N. Khoroshko, H. Lisova

Breeding for resistance of Triticum aestivum L. against Zymoseptoria tritici (Desm.) in the conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine

Introduction

Breeding for resistance of triticum aestivum l. Against zymoseptoria tritici (desm.) in the conditions of the central forest-steppe of ukraine. Researched Triticum aestivum L. varieties for resistance against Zymoseptoria tritici in Ukraine. Identified resistant soft winter wheat lines and F1 hybrids for breeding improved disease-resistant crops.

Abstract

Goal. To analyze the starting material of soft winter wheat for resistance against Zymoseptoria tritici Rob. et. Desm. and to select resistant samples, to monitor the manifestation of the resistance trait in intervarietal F1 hybrids. Methods. Field, immunological, analytical. Results. In 2023—2025, 31 varieties of soft winter wheat were tested for resistance to Z. tritici on a natural and artificial infectious background with enhanced virulence. In 2023, the varieties Ekpromt and Zolotokolosa were resistant to Z. tritici. In 2024, 6 samples of MIP Knyazhnya, Ekpromt, MIP Yuvileyna, Zolotokolosa, Pokrovskaya and Vagoma were resistant. In 2025, the intensity of the lesion was 5.0%, MIP Yuvileyna — very high resistance 0.1—5.0%. Resistance of 5.1—10.0% was observed in 9 varieties of MIP Knyazhnya, Avrora Mironivska, Zysk, Kubok, Lira Odesa, Spadshchyna Odesa, Pontiyka, Zhuravka Odesa, Mudrisht Odesa. In 2023—2025, different intensities of damage to Z. tritici varieties were detected. Resistance was demonstrated by the varieties of MIP Knyazhnya and MIP Yuvileyna. Moderate resistance of 10.1—15.0% was determined in 6 varieties: Aurora Mironivska, Zolotokolosa, Ekpromt, Pokrovska, Optima Odesa and Vagoma. Analysis of intervarietal F1 hybrids in 2024 showed a different nature of inheritance of resistance to Z. tritici — from positive overdominance (heterosis) to negative overdominance (depression). Depression was detected in 9 hybrids. Partial negative inheritance was identified in 10 cross combinations. In 2025, depression was observed in 4 hybrid combinations. 8 intervarietal cross combinations showed partial negative inheritance. Conclusions. Testing of soft winter wheat varieties on natural and artificial infectious backgrounds of the pathogen Z. tritici with a high level of virulence makes it possible to determine different levels of their resistance. The varieties and F1 hybrids identified during the research will be used in further breeding work for resistance against the pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici in the conditions of the Central Forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

Review

This study addresses a critical issue in wheat production: the ongoing threat of *Zymoseptoria tritici* (Septoria tritici blotch) to *Triticum aestivum* in the Central Forest-Steppe region of Ukraine. The authors set out to identify sources of resistance among existing soft winter wheat varieties and to evaluate the inheritance of this trait in F1 intervarietal hybrids. Given the increasing challenges posed by this pathogen, including fungicide resistance and yield losses, the identification of robust genetic resistance is paramount for sustainable agriculture and regional food security. The multi-year evaluation of germplasm under both natural and artificially enhanced disease pressure provides a strong foundation for this important breeding endeavor. A significant strength of this research lies in its rigorous, multi-year (2023-2025) testing protocol, employing both natural and artificial infectious backgrounds with supposedly "enhanced virulence." This approach increases the reliability of identifying truly resistant genotypes. The study successfully identified several promising soft winter wheat varieties, with MIP Knyazhnya and MIP Yuvileyna consistently demonstrating high resistance across the trial period. Other varieties like Ekpromt and Zolotokolosa also showed resistance in specific years, indicating potential utility. Furthermore, the analysis of F1 hybrids revealed complex inheritance patterns, ranging from beneficial positive overdominance (heterosis) to detrimental negative overdominance (depression) and partial negative inheritance. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic architecture of resistance and highlight specific cross combinations that could either accelerate or hinder resistance breeding efforts. While the abstract presents compelling results, further detail would enhance its clarity and impact. The methodology section mentions "immunological" methods, but their application and results are not elaborated upon in the abstract, leaving a gap in understanding how they contributed to the overall findings. The definition of "enhanced virulence" could also benefit from more specifics regarding the pathogen isolates used and the enhancement process. Moreover, the resistance percentages (e.g., 0.1-5.0%) should be clearly linked to a defined disease severity scale or index to ensure universal understanding. The observed complex inheritance patterns in F1 hybrids are intriguing and warrant deeper discussion regarding their implications for breeding strategies – specifically, which genetic mechanisms might be at play and how breeders should navigate these varied responses. Despite these minor points for potential elaboration, this study represents a valuable contribution to wheat breeding, successfully identifying crucial genetic resources for resistance to *Z. tritici* under challenging conditions. The identified varieties and F1 hybrids offer practical immediate utility for ongoing breeding programs aimed at developing more resilient wheat cultivars for the region.

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