Molecular characterization of selected Vrn, Lr, and Yr genes in Turkish landraces and modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

Wheat yield is constrained by both biotic and abiotic stress factors. Rust diseases rank among the most important biotic factors, while heading date and root architecture are key traits contributing to yield potential and abiotic stress tolerance. In this study, 104 Turkish landrace and modern bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L .) genotypes were molecularly screened for the adult plant resistance genes Lr34 , Lr46 , Lr67 , Yr26 , and Yr15 using PCR-based molecular markers, as well as the vernalization genes Vrn - A1 , Vrn - B1 , and Vrn - D1 , which influence heading date, root system architecture, and stress tolerance. Vernalization allele analysis revealed that four genotypes carried Vrn - A1a , three carried Vrn-A1c , and the remaining 97 genotypes harbored Vrn-A1b . Regarding rust resistance, Lr46 was detected in 11, Lr34 in 7, Lr67 in 7, Yr26 in 62, and Yr15 in 85 genotypes. Genotypes such as Ankara093-44 and Bezostaja were found to harbor multiple resistance gene combinations. Nineteen genotypes carrying the Vrn-A1b × vrn-B1 × Vrn-D1 combination, associated with narrow root angle, included genotypes also possessing multiple rust resistance genes. These results identify valuable parental genotypes for gene pyramiding strategies and provide genetic resources for marker-assisted selection-based breeding programs targeting rust resistance, drought tolerance, and root system architecture improvement.