Molecular marker linked to the rb1 gene and association with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance in wheat

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify microsatellites molecular markers linked to R genes, that confer the wheat grain color and evaluate the association with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. This study was conducted with a F₂ population with 203 plants, derived from the cross between PFAU x CD0666 genotypes, which segregates for one grain color gene. Were analyzed 43 molecular markers located in regions that containing R genes on 3B and 3D chromosomes. The Xbarc344 molecular marker was identified as linked to the R gene at a distance of 26.1 cM with 83.25% of selection efficiency. From the phenotypic analysis was confirmed the association between grain color with Xbarc344 molecular marker, however, there was no association between Xbarc344 with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. Also, there was no association between grain color with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. Although the grain color in wheat is a trait easy to select, it is known that not all R genes are involved with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. Therefore, it is important the genetic mapping and specific evaluation of each R gene with pre-harvest sprouting tolerance. Thus, the molecular markers identified as associated with each R gene can be used to select plants that contain such genes, since it is not possible to identify phenotypically which R gene each plant has.