PCR-based identification of Rye translocations in Pakistani wheat germplasm

摘要

Aim. The introgression of the short arm of rye chromosome-1 (1RS) in bread wheat is one of the most frequently used alien introgression in wheat programs throughout the world for wheat improvement against biotic and abiotic stresses. At current state of knowledge, it is not known as to which extent the rye chromatin might exist in Pakistani wheat germplasm. Current study was aimed to identify wheat-rye translocations (1AL. 1RS and 1BL. 1RS) in Pakistani wheat germplasm and to correlate the yield potential and other useful traits with this translocation. Methods. Thirty different Pakistani wheat varieties were grown and data on various morphological traits were collected and subsequently subjected to statistical analysis. DNA was extracted from all the tested and control varieties and was subjected to PCR amplification with molecular markers namely RIS for detection of rye translocations. Results. Significant differences were found in control and tested varieties for important traits such as yield, 1000 kernel weight, flag leaf length and spike length. However differences were not significant for traits like dry biomass, tillering, and harvest index. Moreover a significant positive correlation was observed between plant height and 1000 kernel weight, flag leaf diameter and spike length, 1000 kernel weight and yield and between flag leaf diameter and yield. In order to detect rye chromatin in Pakistani wheat, wheat-rye translocated segments were successfully amplified, with primers specific for Rye Interspersed Sequence, in 23 varieties out of total 30 tested in this study. Conclusion. This information will be very important for future improvement of Pakistani wheat germplasm for higher yield and other quality traits.