Yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici) is the primary disease affecting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crop productivity worldwide. The latest study aimed to evaluate the 68 wheat cultivars and advanced lines for resistance to yellow rust under field conditions using both morphological assessment and SSR molecular markers. The results revealed eight wheat genotypes (Yr15/6 Avocet S, Xisorak, Yr5/6 Avocet S, Triticum spelta, Yr10/6* Avocet S, Yr SP/6* Avocet S, Spaldings Prolific, and Andijon-2**) were distinctly highly resistant. The two SSR markers Barc008 and Gwm140 proved to be the most reliable for detecting resistance, whereas four other markers (Gwm340, Gwm111, Xgwm131, and Gwm251) showed variable results across the genotypes. The integration of morphological and molecular data highlighted the genetic diversity in yellow rust resistance and demonstrated their potential to efficiently screen the wheat germplasm. The results provide a valuable base for selection of resistant parental lines and employment of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in wheat breeding programs aimed at improving the resistance to yellow rust disease.

Keywords: Wheat (T. aestivum L.), yellow rust, SSR markers, Yr genes, resistance, marker-assisted selection (MAS), genotypes evaluation

Key findings: Eight promising wheat (T. aestivum L.) genotypes (Yr15/6 Avocet S, Xisorak, Yr5/6 Avocet S, Triticum spelta, Yr10/6* Avocet S, Yr SP/6* Avocet S, Spaldings Prolific, and Andijon-2) showed complete resistance to yellow rust under field conditions. The SSR markers Barc008 and Gwm140 were successful as highly reliable for detecting this resistance, demonstrating robust concordance with morphological evaluation.