Molecular Characterization of Diverse Wheat Genetic Resources for Resistance to Yellow Rust Pathogen (Puccinia striiformis)

Yellow rust (YR) epidemics have affected wheat productivity worldwide. YR resistance (Yr) is eminent in wheat; however, it continuously invaded by evolving pathogen Puccinia striiformis (Pst.). Understanding the Yr genes’ diversity among available germplasm paramount to developing YR-resistant cultivars. In this study, 14 genotypes were screened for their relative index (RRI) and genes/QTL via linked microsatellite markers. RRI screening categorized studied into susceptible (<5; 4.44 ± 0.75), moderate (5–7; 6.11 0.64), resistant (>7; 8.45 0.25) bulks (p < 0.001). Genetic analysis using 19 polymorphic markers revealed 256 alleles, which divergent three bulks. Markers Xbarc7 Xgwm429 showed highest allelic comparison Xbarc181, Xwmc419, SCAR1400, Xgwm130. Resistant bulk associated alleles at Yr18 gene-linked Xgwm295, cssfr6, csLV34. Other RRI-associated Xbarc101 weak linkages, respectively, with Yr5 gene; whereas, a association was noted Yr15 marker Xgwm11. Marker Xwe173 Yr26 gene bulk. Cross combinations of parental lines forming recombinant inbred (RILs) demonstrated net higher implying favorable recombination. These results support reports field observations on novel Pst. races that triggered Yr26, Yr5, busts recent past. This study further implies pyramiding all stage genes (Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, Yr26) adult plant (Yr18 Yr62) should provide sustained resistance. The genes-linked basis marker-assisted breeding wheat.