U.S. Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Research Service, Lincoln, Nebraska
Date of this Version
1-1-2001
Abstract
A number of genes of agronomic importance have been transferred from rye (Seale cereale L.) to its close relative, common bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L). Largely through the production of interspecific chromosomal translocation and substitution lines, rye chromatin now rides within the genome of a large number of wheat breeding lines and cultivars. Rye chromosomal materials have been used to transfer resistance genes to fungal pathogens, especially rusts and powdery mildew, resistance to insect pests, and in some cases, may enhance grain yield, grain yield stability, and grain protein content. Unfortunately, the transfer of some rye chromosomal materials has resulted in deleterious effects on grain processing quality. This report reviews the use of various wheat-rye chromosomal translocations and substitutions in wheat breeding programs, examines the nature of the observed quality defects, and speculates as to their causes and possible means by which the quality effects might be ameliorated.
Comments
Published in Journal of Cereal Science 33 (2001) 3 16.