Genetic diversity of wheat-rye 1BL.1RS translocation lines derived from different wheat and rye sources

Many studies have been conducted to determine the relative effects of the 1BL.1RS translocation on various traits in wheat. The effects of different wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genetic backgrounds and rye (Secale cereale L.) sources have been addressed as major factors for inconsistent agronomic performance and end-use-quality traits of 1BL.1RS translocation wheats. However, all these studies were accomplished by using 1BL.1RS translocations with impure wheat genetic bases and narrow rye origins. The objective of this study was to test the genetic effects of centric fusion translocations by using primary 1BL.1RS lines derived from various pure wheat lines and rye sources. Twenty-one primary 1BL.1RS translocation lines were created from crosses between two pure wheat lines and three Chinese local rye varieties. These translocation lines and their wheat parents were then evaluated in southwestern China. The results provide direct evidence of the diverse effects of the different wheat parents and rye sources, taking part in 1BL.1RS translocations, on resistance to diseases, agronomic performance, and end-use quality traits. The highest amount of genetic diversity was observed in 1BL.1RS translocations derived from the same wheat lines and diverse rye varieties. The results suggest that the genetic diversity of 1BL.1RS translocation lines may originate from the different wheat genetic backgrounds, from different rye sources, from their interaction, and from the translocation itself. Creation of diverse 1BL.1RS translocations offers ample possibilities to introduce more variation into wheat for improved performance.