Development of bread wheat lines resistant to warrior yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) in a short time with the use of biotechnological methods

Abstract

During the production of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), many diseases affect the yield and quality. One of the most important of these is yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici). When this disease creates an epidemic, it causes significant economic losses in wheat. Fungicides are widely used in disease control. In order to reduce the use of fungicides, the breeding of resistant cultivars, which is an environment-friendly and farmer-friendly approach, and the use of these cultivars in production are of vital importance. It is known that the Warrior race of yellow rust, which emerged in Europe in 2011, has overcome many important resistance genes except Yr-15, and wheat cultivars carrying those genes became susceptible. In this study, Yr-15 resistance gene was transferred to Tosunbey, which has high bread quality, with the help of KASP markers and homozygous DH lines were obtained using anther culture. Eighty-four of these lines were taken to the preliminary yield trial together with the Tosunbey standard cultivar. These lines were tested for grain yield, end-use quality and resistance to yellow rust. According to the trial results, 17 promising lines were selected among the Tosunbey-derived Yr-15 lines for advancement in a short period of totally 3 years. If one or more of these selected lines are registered, it will make a significant contribution to both the environment and the country's economy.