Molecular Crosstalk Between Biotic and Abiotic Stress Responses in Wheat and Other Triticeae: Dual-Purpose Loci for Combined-Stress Breeding

Biotic and abiotic stresses severely constrain plant growth and yield formation in wheat and other Triticeae crops, and in the field they rarely occur alone. In recent years, agricultural scientists have identified numerous key genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) involved in regulating biotic or abiotic stresses, but almost all of these were mapped under a single imposed stress. Recent studies have proved that the two stress classes interact through complex signaling pathways, and a small number of genes, such as TaMPK3 and TaMYB29, have been shown to act on both. How such loci behave when stresses co-occur, and whether their favorable alleles hold their value under combined pressure, is still largely untested in Triticeae. Meanwhile, breeding objectives are gradually shifting from single-target improvement toward comprehensive resistance, which makes dual-purpose loci and the tools to select for them increasingly valuable.Only a small number of genes have been confirmed to regulate both biotic and abiotic stress in Triticeae, and even fewer have been evaluated under conditions where the two stresses act together, which is the situation breeders actually face. This Research Topic sets out to move the crosstalk question from single-stress inference toward direct measurement and selection. We invite work that imposes biotic and abiotic stresses in combination or in sequence on wheat, barley, rye, triticale and their wild relatives, and that dissects the resulting variation genetically through QTL mapping, association analysis, allele mining and validation in near-isogenic, mutant or pyramided lines. Studies centred on a single stress remain welcome where they report candidate pleiotropic loci, germplasm or markers that can be carried into combined-stress selection. The intended outcome is a body of work delivering dual-purpose alleles with quantified effects on yield stability, together with the diagnostic markers, mapping populations and phenotyping protocols that allow breeding programs to select for biotic and abiotic resistance at the same time.The scope of this Research Topic is centered on the genetic dissection and breeding deployment of loci that retain their value when biotic and abiotic stresses act together in Triticeae. We encourage submissions that address the following themes, among others:· Experimental systems imposing biotic and abiotic stresses in combination or in sequence on wheat, barley, rye, triticale and wild relatives· QTL mapping, association analysis and allele mining for loci with pleiotropic effects across both stress classes· Validation of dual-purpose alleles in near-isogenic, mutant or pyramided lines across contrasting environments· Physiological and biochemical phenotyping that quantifies yield stability under co-occurring stresses· Diagnostic markers and selection strategies for simultaneous improvement of biotic and abiotic resistance· Single-stress studies reporting candidate pleiotropic loci or germplasm suitable for combined-stress selection· Mapping populations, germplasm panels and phenotyping protocols released as community resourcesWe welcome Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Brief Research Report.-------We welcome contributions from researchers across the field, and we are glad to support you as you prepare your submission. If you would like early feedback on whether your planned manuscript fits the scope of this Research Topic, please write to us at plantscience@frontiersin.org before submitting. A quick check at this stage helps confirm your work is a strong fit and can save you time later in the process.To take part, click “Participate in this topic” at the top right of this page, then confirm through the “Participate” link in the follow-up email. This lets us know to expect your contribution, keeps you informed of key deadlines, and gives you access to resources that guide you through submission. We would also be glad to talk with you about possible routes for support with the Article Processing Charge (APC).We look forward to your participation and to building a vibrant, cohesive Research Topic together. Topic editors: Jianhui Ma, Xingchen Kong, Dr. Parmeshwar K. Sahu Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/85822/molecular-crosstalk-between-biotic-and-abiotic-stress-responses-in-wheat-and-other-triticeae-dual-purpose-loci-for-combined-stress-breeding