Genetic analysis of adult-plant resistance to leaf rust in a double haploid wheat (Triticum aestivum L. em Thell) population

ABSTRACT

A genetic analysis of adult plant resistance to leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) was performed in in vitro obtained double haploid progenies from a cross between the Brazilian wheat cultivar Trigo BR 35, which, under the high inoculum pressure of the southern region, has been resistant to leaf rust for more than 12 years, and the susceptible cultivar IAC 13-Lorena. Haplodiploidization via in vitro gimnogenesis was done by somatic elimination of the pollen donor genome after maize pollination of the F1 plants. The advantages and usefulness of double haploids (DH) for genetic analysis of complex inherited traits like durable adult-plant resistance to wheat leaf rust were evident: it was possible to analyze inheritance patterns in this cross by using only the 35 DH homozygous segregant lines obtained by in vitro embryo culture of F1 flowers pollinated by maize, this number being equivalent to 1,225 conventional F2 lines because of lack of heterozygosity. After being infected with MCG and LPG races, the results indicated that Trigo BR 35 has two resistance genes. One of the genes expressed resistance only after the intermediate stage of plant development (5-6 leaves).