Genetic Marker Mediated Transfer of an Alien Gene, PM21, into Wheat Conferring Resistance to Powdery Mildew

ABSTRACT

Powdery mildew is one of the most important fungal diseases of wheat in many regions of the world including Turkey. An effective powdery mildew resistance gene, Pm21, originating from Dasypyrum villosum L. Candargy was transferred into the two widely grown common wheat cultivars ‘Bezostaja-1’ and ‘Gerek-79’ of Turkey through backcrossing coupled with genetic markers assisted selection. A 6VS/6AL translocation line (92R149) was used as the source of Pm21. Resistant backcross lines were selected by using C-banding and specific SCAR markers (SCAR₁₂₆₅ and SCAR₁₄₀₀). Highly resistant BC₄F₂ plants of ‘Bezostaja-1’ and ‘Gerek-79’ were produced and the existence of Pm21 was confirmed with the specific SCAR₁₂₆₅ and SCAR₁₄₀₀ markers.