The evaluation of lodging resistance in 10 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes under rainfed conditions in Uzbekistan was this study’s aim using morphological traits and SSR marker analysis. Field studies revealed considerable variations among genotypes for plant height and spike length, with these traits found in association with lodging susceptibility. The SSR markers’ analysis identified three polymorphic markers (Xgwm181, Xgwm312, and Xgwm63) associated with lodging resistance. Favorable alleles of these markers succeeded in their detection in several durum wheat genotypes, particularly in the genotypes D-21 and D-7, indicating their potential for tolerance to lodging. Phylogenetic analysis based on marker polymorphicm revealed a genetic relationship among the studied genotypes. Overall, the results revealed these SSR markers can be reliable tools for confirming lodging resistance in durum wheat genotypes and can be favorably effective in marker-assisted selection for breeding programs.
Durum wheat (T. durum Desf.), lodging resistance, morphological traits, SSR markers, phylogenetic analysis, rainfed conditions
The study identified lodging-resistance-associated alleles in durum wheat (T. durum Desf.) genotypes using the SSR markers Xgwm181, Xgwm312, and Xgwm63. The favorable allele Xgwm181 (225 bp) entailed detection in genotypes D-7 and D-21, while Xgwm312 (205 bp) occurred in several other genotypes.