Identification of RAPD markers for spot blotch resistance in wheat

Dicoccum wheat is nutritionally and therapeutically superior as compared to commercially available wheats. Spot blotch caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana is one of the major disease that limits the cultivation of dicuccom wheat. As there are resistance sources among durum wheat which is also a tetraploid, it is easy to transfer spot blotch disease resistance from durum wheat to dicoccum wheat. In this investigation, RAPD markers were used to detect the adequate and useful polymorphism among resistance (HD4502) and susceptible (DDK1001) genotypes of wheat. Thirty two RAPD primers were used to detect the polymorphism among plants. Twelve primers out of 32 decamer primers produced polymorphic bands between resistant and susceptible genotypes. Five RAPD primers generated susceptible genotype (DDK1001) specific bands whereas seven the remaining produced resistant genotype (HD4502) specific bands. These polymorphic primers were further used to screen the F2 mapping population developed by crossing DDK1001 x HD4502 and further to tag spot blotch disease resistance which helps in marker assisted selection.