Linkage Mapping Reveals Non-Association of Green Revolution Genes (Rht1 and Rht2) with Drought Tolerance in Wheat (Triticum aestivum) - Raw Data

The impact of green revolution genes on rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under rainfed environments has been debated over the past few decades. Here, we tried to assess the impact of two major green revolution genes (Rht1 B1 or Rht1 and Rht1D1 or Rht2) on grain yield under drought stress. A total of four recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were analyzed for this objective, including the following: PBW343 × Muu, PBW343 × Kingbird, PBW343 × Kenyaswara, and Jal 95.4.3 × Kachu/Kiritati/Kachu. These populations were segregated by either or both Rht gene alleles. Our results revealed an invariable non-association of tall/dwarf alleles of Rht B1 and Rht D1 genes with grain yield under drought stress. Tightly linked sequence tags with Rht and Vrn genes were identified for future application in wheat breeding. A genetic linkage map of 1170 DArt-seq markers covering 2870 cM was constructed in the Jal 95.4.3 × Kachu/Kiritati/Kachu RIL population and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield-related traits were identified. This study provides an insight for researchers involved in developing the next generation of climate-resilient wheat varieties that can cope well with rainfed/drought-prone environments.