Development of RAPD based markers for wheat rust resistance gene cluster (Lr37-Sr38-Yr17) derived from Triticum ventricosum L

Rust diseases are the major cause of low yield of wheat in Pakistan. Wheat breeders all over the world as well as in Pakistan are deriving rust resistance genes from alien species like Triticum ventricosum and introducing them in common wheat (Triticum aestivum). One such example is the introgression of rust resistance gene cluster Lr37-Sr38-Yr17 derived from T. ventricosum chromosome 2NS into the common wheat. A basic prerequisite to introduce alien rust resistance gene (like those present on 2NS segment) in locally adapted varieties is availability of a suitable marker system which can be used to keep track of presence of newly added gene in the old background. In this present study, one hundred and fifty Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) primers were used to detect polymorphism between two near isogenic lines NILs (Anza and Anza+2NS) of wheat and to develop RAPD based molecular markers for rust resistance gene cluster derived from T. ventricosum. Polymerase chain reactions were carried out using standard protocols. All the amplification products were in the range of 250 to 1000 bp. Thirteen molecular markers (RAPDs) out of a total of 150 (approximately 8.6%) were developed for rust resistance gene cluster Lr37-Sr38-Yr17 and recommendations have been made to utilize these markers in Pakistani wheat breeding programs aimed at establishing rust resistant germplasm.