Molecular diversity and detection of Waxy genes in the Iranian wheat populations by multiplex PCR

Abstract

Early and quick identification of wheat Waxy genes is important in different industries and in determining the quality of bread. A stable multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system was established to identify the three Waxy (Wx) genes in wheat. Three Waxy genes – A, B and D were amplified simultaneously by using two primer pairs that produce target sequences of 230/265 bp, 854 and 204 bp, respectively. By application of these two primer pairs Wx-A1, Wx-B1 and Wx-D1 genes can be detected in a single PCR, which can be helpful for breeders as a marker assisted selection in wheat quality breeding programmes. Also, by using two primer pairs, a maximum and minimum number of polymorphic bands were observed for Aegilops speltoites (B group) (100%) and Triticum durum (AB), and Triticum aestivum (ABD groups) (0.00%), respectively. The B group recorded the highest unbiased expected heterozygosity (0.282) and Shannon's index values (0.430), whereas the lowest values of unbiased expected heterozygosity (0.00) and Shannon's index (0.00) were recorded for the AB and ABD groups.