Identification of SSR Markers Linked to Fusarium Head Blight Resistance Genes in Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum is one of the important diseases of wheat. Traditional breeding for the disease resistance is difficult and expensive. DNA markers linked to FHB resistance genes can be useful in accelerating disease breeding programs. The objective of the study was to identify the SSR markers linked to FHB resistance QTLs in wheat. A population of 167 F2:3 families from the cross Wangshuibai (resistant) /Falat (susceptible) was developed. F2 individuals، F3 families and the parents were evaluated for Type II resistance (resistance to the disease spread within the spike) in greenhouse. The parents and two resistant and susceptible bulks from F2 plants (including 15 plants in every bulk) were screened with 341 SSR Markers. 125 markers showed polymorphism between the two parents and 16 markers showed polymorphism between both parents and two bulks. The 16 markers were used to genotype 30 individuals in two bulks. Eight markers showed significant polymorphism and were used for screening the population and QTL analysis. Furthurmore، seven markers linked to the polymorph markers were used for screening and identifying QTL. Using F2 phenotypic and genotypic data، three QTLs for FHB resistance were identified on chromosomes 2AL، 3BS and 3AS. By evaluating F3 families، two QTLs controlling FHB resistance were confirmed on chromosomes 3BS and 2AL. SSR markers linked to the QTLs can be useful in marker assisted selection for FHB resistance in wheat.