PCR-based assay for detecting IB-genes for low molecular weight glutenin subunits related to gluten quality properties in durum wheat

A PCR assay has been developed for selecting low molecular weight (LMW) glutenin genes, located on chromosome 1B, and related to durum wheat quality characteristics. Most durum wheat lines possessing good technological properties can be identified on the basis of the presence of specific 1B LMW glutenin components that have been designated LMW-2 glutenin subunits. On the basis of nucleotide sequences corresponding to LMW glutenin genes, a series of specific oligonucleotide primers were prepared and used in PCR analysis. A pair of these primers gave a single amplification product which can distinguish between durum wheat lines possessing LMW-2 glutenin subunits and lines possessing other 1B-LMW allelic variants. Because the proposed PCR analysis can be carried out using part of the endosperm of a single seed, it represents a helpful approach for speeding up the selection of genotypes possessing LMW-2 glutenin subunits. This part of primers could also be very useful in genome mapping analysis and for testing the purity of wheat flour stock.