The transfer of leaf rust resistance from Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides to hexaploid wheat
Accession 8404 of Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides was shown to have excellent resistance to leaf rust. Genetic analysis of the F3 of 8404 and RL6089, a leaf rust susceptible durum, indicated that 8404 had three genes for leaf rust resistance. Two of these genes were transferred to hexaploid wheat (Thatcher) by a series of backcrosses. One of the genes transferred was the same as Lr33 (RL6057). The second gene, which gives a fleck reaction to avirulent P. recondita races, appears to be fully incorporated into the hexaploid where it segregated to fit a one-gene ratio. Backcross lines with this gene give excellent resistance to leaf rust, although race MBG is virulent to this gene. This may be a previously unidentified leaf rust resistance gene and should increase the genetic diversity available for wheat breeders. Key words:Triticum aestivum, wheat, Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccoides, leaf rust resistance