Development of Genetic Stocks and Biochemical Markers to Facilitate Utilization of Aegilops variabilis in Wheat Improvement

Abstract

Aegilops variabilis (2n = 4x = 28, UUSS) with a high level of resistance to Karnal bunt (Tilletia indica); an important soil-borne disease; is a potential genetic variability source for transfer to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Diagnostic markers using proteins and isozymes have hence been established to detect the presence of Ae. variabilis chromosomes in Triticum background. High molecular weight glutenins (HMW-Glu), glucose phosphate isomerase (GPI), seed esterase (EST-5), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6-PGD), a-amylase (α-AMY) and β-amylase (β-AMY) were positive biochemical markers. These markers enable identification of the disomic chromosome additions of Ae. variabilis to wheat and also determine their homoeology with the homoeologous groups of wheat following evaluation of their respective amphiploids; T. aestivum/Ae. variabilis (2n = 10x = 70) and T. turgidum/Ae. variabilis (2n = 8x = 56).