Resistance to the wheat curl mite and mite-transmitted viruses: challenges and future directions

Wheat curl mite (WCM) is the only known arthropod vector of four wheat viruses, most important which streak mosaic virus (WSMV). Host resistance to WCM and WSMV limited a small number loci, are introgressed from wild relatives often associated with linkage drag temperature sensitivity. Reports virulent populations potential resistance-breaking isolates highlight need for more diverse sources resistance. Genome sequencing will be critical fully characterize genetic diversity in better understand incidence WCM-transmitted viruses evaluate stability genes. Characterizing host genes help build mechanistic understanding wheat-WCM-WSMV interactions inform strategies identify engineer durable sources.