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Black-grass is a particularly persistent weed of Western European winter wheat, and its success is largely due to widespread multiple-herbicide resistance. A new study has shown that whether or not black-grass will be herbicide resistant depends on more than just what is on its chromosomes.

Rothamsted researchers, in collaboration with scientists at Clemson University (USA), have found that black-grass has small loops of DNA that are outside the plant’s chromosomes. These loops, called extra-chromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA), are not inherited in the same way that the chromosomes are. They evolve separately from the main genetic structures in the cell nucleus and could help explain how black-grass can rapidly develop resistance to herbicides or other stresses.

The research team identified the similarities and differences in the eccDNA in both resistant and sensitive populations. Although the numbers and size of detected eccDNAs varied between the populations, comparisons managed to identify shared and unique coding content, predicted genes, and functional protein domains. Compared to black-grass that are herbicide sensitive, the eccDNA of herbicide-resistant black-grass have extra copies of genes known to confer herbicide resistance, including genes related to herbicide detoxification.

Previous analysis of resistant and non-resistant varieties had clearly shown that resistance develops across multiple genes, but until now the mechanisms of how black-grass could rapidly evolve these differences have been hard to pin down. The research teams have shown that a combination of differences in chromosomal and eccDNA encoded genes might be responsible for the rapid evolution of herbicide resistance in black-grass.

“Because of advances in sequencing, we are now finding eccDNAs in many different species and are starting to understand what they do. Our findings show that blackgrass has eccDNAs, and on them are copies of chromosomal genes we know to be correlated with herbicide resistance,” said Rothamsted’s Dr Dana MacGregor who was part of the study team. “Having these eccDNAs may contribute to the genetic diversity we see in black-grass and explain how it has so successfully adapted to man-made and abiotic stresses, including herbicide treatment.”

Publication
Contacts

Dr Dana MacGregor

Weed Molecular Biologist

Dr David Comont

Ecologist

ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH

Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking discoveries, from crop treatment to crop protection, from statistical interpretation to soils management. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative influence on fresh thinking and farming practices.
Through independent science and innovation, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally. In terms of the institute’s economic contribution, the cumulative impact of our work in the UK was calculated to exceed £3000 million a year in 20151. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines science and strategic research, interdisciplinary teams and partnerships.
Rothamsted is also home to three unique resources. These National Capabilities are open to researchers from all over the world: The Long-Term Experiments, Rothamsted Insect Survey and the North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
For more information, visit https://www.rothamsted.ac.uk/; Twitter @Rothamsted 1Rothamsted Research and the Value of Excellence: A synthesis of the available evidence, by Séan Rickard (Oct 2015)

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The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.