Development of MAS-derived wheat genotypes with high GPC, PHST and rust resistance

Abstract Improved wheat lines earlier developed by us using marker-assisted selection (MAS) were used for pyramiding of genes/QTL for resistance to all the three rusts, high grain protein content (GPC) and pre-harvest sprouting tolerance (PHST). SSR, SCAR, and KASP markers were used for foreground selection for five generations (F1 to F5) generations leading to production of improved lines carrying eight genes for resistance to the three rusts (Lr19/Sr25+Lr34+Yr10+Lr24/Sr24+Sr2+Yr36), a high GPC gene (Gpc-B1) and a PHST QTL (Qphs.dpivic-4A.2). A set of F7 lines containing targeted genes for all these traits in homozygous condition were selected and evaluated in replicated trials. Under artificial epiphytotic conditions, the pyramided lines were also tested against 15 pathotypes of three rusts and were found to be resistant against all the pathotypes of leaf, stem and stripe rusts. These selected lines are currently being tested in varietal development trials to assess their potential for future development of newer wheat varieties.