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 F-3 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.