STS marker based tracking of slow rusting Lr34 gene in Indian wheat genotypes

Abstract

Bi-allelic STS marker was used to confirm the presence of adult plant durable rust resistance gene Lr34 in advance generation breeding lines. These lines were scored for leaf rust three times at an equal interval and the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated. The lower AUDPC values of Lr34 positive lines confirmed their slow rusting nature. In the absence of direct selection method, the breeders are selecting Lr34 gene carrying lines unintentionally as they showed better resistance. Lines possessing Lr34 , an ‘undefeated gene’, should be used in breeding programme in order to have a broad-spectrum durable leaf rust resistance.