Cloning and characterization of repetitive sequences and development of SCAR markers specific for the P genome of Agropyron cristatum

In previous studies, we successfully transferred the P genome of Agropyron cristatum into wheat using wide hybridization methods. In the current investigation, repetitive sequences were cloned and DNA markers specific for the P genome of A. cristatum were developed. Three P genome-specific markers, designated OPX07-1036, OPX11-817 and OPC05-1539, were identified and isolated using random amplified polymorphic DNAs. The three markers were successfully amplified in all tested materials that contained Agropyron chromatin, such as Agropyron itself and wheat-Agropyron addition lines. These RAPD markers were converted into SCAR markers to be used in detection of P genome chromatin in wheat. In situ probing with fluorescent-labeled marker DNA has shown that they are distributed in all arms of Agropyron hence they will be useful in a variety of studies on introgressions of the P-genome chromatin into wheat.