | BSPB |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation of project outcomes to the British Society of Plant Breeders. This follows on from a presentation initially given when we were looking for funding for the project. Audiesnce included AHDB and NIAB staff. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | CSFB talk at Eastern Regional Agronomy Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | A presentation to approximately 50 agronomists from the East Anglia region on our ongoing cabbage stem flea beetle research. The talk initiated substantial discussion about current practices in CSFB management and our future plans for the project. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | CSFB talk at Frontier Annual Norfolk Growers Conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Other audiences |
Results and Impact | A presentation to 100+ Norfolk-based farmers and agronomists on our ongoing cabbage stem flea beetle research. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | Collaboration scoping with Turing Scivision |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation of data and current analysis issues to Turing institute. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | DSV European Breeders Meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Invited speaker at the DSV breeders conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Evidence week - Sense about science |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Discussion of research with politicians. Knowledge about current ongoing science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://senseaboutscience.org/evidence-week/ |
Description | Farming today interview CSFB |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview on the CSFB work at JIC and RRes |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Frontier Regional Agronomy conference |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Presentation on JIC CSFB research program at a the regional agronomy conference. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Frontier agronomy conference - invited talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussion of current science with large agronomy company. Questions and discussion on growth of oilseed rape. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
Description | Interview for Crop protection Magazine - Adam Clarke |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Follow up article on the BR2CSFB project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Interview for Crop protection Magazine - George Chancellor |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview about CSFB work for Br2csfb project |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Interview/article Chemistry and Industry (Vol86 March22) JIC/RRes |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Interview for article on the effects of CSFB |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Meeting with Engage Agronomy |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussion with Engage Agronomy about potential use of CSFB research methodology/commercial interaction. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2023 |
Description | NFU visit to Field experimentation centre |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Visit from National Farmers Union. Talk given on JIC CSFB research program. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Norwich Research Park Institute Partnership Meeting with BBSRC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Requested speaker - Rapid talk given at a multi-institue meeting to highlight the CSFB research atJIC |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | OMEX visit to JIC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Discussion on CSFB work at JIC and trialling potential. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | OREGIN talk |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Presentation on the BR2CSFB work at the OREGIN meeting |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Open afternoon at JIC field station: 'Battling beetles in oilseed rape' display |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Roughly 20 residents from the surrounding area attended an open afternoon at the JIC field station in Bawburgh, Norfolk. I presented a stall on our ongoing work with the cabbage stem flea beetle and engaged with members of the public, which opened up discussions about insect biology and integrated pest management practices. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Oxford Farming Conference visit to JIC |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Visit from Oxford Farming Conference representatives to look at JIC science. Visit was divided into focus sessions. Session covered JIC CSFB work |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | Presentation at AHDB funding meeting |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Dissemination of project outputs to AHDB |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |
Description | REAP conference presentation |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Talk at the Agritech East REAP conference |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2022 |