LAUSR

Summary Leaf rust caused by Puccina triticina Eriks, is one of the most destructive fungal diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Adult plant resistance (APR) is an effective strategy to achieve long-term protection from the disease. In this study, we report findings from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a panel of 96 wheat cultivars genotyped with 874 DArT markers and tested for adult leaf rust response in six field trials. A total of 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified on 1BL, 1DS, 2AS, 2BL, 2DS, 3BS, 3BL, 4AL, 6BS (two), 7DS, 5BL/7BS and 6AL/6BS conferring APR to leaf rust. Of these, seven QTLs mapped close to known resistance genes and QTLs, while the remaining six are novel and can be used as additional sources of resistance. Accessions with a greater number of combined QTLs for APR showed lower levels of disease severity, demonstrating additive and significant pyramiding effects. All QTLs had stable main effects and they did not exhibit a significant interaction with the experiments. These findings could help to achieve adequate levels of durable resistance through marker-assisted selection and pyramiding resistance QTLs in local germplasm. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.