Identification of allelic variants of the ZDS gene in cultivars and promising lines of spring durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) developed in Saratov

Background. Durum wheat breeding for higher carotenoid content in grain and end products (pasta or groats) is a critical area of focus. Grain carotenoids provide a beneficial effect on human health. This study examines the use of marker-assisted selection (MAS) technology in contemporary breeding practice to enable genotyping greater numbers of accessions and allow breeders to assess the available source material with more precision.

Materials and methods. Spring durum wheat cultivars and lines developed at the Federal Center of Agriculture Research of the South-East Region, Saratov, served as the research material. The KASP ZDS-A1_SNP marker was employed to evaluate the allelic state of the z-carotene desaturase (ZDS) gene, which plays a role in carotenoid synthesis and affects the yellowness index (YI) and yellow pigment content (YPC).

Results. The study revealed that all spring durum wheat accessions from Saratov possessed the Zds-A1b allele, with its positive effect on both YPC and YI.

Conclusion. Utilizing a molecular marker to assess the allelic state of the ZDS gene, a participant in carotenoid pigment synthesis, makes it possible to identify valuable and essential quality traits in breeding material. These findings are promising for the development of commercially demanded wheat cultivars.

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