Volume: 5, 2026
5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P012
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P012
Published online: 22 April 2026
Can eight years change pathogen virulence? Long-term monitoring of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae evolution across Europe
Weronika Grzelak*, Aleksandra Nucia and Sylwia Okoń
Institute of Plants Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 15 Akademicka St., 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: weronika.grzelak@up.edu.pl
The interaction between oat (Avena sativa L.) and Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae is dynamic and subject to continuous changes resulting from pathogen population evolution and selection pressure exerted by host resistance genes. Long-term monitoring of pathogen virulence constitutes a crucial element in assessing the durability of resistance in cultivars and breeding materials. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae population virulence in research conducted from 2015 to 2023. The analysis was performed on pathogen isolates collected from various European countries. Assessment of infection responses was conducted using a set of 14 oat differential genotypes, comprising resistance genes Pm1-Pm12, gene Pm7 from cultivar Canyon, and also Avena strigosa with unknown resistance genes. Cultivar Fuchs was used as a susceptible control. Characterization of virulence profiles enabled identification of changes in the pathogen’s ability to overcome individual resistance genes. Statistical analysis was performed using R software.
Comparison of data from consecutive years allowed determination of the direction and dynamics of changes occurring in European pathogen populations. The obtained results confirm that Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae populations undergo continuous changes over time, which is reflected in the variable effectiveness of individual resistance genes. The results indicate the necessity of constant monitoring of virulence changes. The conducted research provides essential data for oat resistance breeding and supports rational utilization of resistance genes in cultivar improvement programs, contributing to increased resistance durability under conditions of variable pathogen pressure.
Keywords: Blumeria graminis; oat powdery mildew; pathogen evolution; pathogen virulence; resistance genes
How to cite
Grzelak W., Nucia A., Okoń S., 2026. Can eight years change pathogen virulence? Long-term monitoring of Blumeria graminis f. sp. avenae evolution across Europe. In: 5th International PhD Students’ Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL5.P012