Arm location of Lophopyrum elongatum genes affecting K+/Na+ selectivity under salt stress

Accumulation of potassium ions (K+) in expanding or most recently expanded leaves and exclusion of sodium ions (Na+) from them (K+/Na+ selectivity) have been shown to be associated with salt stress tolerance in wheat and Lophopyrum elongatum, a highly salt stress tolerant relative of wheat. This physiological trait is expressed in an amphiploid from the cross of wheat (cv. Chinese Spring) × L. elongatum and the chromosomes controlling it have been identified in field studies employing Chinese Spring disomic substitution lines with individual L. elongatum chromosomes. In this paper the arm location of these genes was investigated by assessing K+/Na+ selectivity in lines harboring individual chromosomes and chromosome arms of L. elongatum. Lophopyrum elongatum chromosome arms 1ES, 7ES, and 7EL, were shown to enhance K+/Na+ selectivity in wheat.