Marker-assisted selection for leaf rust resistance genes Lr19 and Lr24 in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Leaf rust caused by Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici is a wheat disease of worldwide importance. Wheat genotypes known to carry specific rust resistance genes and segregating lines that originated from various cross combinations and derived from distinct F2 lineage, so as to represent a diverse genetic background, were included in the present study for validation of molecular markers for Lr19 and Lr24. STS markers detected the presence of the leaf rust resistance gene Lr19 in a Thatcher NIL (Tc*Lrl9) and Inia66//CMH81A575 and of the gene Lr24 in the genotypes Arkan, Blue Boy II, Agent and CI 17907. Validation of molecular markers for Lr19 and Lr24 in parental lines, followed by successful detection of these genes in F3 lines from various cross combinations, was carried out. The molecular test corresponded well with the host-pathogen interaction test response of these lines.