Delong Wang , Pingping Yang , Shujuan Wang

Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory of Crop Molecular Breeding, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 3   
Received: 06 Apr., 2025    Accepted: 17 May, 2025    Published: 03 Jun., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Wheat diseases continue to threaten global food security, leading to yield losses and reduced grain quality. Consequently, effective and sustainable disease resistance strategies are urgently needed. This study explores the stacking of multiple resistance genes in wheat through transgenic approaches as a promising solution to these challenges. We first outline the principles of gene stacking, including the necessity to overcome pathogen evolution, ensure broad and durable resistance, and meet environmental and agricultural needs. We then discuss various transgenic strategies, such as direct genetic transformation, synthetic multigene constructs, and CRISPR/Cas-mediated genome editing, highlighting their potential for assembling and integrating multiple resistance genes. We also detail specific resistance genes commonly used in transgenic wheat, including those targeting rusts (e.g., Lr34, Sr22, Yr36), fungal and viral pathogens, and genes involved in broad-spectrum defense (e.g., pathogenesis-related proteins). Using the case study of transgenic stacking for rust resistance, specifically against Ug99 rust, we illustrate the practical applicability and global impact of this approach. We also explore the technical challenges, biosafety regulations, and genetic complexity that hinder its implementation. Looking ahead, we explore innovations in synthetic biology, precision gene editing, and breeding for climate resilience. Finally, we summarize recent advances in gene stacking, identify key gaps, and highlight the future potential of transgenic technology for enhancing durable disease resistance in wheat.

Transgenic wheat; Gene stacking; Disease resistance; CRISPR/Cas genome editing; Rust resistance genes