Open Access

The cereal cyst nematode (CCN) (Heterodera latipons, Franklin) is an important key pest of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) that significantly reduces grain yields in temperate countries. The use of resistant varieties is one of the most effective options in management of CCN. Recently, resistant genes (Cre), obtained from wild wheat genotypes, have been transferred into wheat and barley varieties to control the CCN species. As such, the development of CCN-resistant cultivars may be accelerated by the use of molecular markers. This study aimed to screen wheat lines for resistant genes by using specific primers for known resistant genes. Thirty genetically diverse wheat and barley genotypes with and without Cre genes were used. The reactions of wheat and barley germplasms against H. latipons populations were investigated under in-vitro conditions. Additionally, microsatellite markers linked to Cre1, Cre3, Cre5, Cre8, CreX, and CreY genes were screened in the wheat and barley germplasms. The results revealed that Cre1, Cre3, Cre5 and CreX were found in the screened genotypes whereas Cre8 and CreY were not detected. Cre1 gene was located on chromosome 2B and 2BL by using G035/Crecon, Cre3 gene was located on chromosome 2DL by using Xgwm301- 2D marker; the two genes provided high levels of resistance to CCN in wheat genotypes. However, Cre5 and CreX gene located on chromosome 2AS, provided an insufficient resistance to CCN in wheat genotypes using Xgwm140 and Xgwm636- 2A marker. In conclusion, Cre1 and Cre3 had high potentials to aid in the development of resistant cultivars against CCN in wheat breeding programs. This research was supported by Turkey Scientific and Technical Research Council (TUBITAK) under project no 115 R 006.

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