CAMPBELL, Australia, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Australian botanists have reported discovering a DNA marker for two key rust resistance genes, allowing breeding of more rust resistant wheat varieties.
The Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Research Organization scientists say the genes, Lr34 and Yr18, are inherited together and provide wheat plants with improved protection against leaf rust and stripe rust, two major diseases of wheat.
CSIRO plant industry scientist Evans Lagudah says various types of rust resistance have been bred into Australian varieties but work against specific rust species and, in some cases, are only effective against a limited range of rust strains.
"We have identified a 'DNA marker' that is 99 percent effective in flagging the presence of Lr34 and Yr18, which provide resistance against different species and strains of rust," Lagudah said. "This means that breeders can track the presence of this rust resistance through a simple DNA test. If the marker is present, then it's almost guaranteed Lr34 (and) Yr18 will be too."
The marker has proven effective in a range of wheat from different backgrounds, including from Australia, China, India and North America.
