Pyramiding different alien chromosome segments in durum wheat: feasibility and breeding potential

Abstract

Wheat chromosome engineering, i.e. the transfer of alien chromosome segments from various Triticeae species into cultivated wheats, is greatly benefiting from the recent advancements in molecular genetics, cytogenetics and genomics. Powerful tools are currently available that make selection of desired genotypes far more precise and effective than in the past, thus giving this transfer strategy considerable potential for meaningful practical achievements. The paper describes the pyramiding of various disease resistance and quality-related genes, originating from different alien species, into durum wheat.