Molecular Marker Screening for Fungal Disease Resistance Genes in Ukrainian Wheat Cultivars

Overview

This research initiative focuses on characterizing the distribution of fungal disease resistance genes in modern Ukrainian common wheat cultivars using molecular markers. Previous Ukrainian wheat breeding relied primarily on phenotypic selection, leaving gaps in knowledge about which resistance genes are present in current cultivars. The project addresses this gap by applying molecular marker-assisted selection to identify and pyramid multiple resistance genes, enabling the development of wheat genotypes with broad-spectrum, durable resistance to important fungal diseases. The work is relevant to seed companies, wheat breeders, and agricultural research organizations seeking improved disease resistance in wheat.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Screening of 60 recently developed wheat cultivars from multiple Ukrainian breeding institutions
• Use of modern molecular markers, including KASP and SNP markers, targeting 5–7 resistance gene loci
• Application of real-time PCR equipment for high-throughput genotyping
• Statistical analysis (chi-square) to identify alleles that tend to be co-selected, supporting gene pyramiding strategies

Prior validation results:

• Over 300 old Ukrainian wheat cultivars previously screened using PCR markers for fungal resistance genes
• Certain cultivars confirmed to carry resistance-associated alleles, though none carried all targeted resistance alleles simultaneously
• Statistical evidence of non-random co-selection of specific marker alleles (p < 0.05)

Partnership needs:

• Access to proprietary or recently developed molecular marker test systems for fungal resistance genes not publicly available
• PCR reagents, particularly for KASP and SNP genotyping
• Real-time PCR equipment access
• Funding for key research personnel

Technology readiness level

The research is at an active development stage, with prior validation already completed on more than 300 cultivars. The proposed next phase extends screening to 60 modern cultivars using updated marker technology. The approach is scientifically validated through published marker-assisted selection methodology, but expanded marker panels and modern cultivar screening represent ongoing research rather than a deployable product. Collaboration is sought to access proprietary markers, reagents, equipment, and personnel funding to advance the project.