Variation for grain protein content and identification of QTLs by molecular markers in tetraploid wheats

SUMMARY - The wild tetraploid wheat T. turgidum var. dicoccoides shows particular promise as a donor of useful variation for several traits, including grain protein quantity and quality. The effectiveness of the inbred backcross method to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and for introgressing only the desired trait from wild populations was examined. A set of 92 backcross inbred lines (BIL) was developed from a cross between the durum wheat cv. Latino and the accession MG29896 of the var. dicoccoides and tested for grain protein content in three locations of South-Italy over two years. Variation among the BIL population was observed and superior BILs for protein content were identified. Putative QTL on different chromosomes were detected by association with molecular markers.