Genetic analysis revealed a quantitative trait loci (QTL2A.K) on short arm of chromosome 2A associated with yellow rust resistance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Yellow rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis, is one of the most devastating diseases in wheat. A synthetic by elite recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross, Botnol/Aegilops squarrosa (666)//Kachu was evaluated for yellow rust resistance in two different environments in Mexico. The population was subjected to DArT-seq analysis for an in-depth genetic characterization. A major effect rust resistance QTL (QTL2A.K) explaining up to 45% phenotypic variance was found to be contributed by Kachee, an elite line of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Mexico. The QTL2A.K was found to be contributed by a segment of 2NS Chromosome of Triticum ventricosum translocated into the short arm of bread wheat chromosome 2A (QTL2A.K). The position of QTL2A.K was confirmed using T. ventricosum specific primer VENTRIUP-LN2. Identified genomic regions are being introgressed in to the popular but susceptible wheat varieties through marker-assisted breeding for enhancing yellow rust resistance.