Inheritance of the blue aleurone trait in diverse wheat crosses

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Abstract
The blue aleurone trait has been suggested as a useful genetic marker in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). However, little information is available on its transmission in diverse backgrounds and on its use to identify hybrid seed. UC66049, a hexaploid spring wheat with a spontaneous translocation that included the gene for the blue aleurone trait (Ba) from Agropyron elongatum (Host) P.B. (synonymous with Elytrigia pontica (Podp.) Holub), was crossed to seven wheat cultivars to test the transmission of the trait. UC66049 was crossed to male-sterile red wheat lines to evaluate the blue aleurone trait as a marker for confirming hybridity. Ba segregated as a dominant gene that was transmitted normally through the male and female gametes. For 6 of 7 crosses with diverse pedigrees, we experienced problems with misclassification of the aleurone color in the F2 seed generation, determined by the F3 seed family data. The blue aleurone trait is a good genetic marker; however, progeny testing may be needed to confirm the F2 genotypes in some environments or genetic backgrounds. Moreover, Ba is useful in determining the amount of controlled hybridity as opposed to self-fertility and (or) outcrossing in genetic male-sterile wheat lines. The use of Ba to confirm doubled haploidy was proposed.Key words: Agropyron elongatum, seed color, genetics, Triticum aestivum, Elytrigia pontica.