Molecular cytogenetic characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum ponticum translocations bearing blue-grained gene(s) induced by r-ray

Eight γ-irradiation-induced Triticum aestivum – Thinopyrum ponticum translocations conveying the blue aleurone were characterized using molecular cytogenetic approach. The size of alien chromosome segments was estimated by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). The wheat chromosome segments involved in these translocations were clearly identified by two-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with the probes of pAs1 and pSc119.2 (or pHvG38). Most of the detected translocations were reciprocal translocations involving wheat chromosomes 1B, 2D, 3A, 4A, 5B, 6B, 6D and 7A. This series of blue-grained wheat translocation lines would be useful in theoretical studies and wheat chromosome engineering breeding.