Search for SNP markers of stress tolerance in the <i>TaDREB1</i> and <i>TaWRKY19</i> genes of bread wheat in the Cis-Ural steppe zone

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Under the conditions of the Cis-Ural steppe zone, abiotic stress factors such as winter conditions and drought have a negative impact on the yield of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, the efficiency of breeding to these stress factors is limited by wide variations depending on the weather conditions in different years. To collect stress-resistant forms in the selected material, genomic selection can be used, however, SNP markers of drought tolerance and winter hardiness of bread wheat, unique to this region, are unknown. AIM: The purpose of this study is to identify SNP markers in the genes of the key transcription factors of bread wheat TaDREB1 and TaWRKY19, which are involved in the regulation of plant resistance to abiotic stresses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 varieties and lines of bread wheat were analyzed, contrasting in terms of winter hardiness and drought tolerance. DNA from wheat leaves was isolated by the standard CTAB method. Primers were selected, fragments of open reading frames of the studied genes were amplified, and nucleotide sequences were determined by automatic capillary sequencing. RESULTS: Among the analyzed bread wheat varieties and lines, 12 SNPs in the TaDREB1 gene and 5 SNPs in TaWRKY19 were found. CONCLUSIONS: The results of statistical analysis showed that substitution 866 T/A in the TaDREB1 gene is associated with winter hardiness, while substitution 587 A/G in the TaWRKY19 gene is associated with winter hardiness and drought resistance.