Molecular Validation
of Genes for Rust Resistance and Grain Protein Content (Gpc-B1) for Wheat Breeding
Ashutosh, Mishra Vinod Kumar, Srivastava Kartikey, Kumar Monu, Singh Prashant and
Yadav Manoj Kumar
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 21(1); 239-248;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/211rjbt2390248; (2026)
Abstract
Rust is one of the most serious fungal diseases that hamper the world's’ wheat productivity,
with potential yield losses of 20 to 30% globally. Several rust resistance genes
(~80) have been identified and introgressed into wheat to develop resistant cultivars.
However, validation of these genes using flanking/linked markers in wheat varieties
would be of utmost importance for widely used in future breeding programs. In the
present study, wheat cultivars; HD2967, PBW800 and PBW723 were previously introgressed
for rust resistance genes. HUW234 and HUW468 were previously enhanced for grain
protein content (Gpc-B1).
Therefore, these cultivars were validated for rust resistance genes using linked
molecular markers and phenotypic screening in natural hot spots. The genes examined
included leaf rust resistance (Lr19, Lr34, Lr37 and Lr76), stripe rust resistance
(Yr10, Yr15, Yr17 and Yr70), stem rust resistance (Sr25 and Sr38) and grain protein
content linked genes. Analysis of marker validation showed that HD2967 and PBW723
carried all three types of rust resistance genes whereas PBW800 possessed only stripe
rust resistance genes Yr10 and Yr15. These wheat genotypes, with different combinations
of rust resistance genes were subsequently used in resistance breeding. The validation
of linked markers for rust resistance suggested that these prospective lines could
be further utilised in marker assisted breeding program.
