Mapping of the leaf rust resistance gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr38</Emphasis> on wheat chromosome arm 6DL using SSR markers

Leaf rust caused by the fungus Puccinia triticina is one of the most important diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum) worldwide. The use of resistant wheat cultivars is considered the most economical and environment-friendly approach in controlling the disease. The Lr38 gene, introgressed from Agropyron intermedium, confers a stable seedling and adult plant resistance against multiple isolates tested in Europe. In the present study, 94 F₂ plants resulting from a cross made between the resistant Thatcher-derived near-isogenic line (NIL) RL6097, and the susceptible Ethiopian wheat cultivar Kubsa were used to map the Thatcher Lr38 locus in wheat using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Out of 54 markers tested, 15 SSRs were polymorphic between the two parents and subsequently genotyped in the population. The P. triticina isolate DZ7-24 (race FGJTJ), discriminating Lr38 resistant and susceptible plants, was used to inoculate seedlings of the two parents and the segregating population. The SSR markers Xwmc773 and Xbarc273 flanked the Lr38 locus at a distance of 6.1 and 7.9 cM, respectively, to the proximal end of wheat chromosome arm 6DL. The SSR markers Xcfd5 and Xcfd60 both flanked the locus at a distance of 22.1 cM to the distal end of 6DL. In future, these SSR markers can be used by wheat breeders and pathologists for marker assisted selection (MAS) of Lr38-mediated leaf rust resistance in wheat.     

Identification of molecular markers linked to adult plant leaf rust resistance gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr48</Emphasis> in wheat and detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr48</Emphasis> in the Thatcher near-isogenic line with gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr25</Emphasis>

The recessive adult plant resistance (APR) gene Lr48 in wheat was tagged with flanking random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Markers S336₇₇₅ in coupling and S3₄₅₀ in repulsion with Lr48 were identified in wheat line CSP44. Tests of these markers on available Thatcher near-isogenic lines (NILs) detected the likely presence of Lr48 in TcLr25. A test of allelism of APR involving the cross TcLr25 × CSP44 indicated that Lr48 was present in both lines. A separate experiment on inheritance of resistance in an F₂ population of TcLr25 × Agra Local confirmed the presence of a dominant seedling resistance gene (Lr25) and a recessive APR gene (Lr48) in TcLr25. This study demonstrated the value of molecular markers in identifying the presence of masked genes in genetic stocks where direct phenotyping failed to detect their presence.     

Genetics of stem rust resistance in the spring wheat cultivar Thatcher and the enhancement of stem rust resistance by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr34</Emphasis>

Three recombinant inbred line populations from the crosses RL6071/Thatcher, RL6071/RL6058 (Thatcher Lr34), and Thatcher/RL6058, were used to study the genetics of stem rust resistance in Thatcher and TcLr34. Segregation of stem rust response in each population was used to determine the number of genes conferring resistance, as well as the effect of the leaf rust resistance gene Lr34 on stem rust resistance. The relationship between resistance in seedling and adult plants was also examined, and an attempt was made to identify microsatellite markers linked to genes that were effective in adult plants. In field plot tests at least three additive resistance genes segregated in the RL6071/RL6058 population, whereas two resistance genes segregated in the RL6071/Thatcher population. The presence of the gene Lr34 permitted the expression of additional stem rust resistance in Thatcher-derived lines both at the seedling and adult plant stages. Seedling resistance to races TPMK and RKQQ was significantly associated with resistance in adult plants, whereas seedling resistance to races QCCD and QCCB may have made a minor contribution. The seedling resistance genes Sr16 and Sr12 may have contributed to resistance in adult plants. A molecular marker linked to resistance in adult plants was identified on chromosome 2BL.     

Reduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops sharonensis</Emphasis> chromatin associated with resistance genes <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr56</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yr38</Emphasis> in wheat

The Lr56/Yr38 translocation consists primarily of alien-derived chromatin with only the 6AL telomeric region being of wheat origin. To improve its utility in wheat breeding, an attempt was made to exchange excess Ae. sharonensis chromatin for wheat chromatin through homoeologous crossover in the absence of Ph1. Translocation heterozygotes that lacked Ph1 were test-crossed with Chinese Spring nullisomic 6A tetrasomic 6B and nullisomic 6A-tetrasomic 6D plants and the resistant (hemizygous 6A) progeny were analyzed with four microsatellite markers. Genetic mapping suggested general homoeology between wheat chromosome 6A and the translocation chromosomes, and showed that Lr56 was located near the long arm telomere. Thirty of the 53 recombinants had breakpoints between Lr56 and the most distal marker Xgwm427. These were characterized with additional markers. The data suggested that recombinants #39, 157 and 175 were wheat chromosomes 6A with small intercalary inserts of foreign chromatin containing Lr56 and Yr38, located distally on the long arms. These three recombinants are being incorporated into adapted germplasm. Attempts to identify the single shortest translocation and to develop appropriate markers are being continued.     

Development of a PCR assay and marker-assisted transfer of leaf rust resistance gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lr58</Emphasis> into adapted winter wheats

Leaf rust resistance gene Lr58 derived from Aegilops triuncialis L. was transferred to the hard red winter wheat (HRWW) cultivars Jagger and Overley by standard backcrossing and marker-assisted selection (MAS). A co-dominant PCR-based sequence tagged site (STS) marker was developed based on the sequence information of the RFLP marker (XksuH16) diagnostically detecting the alien segment in T2BS·2BL-2^tL(0.95). STS marker Xncw-Lr58-1 was used to select backcross F₁ plants with rust resistance. The co-dominant marker polymorphism detected by primer pair NCW-Lr58-1 efficiently identified the homozygous BC₃F₂ plants with rust resistance gene Lr58. The STS marker Xncw-Lr58-1 showed consistent diagnostic polymorphism between the resistant source and the wheat cultivars selected by the US Wheat Coordinated Agricultural Project. The utility and compatibility of the STS marker in MAS programs involving robust genotyping platforms was demonstrated in both agarose-based and capillary-based platforms. Screening backcross derivatives carrying Lr58 with various rust races at seedling stage suggested the transferred rust resistance in adapted winter wheats is stable in both cultivar backgrounds. Lr58 in adapted winter wheat backgrounds could be used in combination with other resistance genes in wheat rust resistance breeding.     

Characterization of genes <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rpp2</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rpp4</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rpp5</Emphasis> for resistance to soybean rust

Asian rust, caused by the fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is the most severe disease currently threatening soybean crops in Brazil. The development of resistant cultivars is a top priority. Genetic characterization of resistance genes is important for estimating the improvement when these genes are introduced into soybean plants and for planning breeding strategies against this disease. Here, we infected an F₂ population of 140 plants derived from a cross between ‘An-76’, a line carrying two resistance genes (Rpp2 and Rpp4), and ‘Kinoshita’, a cultivar carrying Rpp5, with a Brazilian rust population. We scored six characters of rust resistance (lesion color [LC], frequency of lesions having uredinia [%LU], number of uredinia per lesion [NoU], frequency of open uredinia [%OU], sporulation level [SL], and incubation period [IP]) to identify the genetic contributions of the three genes to these characters. Furthermore, we selected genotypes carrying these three loci in homozygosis by marker-assisted selection and evaluated their genetic effect in comparison with their ancestors, An-76, PI230970, PI459025, Kinoshita and BRS184. All three genes contributed to the phenotypes of these characters in F₂ population and when pyramided, they significantly contributed to increase the resistance in comparison to their ancestors. Rpp2, previously reported as being defeated by the same rust population, showed a large contribution to resistance, and its resistance allele seemed to be recessive. Rpp5 had the largest contribution among the three genes, especially to SL and NoU. Only Rpp5 showed a significant contribution to LC. No QTLs for IP were detected in the regions of the three genes. We consider that these genes could contribute differently to resistance to soybean rust, and that genetic background plays an important role in Rpp2 activity. All three loci together worked additively to increase resistance when they were pyramided in a single genotype indicating that the pyramiding strategy is one good breeding strategy to increase soybean rust resistance.     

Global status of wheat leaf rust caused by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia triticina</Emphasis>

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia triticina is the most common and widely distributed of the three wheat rusts. Losses from leaf rust are usually less damaging than those from stem rust and stripe rust, but leaf rust causes greater annual losses due to its more frequent and widespread occurrence. Yield losses from leaf rust are mostly due to reductions in kernel weight. Many laboratories worldwide conduct leaf rust surveys and virulence analyses. Most currently important races (pathotypes) have either evolved through mutations in existing populations or migrated from other, often unknown, areas. Several leaf rust resistance genes are cataloged, and high levels of slow rusting adult plant resistance are available in high yielding CIMMYT wheats. This paper summarizes the importance of leaf rust in the main wheat production areas as reflected by yield losses, the complexity of virulence variation in pathogen populations, the role cultivars with race-specific resistance play in pathogen evolution, and the control measures currently practiced in various regions of the world.     

SSR and STS markers for wheat stripe rust resistance gene <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yr26</Emphasis>

Stripe (yellow) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most devastating wheat diseases worldwide. Triticum aestivum-Haynaldia villosa 6VS/6AL translocation lines carrying the Yr26 gene on chromosome 1B, are resistant to most races of Pst used in virulence tests. In order to better utilize Yr26 for wheat improvement, we attempted to screen SSR and EST-based STS markers closely linked with Yr26. A total of 500 F₂ plants and the F_2:3 progenies derived from a cross between 92R137 and susceptible cultivar Yangmai 5 were inoculated with race CYR32. The analysis confirmed that stripe rust resistance was controlled by a single dominant gene, Yr26. Among 35 pairs of genomic SSR markers and 81 pairs of STS markers derived from EST sequences located on chromosome 1B, Yr26 was flanked by 5 SSR and 7 STS markers. The markers were mapped in deletion bins using CS aneuploid and deletion lines. The closest flanking marker loci, Xwe173 and Xbarc181, mapped in 1BL and the genetic distances from Yr26 were 1.4 cM and 6.7 cM, respectively. Some of these markers were previously reported on 1BS. Eight common wheat cultivars and lines developed from the T. aestivum-H. villosa 6VS/6AL translocation lines by different research groups were tested for presence of the markers. Five lines with Yr26 carried the flanking markers whereas three lines without Yr26 did not. The results indicated that the flanking markers should be useful in marker-assisted selection for incorporating Yr26 into wheat cultivars.     

Molecular mapping of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pc68</Emphasis>, a crown rust resistance gene in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Avena</Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">sativa</Emphasis>

Crown rust, which is caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, P. Syd. & Syd., is the most destructive disease of cultivated oats (Avena sativa L.) throughout the world. Resistance to the disease that is based on a single gene is often short-lived because of the extremely great genetic diversity of P. coronata, which suggests that there is a need to develop oat cultivars with several resistance genes. This study aimed to identify amplified fragment length polymorphism AFLP markers that are linked to the major resistance gene, Pc68, and to amplify the F₆ genetic map from Pc68/5*Starter × UFRGS8. Seventy-eight markers with normal segregation were discovered and distributed in 12 linkage groups. The map covered 409.4 cM of the Avena sativa genome. Two AFLP markers were linked in repulsion to Pc68: U8PM22 and U8PM25, which flank the gene at 18.60 and 18.83 centiMorgans (cM), respectively. The marker U8PM25 is located in the linkage group 4_12 in the Kanota × Ogle reference oat population. These markers should be useful for transferring Pc68 to genotypes with good agronomic characteristics and for pyramiding crown rust resistance genes.     

A quantitative trait locus on chromosome 5B controls resistance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum turgidum</Emphasis> (L.) var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">diccocoides</Emphasis> to Stagonospora nodorum blotch

Stagonospora nodorum blotch (SNB) is an important foliar disease of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) worldwide. The combined effects of SNB and tan spot, considered as components of the leaf spotting disease complex, result in significant damage to wheat production in the northern Great Plains of North America. The main objective of this study was the genetic analysis of resistance to SNB caused by Phaeosphaeria nodorum in tetraploid wheat, and its association with tan spot caused by Pyrenophora tritici-repentis race 2. The 133 recombinant inbred chromosome lines (RICL) developed from the cross LDN/LDN(Dic-5B) were evaluated for SNB reaction at the seedling stage under greenhouse conditions. Molecular markers were used to map a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on chromosome 5B, explaining 37.6% of the phenotypic variation in SNB reaction. The location of the QTL was 8.8 cM distal to the tsn1 locus coding for resistance to P. tritici-repentis race 2. The presence of genes for resistance to both SNB and tan spot in close proximity in tetraploid wheat and the identification of molecular markers linked to these genes or QTLs will be useful for incorporating resistance to these diseases in wheat breeding programs.     

Distribution of the photoperiod insensitive <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ppd-D1a</Emphasis> allele in Chinese wheat cultivars

Photoperiod response is of great importance for optimal adaptation of bread wheat cultivars to specific environments, and variation is commonly associated with allelic differences at the Ppd-D1 locus on chromosome 2D. A total of 926 Chinese wheat landraces and improved cultivars collected from nine wheat growing zones were tested for their genotypes at the Ppd-D1 locus using allele-specific markers. The average frequency of the photoperiod-insensitive Ppd-D1a allele was 66.0%, with the frequencies of 38.6 and 90.6% in landraces and improved cultivars, respectively. However, the Ppd-D1a allele was present in all improved cultivars released after 1970 except for spring wheats in high latitude northwestern China, and winter wheats in Gansu and Xinjiang. The presence of the Ppd-D1a allele in landraces and improved cultivars increased gradually from north to south, illustrating the relationship between photoperiod response and environment. Ppd-D1a in Chinese wheats is derived from three sources, Japanese landrace Akagomughi and Chinese landraces Mazhamai and Youzimai. The current information is important for understanding the broad adaptation of improved Chinese wheat cultivars. F. P. Yang and X. K. Zhang contributed equally to this work.     

Genetic analysis of resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">soil-borne wheat mosaic virus</Emphasis> derived from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops tauschii</Emphasis>

Genetic Analysis of Resistance to Soil-Borne Wheat Mosaic Virus Derived from Aegilops tauschii. Euphytica. Soil-Borne Wheat Mosaic Virus (SBWMV), vectored by the soil inhabiting organism Polymyxa graminis, causes damage to wheat (Triticum aestivum) yields in most of the wheat growing regions of the world. In localized fields, the entire crop may be lost to the virus. Although many winter wheat cultivars contain resistance to SBWMV, the inheritance of resistance is poorly understood. A linkage analysis of a segregating recombinant inbred line population from the cross KS96WGRC40 × Wichita identified a gene of major effect conferring resistance to SBWMV in the germplasm KS96WGRC40. The SBWMV resistance gene within KS96WGRC40 was derived from accession TA2397 of Aegilops taushcii and is located on the long arm of chromosome 5D, flanked by microsatellite markers Xcfd10 and Xbarc144. The relationship of this locus with a previously identified QTL for SBWMV resistance and the Sbm1 gene conferring resistance to soil-borne cereal mosaic virus is not known, but suggests that a gene on 5DL conferring resistance to both viruses may be present in T. aestivum, as well as the D-genome donor Ae. tauschii.     

Evaluation of leaf rust resistance genes Lr1 , Lr9 , Lr24 , Lr47 and their introgression into common wheat cultivars by marker-assisted selection

Epidemiological field controls in different Italian locations and seedling evaluations of the ‘Thatcher’ near-isogenic lines (NILs) carrying the leaf rust resistance genes Lr1, Lr9, Lr24 and Lr47 were conducted during 5 years of testing. These genes confirmed their effectiveness in both field and greenhouse conditions. Moreover a backcross program was carried out by using as recurrent parents the susceptible high-quality common wheat cvs ‘Bolero’, ‘Colfiorito’, ‘Serio’ and ‘Spada’ and the ‘Thatcher’ NILs carrying the above mentioned genes as donor parents. The progenies of different cross combinations were selected by both resistance tests and marker assisted selection using molecular markers (STS, SCAR, CAPS) closely linked to Lr genes: a complete cosegregation was observed between the resistance genes used and the corresponding molecular markers.     

Molecular characterization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pina</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pinb</Emphasis> allelic variations in Xinjiang landraces and commercial wheat cultivars

Grain hardness plays an important role in determining both milling performance and quality of the end-use products produced from common or bread wheat. The objective of this study was to characterize allelic variations at the Pina and Pinb loci in Xinjiang wheat germplasm for further understanding the mechanisms involved in endosperm texture formation, and the status of grain texture in Chinese bread wheat. A total of 291 wheat cultivars, including 56 landraces, and 95 introduced and 140 locally improved cultivars, grown in Xinjiang, were used for SKCS measurement and molecular characterization. Among the harvested grain samples, 185 (63.6%), 40 (13.7%), and 66 (22.7%) were classified as hard, mixed and soft, respectively. Eight different genotypes for the Pina and Pinb loci were identified, including seven previously reported genotypes, viz., Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1a, Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1b, Pina-D1b/Pinb-D1a, Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1p, Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1q, Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1aa, Pina-D1a/Pinb-D1ab, and a novel Pinb allele, Pinb-D1ac. This new allele, detected in Kashibaipi (local landrace) and Red Star (from Russia) has a double mutation at the 257th (G to A substitution) and 382nd (C to T substitution) nucleotide positions of the coding region. Pina-D1b, Pinb-D1b, and Pinb-D1p were the most common alleles in Xinjiang wheat germplasm, with frequencies of 14.3%, 38.1% and 28.6% in hard textured landraces, 25.5%, 56.9% and 11.8% in hard introduced cultivars, and 24.8%, 47.8% and 26.5% in hard locally improved cultivars, respectively. The restriction enzymes ApaI, SapI, BstXI and SfaNI were used to identify Pinb-D1ab or Pinb-D1ac, Pinb-D1b, Pinb-D1e and Pinb-Dg, respectively, by digesting PCR products of the Pinb gene. The unique grain hardness distribution in Xinjiang bread wheat, as well as the CAPs markers for identification of the Pinb alleles provided useful information for breeding wheat cultivars with optimum grain textures. Liang Wang and Genying Li—contributed equally to this work.     

Evaluation of seedling and adult plant resistance in European wheat cultivars to Australian isolates of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Puccinia striiformis</Emphasis> f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">tritici</Emphasis>

A set of 105 European wheat cultivars was assessed for seedling resistance and adult plant resistance (APR) to stripe (yellow) rust in greenhouse and field tests with selected Australian isolates of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst). Twelve cultivars were susceptible to all pathotypes, and among the remainder, 11 designated seedling genes (Yr1, Yr3, Yr4, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr17, Yr27, Yr32, YrHVII and YrSP) and a range of unidentified seedling resistances were detected either singly or in combination. The identity of seedling resistance in 43 cultivars could not be determined with the available Pst pathotypes, and it is considered possible that at least some of these may carry uncharacterised seedling resistance genes. The gene Yr9 occurred with the highest frequency, present in 19 cultivars (18%), followed by Yr17, present in 10 cultivars (10%). Twenty four cultivars lacked seedling resistance that was effective against the pathotype used in field nurseries, and all but two of these displayed very high levels of APR. While the genetic identity of this APR is currently unknown, it is potentially a very useful source of resistance to Pst. Genetic studies are now needed to characterise this resistance to expedite its use in efforts to breed for resistance to stripe rust. Colin R. Wellings seconded from NSW Department of Primary Industries.     

56个小麦品种（系）的苗期和成株抗叶锈鉴定

为了研究中国小麦品种中所携带的抗叶锈基因,对56个小麦品种（系）进行苗期接种推导其中所含有的抗叶锈基因,同时连续2年对供试材料进行田间成株抗叶锈鉴定。通过苗期基因推导结合分子标记辅助检测,结果表明,在36个小麦品种中共鉴定出Lr26、Lr34、Lr1、Lr2a、Lr11、Lr20、Lr30、Lr33和Lr44等9个抗叶锈基因,其中28个品种含有Lr26,Lr1和Lr20分别存在于6个品种中,4个品种含有Lr30,Lr11和Lr44各存在于2个品种中,Lr2a、Lr33和Lr34各自在1个品种中出现。经过2年的田间抗叶锈鉴定共筛选出46个慢锈品种。筛选到的这些苗期和成株抗病品种均可用于小麦持久抗叶锈品种的培育。     

Attempts to remove gametocidal genes co-transferred to common wheat with rust resistance from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aegilops speltoides</Emphasis>

Rust resistance genes (introgressions S24 and S13) transferred to hexaploid wheat from two Aegilops speltoides accessions could not be used commercially due to associated gametocidal (Gc) genes. Crosses to wheat followed by rigorous selection for increased fertility were employed in an attempt to separate the unmapped S24 stem rust resistance from the Gc gene(s). However, improved fertility of the better selections could not be maintained in subsequent generations. Since the S13 introgression (leaf, stripe and stem rust resistances) mapped to chromosome 3A, allosyndetic pairing induction was used in an attempt to remove the Gc gene(s). This produced putative primary recombinants with improved fertility and plant type, the best of which had exchanged a small region of Ae. speltoides chromatin, yet was still associated with (reduced) Gc effects. This selection (04M127-3, which appears to have the Su1-Ph1 suppressor) was then crossed with wheat. Surprisingly, the 04M127-3 gametocidal effect differed drastically from that of the original introgression allowing the recovery of 35 recombinant, leaf rust resistant progeny. Microsatellite and DArT markers showed that each secondary recombinant had exchanged most of the Ae. speltoides chromatin. Although the data suggested that a complex multigenic interaction may govern the gametocidal response, preliminary indications are that the Gc effect had largely been removed and it now seems possible to completely separate the gametocidal genes from the S13 leaf rust resistance gene (here designated Lr66). The associated (S13) stripe rust and stem rust resistance genes were lost during recombination.     

Effects of specific <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rht</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ppd</Emphasis> alleles on agronomic traits in winter wheat cultivars grown in middle Europe

Based on studies of the distribution of alleles at the important Rht and Ppd loci on wheat chromosomes 4B, 4D and 2D, different groups of winter wheat cultivars registered in the Czech and Slovak Republics during the period 1976–2007 were examined for a range of agronomic traits using official data from multi-location trials. Significant variation for all traits was detected among and between genotype groups. The frequent introduction of ‘Rht-D1b’ cultivars from the UK and Western Europe to the Czech Republic since 1995 has positively influenced lodging resistance and undoubtedly also yielding ability, but negatively affected winter-hardiness and bread making quality. An improved opportunity for earlier flowering cultivars with high winter-hardiness levels, in combination with high bread-making quality, can be obtained with genotypes carrying the Xgwm261 allele 192-bp that is probably indicative of the presence of Rht8. While GA insensitive Rht genes caused approximately a 10 cm reduction of plant height, the 192-bp allele at Xgwm261 was not associated, in these conditions, with a significant reduction in plant height when compared to Xgwm261 alleles 165- and 174-bp. Likewise, the photoperiod insensitive allele Ppd-D1a did not have a significant effect on plant height and it had not adversely affected other characters. Later heading genotypes carrying Xgwm261 alleles174- and 165-bp, often in combination with Ppd-D1b, could probably guarantee broader adaptability, which is highly desirable for changeable weather conditions. While the presence of the 192-bp allele was clearly associated with suitability for cultivation in the warmer maize growing regions, this was not so obvious for Ppd-D1a, particularly when combined with the 174-bp allele. GA responsive genes did not, apparently, influence adaptability to the different growing conditions. These studies reveal that there were both shortcomings and benefits attributable to the use of germplasm from different origins when introducing Rht and Ppd alleles. These results should be helpful to breeders in optimizing the choice of parents for crossing, and selection strategy in these target environments.     

Unveilingsources of stripe rust resistance in diverse wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum Aestivum</Emphasis> L.) germplasm using narrow down methodology: a proof of concept

Stripe rust of wheat caused by the fungal pathogen is a destructive foliar disease of wheat. Thus, it is crucial step to characterize the resistant germplasm for stripe rust in a diverse germplasm pool for their ultimate utilization in efficient crop rust resistance breeding. In the present study, we followed two pronged strategies involving integrated phenotypic and molecular characterization of 440 diverse wheat germplasm lines for rust resistance. The germplasm panel was extensively evaluated in field epiphytotic conditions during two consecutive years. After rigorous screening, 72 accessions were successfully revealed as resistant to moderately resistant to stripe rust. Subsequently, entries were then evaluated for their field agronomicperformances, considering prerequisites for serving as a donor germplasm,particularly for yield and 33 potential rust-resistant accessions were identified. Furthermore, to detect the sources of resistance, accessions were molecular characterized for potential race-specific resistance genes Yr5, Yr10,Yr15, and effective adult plant resistance (APR) gene Lr34/Yr18/pm38. We identified the 22 accessions possessing one or more single resistance genes and two accessions were observed with at least three of them. Moreover, Lr34/Yr18/pm38 was determined to confer resistance when observed along with any of the race-specific genes. Thus, the study not only provides proof of concept methodology to identify candidate resistant sources from large germplasm collections but simultaneouslyconfirmed the contribution of combining race-specific andnon-specific APR genes. The finding could further assist in the potential deployment of resistant genes directly into the stripe rust breeding program by involving marker-assisted approaches.     

Identification of RAPD markers linked to the rust (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Uromyces fabae</Emphasis>) resistance gene in pea (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis>)

Summary Two RAPD markers linked to gene for resistance (assayed as pustule number cm⁻² leaf area) to rust [Uromyces fabae (Pers.) de Bary] in pea (Pisum sativum L.) were identified using a mapping population of 31 BC₁F₁ [HUVP 1 (HUVP 1 × FC 1] plants, FC 1 being the resistant parent. The analysis of genetics of rust resistance was based on the parents, F₁, F₂, BC₁F₁ and BC₁F₂ generations. Rust resistance in pea is of non-hypersensitive type; it appeared to be governed by a single partially dominant gene for which symbol Ruf is proposed. Further, this trait seems to be affected by some polygenes in addition to the proposed oligogene Ruf. A total of 614 decamer primers were used to survey the parental polymorphism with regard to DNA amplification by polymerase chain reaction. The primers that amplified polymorphic bands present in the resistant parent (FC 1) were used for bulked segregant analysis. Those markers that amplified consistently and differentially in the resistant and susceptible bulks were separately tested with the 31 BC₁F₁ individuals. Two RAPD makers, viz., SC10-82₃₆₀ (primer, GCCGTGAAGT), and SCRI-71₁₀₀₀ (primer, GTGGCGTAGT), flanking the rust resistance gene (Ruf) with a distance of 10.8 cM (0.097 rF and LOD of 5.05) and 24.5 cM (0.194 rF and a LOD of 2.72), respectively, were identified. These RAPD markers were not close enough to Ruf to allow a dependable maker-assisted selection for rust resistance. However, if the two makers flanking Ruf were used together, the effectiveness of MAS would be improved considerably.