Researchers use AI to identify new wheat genes resistant to yellow rust

Researchers from the UK-CGIAR Centre are developing approaches that will enable artificial intelligence to analyse large volumes of wheat genetic data and accelerate the development of new varieties. The technology is already helping identify valuable genes that could improve wheat resistance to diseases.

The CIMMYT team and its partners analysed genetic material from the Watkins Collection, which contains more than 800 heritage and landrace bread wheat lines. Many of these lines contain genes and traits that are absent from modern varieties. To identify genetic diversity, researchers used so-called k-mers — short DNA sequence fragments that allow genomes from different plants to be compared without relying on a single reference genome.

The approach has already helped identify new genetic loci associated with wheat resistance to yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis). Further analysis confirmed that the identified genes are absent from CIMMYT’s modern wheat varieties. This means the newly discovered genetic diversity can be used in breeding programmes to develop more disease-resistant varieties.

Researchers note that yellow rust remains a major threat to global wheat yields because the pathogen continues to evolve and can overcome resistance in previously protected varieties. Therefore, identifying new resistance genes is important for maintaining the effectiveness of genetic protection against the disease.

The approach will be applied not only to disease resistance but also to the search for other valuable wheat traits. According to the researchers, combining genomic data, laboratory methods and AI could significantly accelerate the identification of useful genes and their introduction into new varieties, making breeding more productive and resilient.

Tags: wheat, AI