Exploring loose smut resistance in Indian wheat germplasm: marker-linked insights to postulate resistance genes
摘要
The current study evaluated 380 wheat genotypes for resistance to Ustilago tritici races T11 and T34, revealing 100 and 96.8 percent loose smut resistance, respectively. Marker-assisted genotyping identified Ut4, Ut6, Ut8, Ut9, Ut10, and Ut11 resistance genes, with several genotypes exhibiting multiple gene combinations, including elite donors with six genes. The elite donors, identified in the present study included seven genotypes, namely W 5822, W 4761, VL 924, MACS 2963, W 8738, HW 1095, and MACS 2971, carrying six genes (Ut4, Ut6, Ut8, Ut9, Ut10, and Ut11) along with a single genotype W 7615 containing another combination of six genes (Ut4, Ut5, Ut8, Ut9, Ut10, and Ut11). Race-specific screening and molecular characterization will advance the understanding of resistance mechanisms in the case of loose smut in wheat. The research provides strategic resources for breeding durable, broad-spectrum loose smut resistance, evidenced by the initiation of biparental populations for efficient gene transfer into high-yielding wheat varieties.