Evaluation of Pakistani Elite Wheat Germplasm for T1BL.1RS Chromosome Translocation

Rye (Secale cereale) chromosome 1RS harbors multiple genes including Lr26, Sr31, Yr9 and Pm8 conferring disease resistance and tolerance to abiotic stresses. The introgression of the rye 1R chromosome short arm has enormously contributed to increase of genetic diversity in wheat. Utilization of such translocations in breeding programs demands identification of wheat germplasm possessing the wheat-alien chromosome translocation. This study was designed to screen a set of 102 Pakistani wheat cultivars and candidate lines to identify the rye T1BL.1RS translocation, using cytological, biochemical, and molecular techniques. Results revealed that 12 out of the 40 wheat cultivars were found to have this alien introgression. In the National Uniform Wheat Yield Trials (NUWYT) group, 10 of 23 entries of the rainfed category were identified as carrying 1BL.1RS translocation, while 4 out of 39 genotypes were present in the irrigated category of both NUWYT crop seasons. The valuable information generated can be useful in the crop improvement programs for the production of germplasm possessing T1BL.1RS translocation, in order to enhance the genetic variability in local wheat cultivars and, also, avoid the preponderance of T1BL.1RS candidates.