Widespread genetic heterogeneity and genotypic grouping associated with fungicide resistance among barley spot form net blotch isolates in Australia

Spot form net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, is a major foliar disease of barley worldwide. Knowledge of the pathogen's genetic diversity and population structure is critical for a better understanding of inherent evolutionary capacity and for the development of sustainable disease management strategies. Genome-wide, single nucleotide polymorphism data of 254 Australian isolates revealed genotypic diversity and an absence of population structure, either between states, or between fields and cultivars in different agro-ecological zones. This indicates there is little geographical isolation or cultivar directional selection and that the pathogen is highly mobile across the continent. However, two cryptic genotypic groups were found only in Western Australia, predominantly associated with genes involved in fungicide resistance. The findings in this study are discussed in the context of current cultivar resistance and the pathogen's adaptive potential.

Automated summary

Spot form net blotch, caused by Pyrenophora teres f. maculata, is a major foliar disease of barley worldwide. The pathogen has high genetic diversity and a lack of population structure across Australia, indicating its high mobility and absence of geographical isolation or cultivar directional selection. However, two cryptic genotypic groups were found only in Western Australia, associated with fungicide resistance genes. These findings have implications for cultivar resistance and the adaptive potential of the pathogen.